Why do we have a somewhat complex deposit system? If you are organizing a group, going over this material will not only let you see our reasoning, but it will also point out vital tips on organizing a successful outing. Getting a group together in a reliable manner is not simple. Our booking rules help.
Because good service and life are complex, wise business policies are needed to keep life simple!
We have some clients who call up and make a booking at a specific time and for a specific number of players, and we know from past experience that it is a "done deal". We will have everything ready and they will arrive on time and play. They have a record of reliability and we make sure that we maintain a record of reliability.
We also have some clients who book a year in advance and we know that the group will be on time on the date requested. We will BE THERE and the client's past performance and general style and circumstances tells us the client will also be there!
Being ready for a group requires work and expense and, as soon as a booking is made, we have a commitment to a specific group and no one else is allowed to take the time we have promised. If the group fails to come with the predicted number of players, we are put in a difficult position. Our facility investment is wasted, our staff is left idle, and too many of these frustrating incidents tend to make us grouchy with reliable clients!
Once a business operation gets to a certain level of success it is forced to adopt standard policies and to apply those policies to everyone. That is where we are at. Our booking policies are not needed for many clients but our experience has shown that we do need these policies! Even some long term clients sometimes get lax!
Our goal is to have a set of booking rules that makes it easy and economic and safe for reliable and organized client organizers to ask us to be ready to look after their group, when they want and in a quality manner. The rules are also designed to steer the less organized in a way that will assure the success of their group booking. And the rules are designed to discourage unreliable folk from making life difficult for us and also for clients who do want to use our services.
Our deposit policies lean on clients to make carefully considered booking requests and to take the organizing steps needed to make a group outing successful. The policies also try to build in as much flexibility as possible so clients are not backed into corners when events beyond their control go wrong. At the same time our policies are designed to protect us from irresponsible actions on the part of clients who we have promised to look after.
The instant that a booking is made, promises are made. When promises are kept, life is simple. When promises are broken, well, good policies tend to minimize the damage! Knowing the rules lets everyone evaluate the costs and see their way to the best salvage route.
Our initial $50 deposit forces clients to think carefully about booking a long way in advance. The charge will tend to keep everyone from booking too far ahead unless they are very confident, our calendars will stay clear closer to actual dates, and any bookings that do occur will likely be serious bookings. In past, the stampede effect forced bookings to be made far in advance and too many of those bookings evaporated once a deposit was requested. Good organizers do plan ahead and often, by the time the time slot was free, the slot was simply lost.
We do not want to unfairly stress sincere organizers because life always has twists. We allow bail-out windows at 28+ days, 21+ days, 14+ days, and even 7+ days. The cost to us and to the organizing client climbs the closer we get to a booking date.
At 14 + days we require a major financial commitment from organizers but still provide as much bail-out leeway as possible.
The large 14 day deposit rule is very important. It pressures organizers to take action that is vital to the success of private bookings. Individuals who say they are coming are indirectly pressured to pay a sub deposit to the organizer or make a very clear commitment that they will BE THERE! The organizer's $s are on the line and he simply has to pass it on! This action assures that there will be a good turnout, cost will be kept down due to there being a better price for larger groups, and those who do not keep their word will be penalized rather than those who keep their word and attend. In past, when attendance dropped off, those who came, ended up paying a higher price because of the failure of others. That is not fair. But the moves to avoid the situation needed to be made in advance. The large 14 day deposit rule pressures the organizer to make the vital moves and the individuals in the group can clearly see their small part in the plan. If you want to come to the event, chip in! Minimum group numbers are carefully set to be realistic.
We also provide several booking options, other than private bookings, that are very similar to options offered by competing businesses. This is a MAJOR point. Short range options are available that require no pre-commitment from clients. We are trying to provide for all situations that potential clients find themselves in.
If a client organizer wants an exclusive booking, the demand put on us is total, and the client must realize that such a request requires a major commitment on their part. It is unlikely that other fields will even give you this option. If the organizer does not feel comfortable with the required financial commitment, it is wise for them to consider a package that is not as demanding of Merrill Dunes. Such packages are available; Multi-Group Bookings, Walk-Ons, Spot Bookings, and Non Conforming Bookings.
In summary; In order for us to do a good job for you at an economic price, (and we do enjoy doing a good job), we need to be confident that business life will unfold in a simple and fair manner and our booking policies are an attempt at encouraging this. Good for you and good for us!
Deposits! - Why?? This page is like the fine print on the back of credit card contracts. It explains details that most people have no interest in. My advice - If you want to come to the Dunes, call and we will work something out - simple as that!
Merrill Dunes
