Saw this today :- http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/booking-site…
So I think if people don't show, fair enough but if people call up and cancel one of these idiots still charges… what do you think ? Surely you can cancel a booking without getting fined ?
I think it's fair. It's basic common courtesy
That 73 second video explains it well.
Surely you can cancel a booking without getting fined ?
You can. Just make sure it at least 4 hours.
Hotels, doctors, dentists do the same.
Generally, they do provide a window to cancel (e.g. up to 24/48 hours before the time), so I think it is fair. Especially in the case of high-demand restaurants. It also makes it fairer for those who genuinely want to go to those restaurants, but cannot get in due to bookings by those who do not attend. And fairer to the restaurant owners, who otherwise will have vacant tables.
If you dont like it, dont book, simple.
why not make a poll?
Done, good idea !
Having small kids my social life never revolves around anywhere that you need to book… but if I did, and I had to cancel, if I called to tell them, then not sure I would want to cop a fee
If they were the terms and conditions when making the booking, and you agreed - then fair enough.
Always read, understand and agree to the fine print before you sign your life away.
It may also help to simply state your case and test the waters on how strict they push the point. Ask nicely in the first instance, you just never know.
Yeah - being polite goes a long way. I made a booking at the park Hyatt - they say if you cancel to close to the booking date you lose your money. I called them in the late afternoon, explained I was at the hospital and I could I please choose another evening. They were really good about it and there was no problem.
Problem is many of those time wasters only call at the time they were supposed to show up. Since the day they made the booking, they've rejected other (genuine) customers the table for that time (assuming it's peak hour). It's easy to say as a customer "it's unfair to be charged (for my last minute change of mind)". To have that mindset and to not even consider and have the courtesy to call at least 4 hours in advance is imo selfish and deserve the charge and blacklist.
Just scare tactics
Unenforceable unless you sign a contract
Administration nightmare for your average waiter
Charge backs galore
I can just imagine the excuses - I did call and cancel yesterday etc etc
Unenforceable unless you sign a contract
I haven't checked myself, but chances are, it's in the T&Cs which you agreed to when you sign up and make a booking.
Would be interesting to see whether charge backs would be successful or not. Applying for charge back doesn't necessary mean you'll get it.
Always call up to reschedule. May not get a charge. Then you still get to visit the restaurant! Or just cancel that booking because it's within the booking cancellation for free period! (Don't do this haha)
That's what happen most of the idiots come up with fake stories, dog ate the reservation :)