To feel like I've been an idiot

[Solomongrundy]

I booked a "once in a lifetime" thing a couple of months ago now, costing £200 (special offer.)

The first time I couldn't do it because of the weather.

Then I travelled down to do it only to be told again the weather wasn't right.

Then I was contacted again to say it wasn't on.

Then again.

Now today it "may" happen. But it shuts this week until summer. If I don't get to do it today I have to pay another £50 to "extend for 6 months."

Non refundable.

I feel like such an idiot. I only get one day off a week and for four weeks haven't been able to plan anything cause of this.

I just feel taken advantage of!

[TwinkleDust]

Unfair contracts act. Get some consumer advice.

[Solomongrundy]

How, though? CAB has a waiting list of months! (or did last time I checked!)

[Solomongrundy]

Plus, it's an established company and I think it must be legal - just really unfair!

[TheGirlFromIpanema]

Have they had had lots of days available but you weren't able to go on those days?
I've seen the extra to extend on a few things liek this. It seems to be that you would only not have to pay it if there hadn't been any sessions available, not just days you planned to go iyswim.

[FayKorgasm]

Isit something like a hot air balloon ride? If I recall correctly they must honour your contract due to weather conditions being unfavourable.

[Heels99]

Guessing is balloon ride. They are a right faff.

[TwinkleDust]

I think if you read the small print, the extra £50 will be to protect them from customers choosing to delay booking, rather than for the firm being unable to fulfil booking due to weather. You could try posting in legal: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/legal_matters

[TheWitTank]

Balloon flight yes? Remember seeing something about this on TV -watchdog or similar. Some people had been waiting 2 years to take their flights. Not sure what to suggest, sorry.

[Solomongrundy]

It's only open weekends so no. It's also a 2 hour round trip from where I live so costs in petrol as well as time.

[Solomongrundy]

Twinkle - it isn't, unfortunately. Normal price is £250 so I think a lot of new customers will have been enticed by the offer and paid upfront but ultimately end up paying the same after months of wasted Saturdays which is what I'm upset about really as I only get one day off a week and haven't been able to plan anything cause of this!

[DontWorrryBaldrickHasACunningP]

Did you buy it through a voucher site such as groupon or directly from the company?

[Solomongrundy]

Directly from the company yes

[DontWorrryBaldrickHasACunningP]

I was asking as I bought a voucher from one of those sites and the company couldn't fulfill the offer so the site issued a refund. Not very helpful sorry.

Have you actually logged a complaint? Have a look at the consumer action group as well they might be able to offer some insight/assistance.

[Solomongrundy]

Not at all, it's really helpful for future!

The issue is their argument is that I paid and obviously the weather is unpredictable but it really doesn't make it clear on the website that it practically never happens if it's not summer and that the special offer wouldn't be extended if the weather meant conditions aren't safe.

[Bakeoffcakes]

Well if they haven't made those conditions it clear on their website, I'd point that out and say they should be offering you an extension and not charging.

[NaiceNickname]

DH used to own a training company that sold experiences like this, not balloons though. If it was ever cancelled due to weather, we'd honour the voucher and get them booked in at the very earliest date they could make it, weather permitting again. Winter was especially grim, used to dread answering the phone to disappoint people. Worst was when you couldn't get hold of them and they turned up anyway!

If people called to cancel or didn't book in within the time allowed on their voucher then there would be a small charge to extend the voucher but absolutely not if it was us cancelling because of weather conditions.

I'd insist on them honouring the voucher on the basis that the weather and their opening times are beyond your control, and so shouldn't have to pay extra when either of them affect your chance to have your experience. Assuming the charge is not in the small print that is.

[whois]

Tandem skydive?

That's them brakes when you book a weather dependent sport in the UK during autumn!!

Call and explain you've been x times so you've really treid to do it before voucher expiry and see if they'll extend for free.

[Solomongrundy]

Naice thanks, I think the issue is largely that I can't really get round it. Either I pay £50 and extend the voucher or I don't get to do it. Either way has made me cross.

It doesn't matter what it is either :) the principle is what has annoyed me. That and 4 wasted Saturdays!

[DoJo]

They shouldn't be insisting that you pay extra when they have cancelled it, otherwise what's to stop them from just telling everyone the weather isn't suitable and getting an extra £50 from anyone who has booked? I used to work for a gift experience company, and we always extended free of charge for people who had been unable to take their experience due to weather (assuming that they had made a reasonable effort to book in the appropriate season which you clearly have) so I would push on at them to extend for free. Even if the Ts and Cs state that this charge will be made, that part of the contract unfairly benefits the company if they have sole say over whether the event happens or not (can you tell we had lawyers involved when discussing this aspect of our policies?!). If they are unable to provide the service, then they need to refund or rebook you for free.