Are caravan parks pricing themselves out of the market?
Blue said
07:30 AM Oct 6, 2014
Wombat 280 wrote:
I find people who travel with dogs are possibly the most responsible of the travelers.
can't say I do...
they are either not on a bloody lead and come sniffing and pissing around your site or they bark at the site of their own shadow..
just back from a weekend at a state forest and across the way they had a boxer dog... not once I saw it on a lead.. early in the mornings the people are still in bed while their dog is wandering around everyone elses site sniffing around their stuff...
Blue said
07:38 AM Oct 6, 2014
Phil C wrote:
Golddetectornomad wrote:
The question should perhaps really be.... 'are Grey Nomads pricing themselves out of the Caravan Park market"?.......so who will last the longest in this growing stalemate?.....we are regarded as the travelling' lepers'..by all who worship the almighty Dollar.....what common ground can hope to be forged in the future?....none I suggest.....their input costs of power and water, staff and amenity upkeep will no doubt continue to spiral beyond their control...apart from attempting to recover from the 'user pays'..... We don't/ can't/ want, to pay for facilities we don't require....on that all travelling Nomads generally agree.....at our stages of life we have invariably been screwed by the best over the years and we don't feel inclined to be screwed further whilst we have some control or say over it....so what are our alternatives?.....
The answer cannot lay in Caravan Parks changing their attitudes/business practices/ or even curtailing their profit expectations based on their total capital investment....the value of their land/Investment goes up/appreciates..their Accountants are guiding their business decisions and advising how much they should charge to recoup an adequate profit based on their increased values...we are not interested in paying for their increased profit expectations, and conversely our rigs depreciate not appreciate...and in the current environment for self funded's or Pension receipients..we have little hope of increased incomes to match their increased profit expectations......
I suggest therefore we have no common ground, apart from our wish to have a tiny part of their ground at a reasonable price....we do not want charity or particulary free sites..we will pay a reasonable amount based on our reasonable needs.....
Until some entrepreneurial group recognizes what our true needs/wants are, or are even worth servicing, I suggest the gap will only widen...and they can no doubt last longer than we can as they also have vested interests working for them to curtail our alternatives round Australia......
Our power to change lies in our large voting demographic group, however it needs to be marshalled and effectively directed, country town business's to recognize our true value to them as an economic group/stimulus, and our collective ability to appeal to those that can match our alternative needs that Caravan Parks will/can never fulfil....provision to be made for rezoning land on the outskirts of city's and Townships to allow/provide for secure parking/camping for essentially self contained rigs at a reasonable fee based on""" basic""" services actually provided... Result: less reliance on essential Truck Parking Bays....less frustration to Local Gov't Municipalities as to what to do with our growing movement...aka 'Travelling Grey Nomads"..many would like us to simply disappear...but how does an ever increasing group simply disappear?....it wont and it requires 'servicing' . and Caravan Parks can continue their own "Cabin Type" agenda's or whatever...and who among us really cares what their Agenda's are ,if it in no way relates to our needs......
To answer the question raised...are Caravan Parks pricing themselves out of the market....NO.....our Demographic Group are not their market......and I suggest never will be we must explore and achieve alternatives to Caravan Parks as they exist at the moment............Hoo Roo
-- Edited by Golddetectornomad on Friday 3rd of October 2014 03:23:32 PM
-- Edited by Golddetectornomad on Friday 3rd of October 2014 03:31:19 PM
Wow, sometimes the answer is there hidden in plain view. After reading your post I have to agree. When bureaucratic attitudes change toward GNs and boomers we may get a better deal. I wonder if a baby boomer lobby would be the go, with interest in GNs and their plight (although I think the only issue is someplace safe to park the van at night).
You raise some valid points that I have yet to ponder. I guess the overriding factor here is, who wants to come out of retirement and travel to lobby these bweebs in Canberra?
Safe travels
you obviously don't live in Victoria,
the State government is pushing up the price of state park areas from around $18 a night to over $30 a night... and the free areas are to also attract a fee as well... can't remember how much, $25 rings a bell...
so what do you get for your $30+ dollars?
no power
no shower
no water
you do get a spot to stay and a drop toilet...
so guess what?
for your $35 you can go to a CP and get the lot...
see whats going on here?
hako said
08:28 AM Oct 6, 2014
I thought I'd check for myself just what the van/camping parks in the USA charge - prices seem about the same....maybe less. Their refund deals however if you cancel however are much less restrictive than those in Australia where once they have your money you kiss it good bye. See link: http://abcamping.com/abtucson/rates.php
beiffe said
09:14 AM Oct 6, 2014
The simple answer is to find somewhere you can camp that suits your lifestyle and then be happy with that.
If it is a caravan park then you are lucky just pay your dollars and stop for as long as you want. Similar for National parks but you pay for the privilege of roughing it ???
Some of us prefer to go the less populated sites and then enjoy the country and the flora, birds and animals.
We all have to eat and but fuel etc so it does not matter where we camp we will still spend the same $ in the end. It just varies who gets the money and
how much you have available.
I intend to stay traveling as I have for as long as I can. I do not go to National Parks as they are too expensive and usually nearly as crowded as CVP and I find in CP i feel like I am in a sardine tin and cant get out quick enough. Have even tried to attend arranged gatherings in Cp and find I have to leave early (looking to get out withing hours).
We all want different things and the different places cater for those differences so best to just select your mode and enjoy while you can because the kids of today will possible not have the freedom or the assets to do what we are all doing now.
Regards
Brian
Golddetectornomad said
10:27 AM Oct 6, 2014
Here! Here! Norm,< Keen Travellers>.. excellent suggestion....great way to enlighten us, who's charging what and where....may even promote discount system for Grey Nomad sticker display on Van....if a Caravan Park could see it was gaining business it would not otherwise obtain...it could cause a business strategy re-think.......my avatar shows the GN Sticker clearly displayed front and reverse of my Van...
At this point the 'nay sayers' usually step in immediately and state why the idea is not feasible....usually based on possible legal ramifications to a site who promotes a scheme based on such ""communication""....I fail to see why this must be so and why it would not work........if the information/pricing/ for the facilities offered is factual, without personal emotion comments re the park....then who is better placed to compile a contemporary list than those of us who are actively travelling round/through/all over Australia....?
Let's do it!.....who among us would not refer to and contribute to such a list if it was available?......Grey Nomads by nature are all aware anyone who stops learning is indeed 'old', whether it happens at twenty or eighty......Hoo Roo
-- Edited by Golddetectornomad on Monday 6th of October 2014 10:33:33 AM
Golddetectornomad said
09:07 AM Oct 7, 2014
I received a PM from Norm, <Keen Travellers> who has some excellent suggestions how "communication" of great value Caravan Parks by travelling GN's could be implemented on this site.
I invite him to put up for all to see.....the keynote for it to 'work' is simplicity, ease of searching for posted info by State and Zone/Postcodes, as GN's travel through/round Oz.
Simplicity by stating Caravan Park with address details, Current Tariff <and any discount offered to GN's /Senior Card Holders> access for larger rigs etc....the fact it is posted by a travelling GN should automatically indicate a tick of approval of the Park by that member, and personal comments should be unnecessary. Updates of current Tariffs should also be easy.
No discussion of Parks not recommended would be necessary or desirable......<'poopy' ablution blocks should be reflected in the low tariff to make our list!>
If this new site was implemented it would compliment the Free/Budget Campsite thread on this Forum...albeit although interesting, that is a difficult thread to search and find updates.....
Word of mouth from trusted members we know with first hand experience and expressed without the emotion is invariable the best recommendation ......the best value/reasonable/fair tariff Parks could also be those 'hidden unheralded gems' not actively paying for advertising in various CP booklets....by being placed on our preferred list CP's may even make an effort to offer deals to identified members, realizing our increased business may be additional to their normal business strategies/income.......
Might even encourage increased memberships to this site if implemented.....and perhaps a business re-think by some CP's....
Do we seize the day and actively do something now??...or let this thread go the way of previous similar threads... to the Bermuda Triangle, either due to apathy? lack of oxygen or enthusiasm? interest or concern? indifference?..or it's considered our imput would not equal the likely benefits to us all?.....
Further thoughts?......I'm happy to lick my bum and go back to my kennel if this thread is not an important part of what we seek as travelling GN's......Hoo Roo
kesa32 said
06:34 PM Oct 7, 2014
How about seeing if grey nomads can get a reasonable members discount / concession , most places give social clubs etc discounts , so why not grey nomads as a collective ?
KeenTravellers said
02:28 AM Oct 12, 2014
Im with you Golddectornomad We have had a lot of good thoughts about this - but to be truthfully - nothing but chatter......So
How about we just start a "New Thread" with Cindy's approval of course about "Best Value Caravan Parks for Travelling GNs" by state We could all add individual sites by state and then share in this thread and benefit.
Im sure if we break each state in say 4 zones - to make it easier when we travel in that state/ zone. ie North South East West.
Just something simple like
Name, Site access, Well Maintained, Has the essentials we GNs need, Tarrif & any discounts Helpful staff, Favour GNs etc.
As the numbers in our list of Caravan Parks grow - so it can become a list that "Caravan Parks might want to be listed on". Then we as GNs could use this list to gain other caravan parks and so on flows the domino.
It all has to start somewhere - why not here. What have we really got to loose.
Everyone on here especailly the long term veterans must know of at least 1-4 sites Australia wide - which are good value - have a great feel about the place. Im sure the older veterans on here can also slip Cindy an email to ask her permission. We just have to keep it really simple and easy to use. KISS
whos up for it...????? Cheers KT
KFT said
12:18 PM Oct 12, 2014
KT, that is a good idea
There is already a section in here that has recommendations by GN's
If that was divided up into states as sub forums and perhaps coastal and inland sections for each state
it would be a bit of work for a moderator but if there is someone Cindy can trust to moderate a section like that and keep it in order would help I am sure.
frank
KeenTravellers said
01:25 PM Oct 12, 2014
Thanks Frank
Yes thats a thread but it needs to have its own topic with a short list of fill in columns to keep it purely as a list (Ie no chat comments from users)
Im not sure how to go about getting Cindy or someone to help set it up. Im happy to help Cindy anyway I can to get it going and fill in some details
if she will let me,
But Im sure other long term veterans know more than me about this. Still Im happy to help do whatever to make this site even better for all GNs.
I will send Cindy a Link to here and maybe she can offer her professional advice for us.
Cheers
KT
can't say I do...
they are either not on a bloody lead and come sniffing and pissing around your site or they bark at the site of their own shadow..
just back from a weekend at a state forest and across the way they had a boxer dog... not once I saw it on a lead.. early in the mornings the people are still in bed while their dog is wandering around everyone elses site sniffing around their stuff...
you obviously don't live in Victoria,
the State government is pushing up the price of state park areas from around $18 a night to over $30 a night... and the free areas are to also attract a fee as well... can't remember how much, $25 rings a bell...
so what do you get for your $30+ dollars?
no power
no shower
no water
you do get a spot to stay and a drop toilet...
so guess what?
for your $35 you can go to a CP and get the lot...
see whats going on here?
I thought I'd check for myself just what the van/camping parks in the USA charge - prices seem about the same....maybe less. Their refund deals however if you cancel however are much less restrictive than those in Australia where once they have your money you kiss it good bye. See link:
http://abcamping.com/abtucson/rates.php
If it is a caravan park then you are lucky just pay your dollars and stop for as long as you want. Similar for National parks but you pay for the privilege of roughing it ???
Some of us prefer to go the less populated sites and then enjoy the country and the flora, birds and animals.
We all have to eat and but fuel etc so it does not matter where we camp we will still spend the same $ in the end. It just varies who gets the money and
how much you have available.
I intend to stay traveling as I have for as long as I can. I do not go to National Parks as they are too expensive and usually nearly as crowded as CVP and I find in CP i feel like I am in a sardine tin and cant get out quick enough. Have even tried to attend arranged gatherings in Cp and find I have to leave early (looking to get out withing hours).
We all want different things and the different places cater for those differences so best to just select your mode and enjoy while you can because the kids of today will possible not have the freedom or the assets to do what we are all doing now.
Regards
Brian
Here! Here! Norm,< Keen Travellers>.. excellent suggestion....great way to enlighten us, who's charging what and where....may even promote discount system for Grey Nomad sticker display on Van....if a Caravan Park could see it was gaining business it would not otherwise obtain...it could cause a business strategy re-think.......my avatar shows the GN Sticker clearly displayed front and reverse of my Van...
At this point the 'nay sayers' usually step in immediately and state why the idea is not feasible....usually based on possible legal ramifications to a site who promotes a scheme based on such ""communication""....I fail to see why this must be so and why it would not work........if the information/pricing/ for the facilities offered is factual, without personal emotion comments re the park....then who is better placed to compile a contemporary list than those of us who are actively travelling round/through/all over Australia....?
Let's do it!.....who among us would not refer to and contribute to such a list if it was available?......Grey Nomads by nature are all aware anyone who stops learning is indeed 'old', whether it happens at twenty or eighty......Hoo Roo
-- Edited by Golddetectornomad on Monday 6th of October 2014 10:33:33 AM
I invite him to put up for all to see.....the keynote for it to 'work' is simplicity, ease of searching for posted info by State and Zone/Postcodes, as GN's travel through/round Oz.
Simplicity by stating Caravan Park with address details, Current Tariff <and any discount offered to GN's /Senior Card Holders> access for larger rigs etc....the fact it is posted by a travelling GN should automatically indicate a tick of approval of the Park by that member, and personal comments should be unnecessary. Updates of current Tariffs should also be easy.
No discussion of Parks not recommended would be necessary or desirable......<'poopy' ablution blocks should be reflected in the low tariff to make our list!>
If this new site was implemented it would compliment the Free/Budget Campsite thread on this Forum...albeit although interesting, that is a difficult thread to search and find updates.....
Word of mouth from trusted members we know with first hand experience and expressed without the emotion is invariable the best recommendation ......the best value/reasonable/fair tariff Parks could also be those 'hidden unheralded gems' not actively paying for advertising in various CP booklets....by being placed on our preferred list CP's may even make an effort to offer deals to identified members, realizing our increased business may be additional to their normal business strategies/income.......
Might even encourage increased memberships to this site if implemented.....and perhaps a business re-think by some CP's....
Do we seize the day and actively do something now??...or let this thread go the way of previous similar threads... to the Bermuda Triangle, either due to apathy? lack of oxygen or enthusiasm? interest or concern? indifference?..or it's considered our imput would not equal the likely benefits to us all?.....
Further thoughts?......I'm happy to lick my bum and go back to my kennel if this thread is not an important part of what we seek as travelling GN's......Hoo Roo
Im with you Golddectornomad
We have had a lot of good thoughts about this - but to be truthfully - nothing but chatter......So
How about we just start a "New Thread" with Cindy's approval of course about
"Best Value Caravan Parks for Travelling GNs" by state
We could all add individual sites by state and then share in this thread and benefit.
Im sure if we break each state in say 4 zones - to make it easier when we travel in that state/ zone.
ie North South East West.
Just something simple like
Name, Site access, Well Maintained, Has the essentials we GNs need, Tarrif & any discounts
Helpful staff, Favour GNs etc.
As the numbers in our list of Caravan Parks grow - so it can become a list that "Caravan Parks might want to be listed on".
Then we as GNs could use this list to gain other caravan parks and so on flows the domino.
It all has to start somewhere - why not here.
What have we really got to loose.
Everyone on here especailly the long term veterans must know of at least 1-4 sites Australia wide -
which are good value - have a great feel about the place.
Im sure the older veterans on here can also slip Cindy an email to ask her permission.
We just have to keep it really simple and easy to use. KISS
whos up for it...?????
Cheers
KT
There is already a section in here that has recommendations by GN's
see here: thegreynomads.activeboard.com/f527151/caravan-parks/
If that was divided up into states as sub forums and perhaps coastal and inland sections for each state
it would be a bit of work for a moderator but if there is someone Cindy can trust to moderate a section like that and keep it in order would help I am sure.
frank
Yes thats a thread but it needs to have its own topic with a short list of fill in columns to keep it purely as a list (Ie no chat comments from users)
Im not sure how to go about getting Cindy or someone to help set it up. Im happy to help Cindy anyway I can to get it going and fill in some details
if she will let me,
But Im sure other long term veterans know more than me about this. Still Im happy to help do whatever to make this site even better for all GNs.
I will send Cindy a Link to here and maybe she can offer her professional advice for us.
Cheers
KT