Storm chase tour, empty spot

[rdekker]

Hello,

Before I posted this thread I checked the ChaserChat in order to verify that this posting isn't inappropriate or something like that.

I am new to Stormtrack. I am from the Netherlands and love storm chasing and severe weather phenomena.
Years ago I had a long discussion with my 2 cousins about going to the USA for some REAL storm chase experience and we decided to go to the USA in May/June, 2015. Also we booked a storm chase tour at a tour operator because of our own lack of experience with stormchasing in the USA.

Unfortunately, I became ill, so ill that I cannot go to the USA and cannot participate in the planned storm chase tour. Also I forgot (I know, pretty stupid...) to arrange a cancellation insurance...

I contacted the tour operator concerning this issue and they told me that their policy is that after the payments were collected, a refund can only be issued when my "spot" is booked by someone else. They also told me that I can arrange this as well if needed.

So, here I am, offering a spot on a 7-day storm chase tour starting May 23. The original price was $2645 but if someone books my spot I will give him a discount. This is all in cooperation with the tour operator and my cousins (who WILL participate this tour) so that makes money transfer more easy and more secure.

If someone is interested (think of a $700 discount) please contact me, details (name of the tour operator and such...) will be provided, all I can say here that they use 6-seated cars and a window seat for everyone and the price does include lodging etc.

Best regards,
Rory Dekker
The Netherlands

 

[Lanny Dean]

First of all I am so sorry you are experiencing this issue. As a tour owner and operator myself, I guess I am not understanding the policy regarding your refund. It sounds like you paid your deposit? (which most legit tour companies call a "non refundable deposit") This deposit is non refundable due to possible cancelations or the like. Who's to say that even if the seat is booked, they would be honest and let you know? The remaining balance should be refunded to you immediately and without issue - hence the "non refundable deposit".

 

[Tom Stolze]

I think it would also help if you would let everyone know the company involved as I would assume a lot of research would go into which company someone would choose to spend their chasecation with. This is not intended to start any flame wars, if it is a well known company, I would assume you or them would have little trouble filling the spot other than a little bit of short notice.

 

[rdekker]

First of all I am so sorry you are experiencing this issue. As a tour owner and operator myself, I guess I am not understanding the policy regarding your refund. It sounds like you paid your deposit? (which most legit tour companies call a "non refundable deposit") This deposit is non refundable due to possible cancelations or the like. Who's to say that even if the seat is booked, they would be honest and let you know? The remaining balance should be refunded to you immediately and without issue - hence the "non refundable deposit".

Hello,

First of all, thank you for your reply.

I am a very lucky person because today I received an e-mail regarding a refund because this tour was sold out again
I still want to explain a bit more even though the problem is now solved.

I think I'll have to be a bit more clear about this issue. Somewhere in October/November, 2014 I booked a spot on Tour 4 with this company. The non refundable deposit of $500 was paid and they stated that the rest of the payment is collected at March 1st, 2015. After that I got ill and a few weeks ago I needed to cancel the tour. I sent an e-mail concerning my illness and cancellation of the tour. They replied: The problem is that after the first of March when the payments are collected our tours are also put into place for the number of guests coming. Our policy to cancel a tour after March 1st . We are pro-active and we will put the spot open on our web site and if someone books the tour we will be able to refund your entire amount. If not then we cannot refund your tour.

So up till now the spot wasn't booked and I got quite nervous because due to my illness my income is quite a bit lower as well and I need the money. I checked other storm tour operators as well and some refund all but the non refundable deposit while others refund a percentage of the tour fee depending on the amount of days till the start of the tour (i.e. 50% <30 days, 25% <15 days...)
I really don't know if that is "normal" since I don't have any experience with storm chase tour operators and refund policies (also, I am from Europe so that makes thing even more complicated)

You are right regarding the honesty of the storm chase operator but since my cousins are participating in this tour they can observe if 1 spot is still unseated of that it is fully booked (and in that case, kick some ass I think )

I think, since the issue is no more, that it isn't morally acceptable to mention the name of the storm tour operator (?) In the end they gave me a refund and I don't know about spam/commercial regulations on an open forum either...

Oh well, luckily the problem has been solved and I think this thread can be deleted now (can I do this myself?) Thanks again Lenny (and Tom) and sorry for any inconvenience!

Best regards,
Rory

 

[Lanny Dean]

No need in mentioning the at all as far as I am concerned. Now that you have explained it - I totally understand. Good luck and hope you get to feeling better.

-Lanny