We run a self catering business, in June a couple came to stay, they have some family problems and extolled to me how much the break had meant to them and how they wished to re-book in August (peak season) for a whole week. I gave him a price and he paid a £100 deposit so booking was confirmed and I trusted him. 10 days prior to the booking he said he couldnt afford to pay the balance and would need to cancel. I offered him a few more days to pay but he didnt. At this point it was too late to re-book the week and I would have lost the whole week, less the £100.
I offered that as he and his wife were struggling and they seemed very nice that they could come and stay anyway and pay me in instalments, I would have lost the week so I felt it was better than nothing and I felt it was the decent thing to do as he was struggling.
He was very grateful and he left a credit card with me for me to take money off to clear the balance, of course it has never worked.
I have managed to eek out £200 from him since August in £50 instalments. He now says he is not going to be able to buy his kids anything for xmas if I keep asking him for instalments or even the balance - £450.
What would you do? Park it up until January? Or keep insisting he pays what he can? I don’t want to think of anyone being miserable over xmas but on the other hand he could be taking me for a complete mug (which clearly I am!)
I have learnt my lesson and will not do it again!