We put a deposit on a caravan park at Evans Head,decided to cancel gave more than 24hours notice they wouldn't give our deposit back hung onto $100.00, gave us the option of using it up to twelve months, is this legal to not refund your deposit,not a happy camper won't be back that way so can't use it, if we ever go that way won't be staying at that park anyway,money grabbing sh$&s.
If theyre a member with one of the park groups like Big4 or TT - they are supposed to follow the groups cancellation policy - although they will keep a portion if you have given them less than 7 days usually.
Make sure you make adverse comment on the caravan park sites here, wikicamps and Badgers .
Why don't you sell the deposit to someone else who might want it? Im sure Cindy will be ok if you post it on this Forum (its not a commercial type advert) and also wikicamps - even if you have to knock it off for less than the $100.
Be angry - but make sure you post it everywhere so others know what theyre like
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
I just checked 2 of the parks in Evans head - one give a credit less $30 if 28 days notice is given otherwise no credit unless site is relet (no mention of cash refund only credit) and you must nominate new dates when cancelling. 2nd park says simply under cancellations "has a NO REFUND policy" The part of the rules I think is probably illegal is: "Management reserves the right to amend or alter prices, sites and conditions at any time without notice. " This policy seems to be standard at all parks. I'd imagine you cannot transfer the $100 credit.
-- Edited by hako on Saturday 27th of June 2015 05:59:23 PM
Hi, this is an extract from Australian Consumer Law. It may help you. Dont let an isolated case of greed spoil your trip. I have bolded the relevant text.
When you take a booking from a customer, you enter into a contract which includes terms and conditions. Ensure that these are fair, because the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) prohibits unfair contract terms. For example, if a contract lets you cancel a customer's accommodation booking in any circumstances without notice, it could be regarded as unfair.
Unfair contract terms are void and you cannot enforce them against customers. You may want to include specific terms and conditions about fees, deposits or cancellation charges. If you do include these, make customers aware of them before they book. Failure to disclose these conditions could also be considered unfair, due to a lack of transparency.
Make sure any fees or charges reflect your reasonable costs. If you dont, they may be seen as penalties, which you generally cannot enforce. Deposits greater than 10 per cent of the total cost of a booking may be considered to be prepayments, which your guests may not have to forfeit if they cancel their booking. Consider whether or not you need more than 10 per cent as a deposit
Here is another example of the problems we the "grey nomads" have with using Caravan Parks. I would be willing to bet that this particular park was not booked out, although having said that, the southern migration is in full swing.
Anyway, more ammo for us re the lack of the customers needs.
This park gives us a huge big TICK in the box for a reason for Free Camping.
Yet they would be the first to complain, when their revenue goes south.
Jay&Dee
