Old-Biscuit wrote:
kcmoedoe wrote:
magnusfide wrote:
DKeppner wrote:
Correct me if I'm wrong but $100 is just slightly over 10% fee. Have to base it on the full rental, just just the $500 deposit. I wouldn't like it either and you might be able to declare force majeure if Florida supports the concept but let's face it, 10% is pretty reasonable.
No, it's not even reasonable if the fee amount was never stated nor disclosed as a part of the website or a written contract. That makes the fee arbitrary and suspect. I agree with contacting Florida's AG and their Consumer Affairs division.
Their website actually discloses that cancellations are reviewed on a case by case basis and that there will be fees charged on all cancellations before a refund is issued. Not quite as black and white as the OP would have us believe. The park honored their commitment to have a site available and they obviously would have taken the site off the market once a deposit was received. Now they are facing the need to resell that site. A fee is reasonable since they are now facing additional expenses (Credit card fee for the deposit, fee to refund, labor, costs and risk of re-renting the site, after all there is no guarantee they will rent it). It is not their fault the OP can't make it.
OP didn't cancel on short notice......which could cause the park issues but cancelled months in advance.
Just for giggles I contacted the park yeterday via their website with the following inquiry:
Comments: What is your reservation cancellation policy.
Can't find anything on website.
Have read on internet you charge $$$ even of cancelled months ahead of reservation.
If I make reservation and should have to cancel what will I be charged?
Received this reply today:
Cancellation Policy:
Exchanges must be arranged before check in date, and is based on availability.
No refund or credit for early departure. Special circumstances reviewed on an individual basis, fees apply.
(Normally $25 to $100, based on circumstance and length of stay)
Although some info was provided it is still arbitrary.
It sure is arbitrary, but these forums are full of posts where people are upset that a park won't take their personal situation into consideration when enforcing a refund policy. As for the fact it was far in advance, what exactly is the correct time frame to enforce a policy? Remember, for snowbird type parks many people make their reservations far in advance, so it is possible that they have missed the opportunity to rent the site already.. Also, the park has paid a credit card fee on the deposit, which usually is around 3% ($15.00 on a $500.00 deposit). Then they have to pay a similar amount on a refund. Someone was paid to enter the reservation and someone will be paid to handle the cancellation. Should the park just take those losses because someone chooses not to honor their reservation?
