RealtorRick had the best way yet of calling a deposit what it is, a partial payment, not a deposit.
When we had our park - by the way, near Mt. Rushmore, so theres no drive in traffic, it was all by reservation months in advance. it took us years to find the best way to both serve changing plans for guests and protect our business.
In the end, a 1 night deposit served fine in shoulder seasons with cancellation fee refund for any reason up to 48 hrs. before arrival, less a $10 fee to cover our labor time phone and card fees.
As the season progressed and occupancy peaked deposit amount increased to 2 days , cancellation with refund to 7 days, 25% fee ( cabins to tent s are varied pricing) which gave us a chance of rebooking except during special events like the big 3 holiday weekends and Sturgis Rally week which required 30 days prior for some refund
We established that policy based on our margins, likelyhood of rebooking, guest satisfaction our loyalty to them and they to us.
Many times guests would want a refund because they chose to leave early. Never could we refill that short term vacancy. When they threatened a poor review, our resolve became a solid wall. I even offered to escort them out.
We had poor reviews of our policy, which when mixed in with the other reviews made the sour grapes of the dissatisfied look complimentary
I have to point out, why is this industry so chosen for this topic?
Can anyone get a refund from an airline, cruise ship, state park? NO.
We are so glad to have sold our park.
