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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

so angry at caravan park

37 replies

Clara35 · 18/07/2011 16:13

Hi all. Just wanted other peoples opinions. I had booked a caravan site for our motorhome 1st week of Aug but unable to go now. Phd today - 2 weeks notice to cancel and they are keeping deposit which was half of total charge for the site. I was not told when I booked that deposit was non-refundable. Tried to reason with woman on phone that I was giving 2 weeks notice & as site in very popular tourist area they would have no problem rebooking site but still no refund. Surely they shouldnt keep full deposit when giving them plenty of notice of cancellation. Woman on phone wasnt pleasant & told me she was running a business! She told me how her friend had lost £500 deposit when cancelled a wedding at a hotel. I tried to argue that a hotel would give 48/24 hours cancellation notice for a room & she advised she wasnt a hotel she was a caravan park. In the end she has given me a credit note & will allow me to use next year - although dont want to go near the place now. AIBU to be so annoyed and frustrated?

OP posts:
MugglesandLuna · 18/07/2011 16:14

Thats what a deposit is for - and two weeks notice isnt much notice at all.

thursday · 18/07/2011 16:15

depends on the terms of booking. if there was never any mention of non-refundable then i would have argued as you did. i don't think it's out of order in itself to take non-refundable deposits though, it's fairly standard.

lifeinthemidlands · 18/07/2011 16:15

Deposits are rarely refundable in my experience, so while I can understand your frustration i think YAB a bit U, and maybe should look to your insurance to get the money back?

StrandedBear · 18/07/2011 16:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Kayano · 18/07/2011 16:16

I would NEVER expect a deposit back?

GypsyMoth · 18/07/2011 16:17

3

2weeks notice? Not enough IMO.

thisisyesterday · 18/07/2011 16:18

did you get sent anything with terms and conditions on?

if so you are being unreasonable

2 weeks isn't very much notice at all, most people will already have booked to go away by now,

if them's the rules then them's the rules. EXCEPT if you were not informed when you made the booking and did not receive it in writing later. in that case I think you have a case to argue... you can't accept any terms if you don't have them

ENormaSnob · 18/07/2011 16:18

Yabu

what did you think the deposit was for?

2weeks is not a lot of notice at all.

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 18/07/2011 16:18

YABU - they are a business, you had a booking and you cancelled it. What would be the point of leaving a deposit if they are going to refund it to you..........this is their busy time and it must be annoying for them when people cancel....at least she has offered you a credit note.

OldRedEyes · 18/07/2011 16:19

two weeks is nothing

ten weeks is usually the norm for a partial refund

ShatnersBassoon · 18/07/2011 16:19

YABU. What do you think a deposit is for?

I think she's been very generous offering you a credit note.

BluddyMoFo · 18/07/2011 16:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bubblesincoffee · 18/07/2011 16:19

YABU. What's the point of paying a deposit if you get it back if you cancel? You may as well just not bother paying it in the first place.

They might be able to fill the space, they might not. Even if they could, you have created work for them and they should be paid for that.

Two weeks is not much notice at all.

You are very kucky that they have iven you credit as a goodwill gesture, it is not something you are owed.

McDreamy · 18/07/2011 16:20

YABU that's the whole point of a deposit - sorry not the answer you wanted. Sad

GwendolineMaryLacey · 18/07/2011 16:21

You cancelled at short notice and now you "don't want to go near the place next year". Bit of an overreaction as it's you pissing them about not the other way round. Deposits are there precisely to try to stop people doing what you're doing.

minipie · 18/07/2011 16:29

YABU - deposits are non refundable unless otherwise stated.

However, what I would suggest is that you ask the owner (nicely) if she will refund some or all the deposit in the event that she manages to rebook your place and therefore hasn't lost any money.

TheArmadillo · 18/07/2011 16:31

YABU - that is what a deposit is for. Most places I go you would have been expected to pay full cost by now and would lose up to 95% of the full cost by giving such little notice. Its also up to you to check the terms and conditions BEFORE you book.
2 weeks is very little notice even though its high season they will struggle to fill the place as most people will have booked up their holiday/will assume everythings fully booked so you have probably lost her quite a bit of money.

You were very lucky to get a credit note.

rubyrubyruby · 18/07/2011 16:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

hillyhilly · 18/07/2011 16:36

YABU that's what your deposit is for, it wouldn't have occurred to me to even ask for it back.

FabbyChic · 18/07/2011 16:38

Sorry but generally when you pay a deposit you lose it if you cancel.

Giving notice like two weeks makes no difference.

ramade · 18/07/2011 16:41

Suspect your just angry and frustrated with your situation. Let it go and chalk it down to some bad luck.

knittedbreast · 18/07/2011 16:43

i think what would have been fairer would have been if A. you could find another family to fill your slot your deposit would be refunded or B they keep the deposit but if they find someone else for that place and dates then you get yours back.

that would be much better

Original poster
Clara35 · 18/07/2011 16:45

Thanks all for your replies. In my defence most touring campsites give 48 hours for cancellation as people are touring around & plans can change. That was always the freedom that caravan/motorhome gave you. I wasnt told at time of booking or sent anything in writing. That was where my argument was coming from. Ah well - live and learn as they say.

OP posts:
sparkle12mar08 · 18/07/2011 16:57

Was there anything on the website at all? But either way, I think you just have to chalk it up to experience.

Oblomov · 18/07/2011 17:15

Touring campsites and 48 hrs notice ? Really ? Don't think so. Get this moved to the camping section and see what they have to say there. I have a week booked for our caravan for 3rd week of august. And our campsite don't allow 48 hr cancellations, like you suggest.