C&MC new booking system imminent

[Gellyneck]

The following just out from C&MC today (12 August, 2022).

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Existing bookings will shortly be moved over to our new booking system

As you may know, we’ve been busy looking at how we can make it easier for everyone to plan and book UK holidays with us online. We’re pleased to advise that your new online UK booking experience is launching very soon, which includes the introduction of deposits and the ability to pre-book specific pitch types.

To ensure a seamless transition, any existing UK Club campsite bookings will be automatically moved over to our new booking system in a few days' time. Rest assured, any existing bookings remain confirmed and all details will stay the same with existing booking terms and conditions being applicable and no deposit required (payment will be due on arrival at the site).

However, if you wish to make changes to an existing booking after it has been moved over, there is some important information we’d like to share.

Please read our frequently asked questions for full details.
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[Bobby-gg]

Yes, supposed to be going live Monday, I've got a load of bookings to make for next July & August, so I'll be seeing how well it works with the inrush

 

[SpeedyDux]

Next season, we will make more bookings with independent sites due to the CMC's introduction of deposits.

I think CMC have shot themselves in the foot with both barrels.

 

[Essgeebee]

I don't have a problem with changes to the booking system including deposits. If it means I can get a pitch at a site I want when I want it and not find pitches have been block-booked by speculative bookers who later cancel at short notice, I'll be happy.
What I'm not happy with, and will probably cancel my membership over, is the extortionate prices they're now charging.

 

[sueandjohn]

I don't have a problem with changes to the booking system including deposits. If it means I can get a pitch at a site I want when I want it and not find pitches have been block-booked by speculative bookers who later cancel at short notice, I'll be happy.
What I'm not happy with, and will probably cancel my membership over, is the extortionate prices they're now charging.

Me too

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[Gellyneck]

I don't have a problem with changes to the booking system including deposits. If it means I can get a pitch at a site I want when I want it and not find pitches have been block-booked by speculative bookers who later cancel at short notice, I'll be happy.
What I'm not happy with, and will probably cancel my membership over, is the extortionate prices they're now charging.

I fully agree with your block booking comments however the introduction of deposits is detrimental to those, like us, who need to book well in advance and stick to their bookings. We're considering whether we will continue membership as a result of the introduction of these.
Also agree on their cost structure.

 

[RustyRuss]

Anything would be better than the current not fit for purpose system!

 

[Grianan]

We are members of both businesses (they’re not really clubs) but have only used CLs/CS - we find plenty of these through SfS or Park4night and the one that is important to us (close to sons Uni) also takes non CL bookings. I think we will save our money as doesn’t feel like we get value just now.

 

[Diabalo]

For us I think it's better now they want a deposit, it may stop those that book well in advance then decide to cancel later on. I feel for those that have not taken advantage in the past.

 

[RustyRuss]

When we book for 2 weeks in France I want to pay a deposit so I know all the other payments I make for things like Eurotunnel, travel insurance, dog passport/AHC’s etc aren’t going to be a waste of time and money.
This year we booked our stay in Beziers for 2 weeks in June in January and gave a £100ish deposit. When we got there the site only had 3 pitches available to us to choose from and all pitches had been booked in advance. If we’d turned up at the end of the day we would still have had a pitch but it would have been the least favourable of the 3. I think deposit is a good idea, say a £5, to show you are committed to using the site.

Cheers!

Russ

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[Nirvanauk]

Most campsites charge a deposit if not the whole balance up front. Finally the CMC have got with it. I also don’t think that their sites are anymore expensive than a lot of privately run sites.

 

[Bobby-gg]

I don't have a problem paying a deposit, but I also don't think it'll make any difference to the bookings either

 

[Pausim]

They were forced into deposits by people banging in multiple bookings with no intention of using them all. I can’t see any downsides for people who intend to use their advance bookings.

 

[bobnick]

Wont be affecting me, not knowingly booked on one of their sites yet.

 

[DT]

Hope it allows more free pitches at weekends.

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[DuxDeluxe]

Next season, we will make more bookings with independent sites due to the CMC's introduction of deposits.

I think CMC have shot themselves in the foot with both barrels.

My thoughts exactly. However, it was shocking to see that 25% of all booking are cancelled, with a significant number within 4 days of the stay (presumably after looking at the weather forecast)

 

[mikebeaches]

Do we know how much the deposit is? And is it refundable? We're members, but haven't seen the email yet.

 

[Gellyneck]

They were forced into deposits by people banging in multiple bookings with no intention of using them all. I can’t see any downsides for people who intend to use their advance bookings.

Except outlaying hundreds of pounds up to a year in advance.

 

[Gellyneck]

Do we know how much the deposit is? And is it refundable? We're members, but haven't seen the email yet.

20% of the total booking cost and refundable up to 21 days prior to arrival.

Full balance will be taken the day before arrival unless you opt out and pay on arrival.

The text in my original post is what we got in the email. A link to the detail behind it is https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/booking-experience/

 

[mikebeaches]

20% of the total booking cost and refundable up to 21 days prior to arrival.

Full balance will be taken the day before arrival unless you opt out and pay on arrival.

Thanks for that info. Doesn't sound too unreasonable to me I guess.

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[Gellyneck]

Thanks for that info. Doesn't sound too unreasonable to me I guess.

Just added a link to the detail behind it.

But if you have to book a year in advance the outlay on deposits could rack up quite significantly (potentially hundreds of pounds).

 

[mikebeaches]

Just added a link to the detail behind it.

But if you have to book a year in advance the outlay on deposits could rack up quite significantly (potentially hundreds of pounds).

Yes, only use cmc sites very occasionally. And then usually at fairly short notice. So not really an issue.

And if it helps others secure booking they want, then that's good.

 

[Pausim]

The C&CC have been taking deposits for a long time. Not unusual for independent sites to ask for deposits and even some CLs/CSs are now asking for upfront payments. It is a sign of the times, the great British public can not be trusted to honour their bookings unless it hits them in the pocket. The C&MC have just been a bit slow about it.

 

[Spriddler]

I only use CAMC sites five or six nights a year to attend specific (usually weekend) family events. I'm all for deposits if it helps to prevent multiple speculative Friday and Saturday block bookings and/or 'No shows'. Late cancellations are no help when I prefer (need) to know more than 4 days in advance.

 

[SpeedyDux]

My thoughts exactly. However, it was shocking to see that 25% of all booking are cancelled, with a significant number within 4 days of the stay (presumably after looking at the weather forecast)

I don't support no-shows. On the other hand, even late cancellations provide last minute opportunities other Members can take advantage of at short notice. Worth a look on the CMC website if wanting a getaway. We seldom cancelled, and only for reasons connected to illness. We like to have a pre-booked short trip each month and we intend if possible to honour bookings. Something to look forward to.

I can't speak for others who allegedly abused the old system. I am not sure how the Club collected abusive cancellation statistics because the drop-down list of reasons for cancellation is very limited and there is no box for the member to add an explanation or comment.

I am not convinced that this switch to a deposit system is justified. There will always be a small minority who break or bend the rules, even after this change. Wait and see.

I foresee many complaints about lost deposits if members cancel bookings at short notice for reasons outside their control, and Club management uses its discretion to refuse refunds. The delusion that this is a Club that exists to serve the membership is going to seem very thin, If the membership numbers dwindle there will be big trouble. At some point in the not-too-distant future, the Club could put itself up for sale to the highest bidder, making Directors into millionaires. If I was a conspiracy theorist, I might jump to the conclusion that this is the endgame driving this change.

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[Pausim]

The C&CC has not faded away since introducing deposits and neither will the C&MC.

 

[Nirvanauk]

20% of the total booking cost and refundable up to 21 days prior to arrival.

Full balance will be taken the day before arrival unless you opt out and pay on arrival.

The text in my original post is what we got in the email. A link to the detail behind it is https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/booking-experience/

Sounds fair enough to me

 

[Gellyneck]

I don't support no-shows. On the other hand, even late cancellations provide last minute opportunities other Members can take advantage of at short notice. Worth a look on the CMC website if wanting a getaway. We seldom cancelled, and only for reasons connected to illness. We like to have a pre-booked short trip each month and we intend if possible to honour bookings. Something to look forward to.

I can't speak for others who allegedly abused the old system. I am not sure how the Club collected abusive cancellation statistics because the drop-down list of reasons for cancellation is very limited and there is no box for the member to add an explanation or comment.

I am not convinced that this switch to a deposit system is justified. There will always be a small minority who break or bend the rules, even after this change. Wait and see.

I foresee many complaints about lost deposits if members cancel bookings at short notice for reasons outside their control, and Club management uses its discretion to refuse refunds. The delusion that this is a Club that exists to serve the membership is going to seem very thin, If the membership numbers dwindle there will be big trouble. At some point in the not-too-distant future, the Club could put itself up for sale to the highest bidder, making Directors into millionaires. If I was a conspiracy theorist, I might jump to the conclusion that this is the endgame driving this change.

Fully agree with your comments, well maybe apart from your conspiracy theory!

I did ask for stats on cancellations however the response was woolly to say the least!

I would have had no issue with the cancellation period being extended from 4 days to 21 days (the same as the new full refund timing) with a penalty of, say the 20% deposit sum forfeited from the credit card details that will have to be retained to operate the deposit system for cancellation within this timeframe. This seems to deliver the same result as the new modus operandi but doesn't penalise those who don't abuse the system. Win - win.

 

[Gaston aires]

After years of members taking the pee, they have finally wised up in respect of deposits. No problem for me and if it makes site’s more available all well and good.
I think they should make all sites non EHU unless you pay by meter.
Phil

 

[RDJandell]

The 20% deposit is a red herring, they are actually taking a minimum of £25 deposit for each stay, therefore, if the booking is less than £25 (not very often) then the whole amount would become due at point of booking. If you put multiple bookings in the basket then these will be added and the minimum £25 deposit applied across these.

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