Over the last couple of weeks I ‘ve had a couple of folks cancelling some chunky, high value summer bookings that have been in the diary for 6 months plus.
My suspicions are that folks are looking at more non domestic/warmer stays now that restrictions are easing somewhat.
For years I’d been on a Strict Cancellation Policy but moved to Moderate to offer more attractive flexibility during the last couple of years. But what to do now - what are your thoughts?
@Amanda660 Strict for us - we changed to flexible during lockdown but as Covid is over in the UK (according to a Prime Minister desperately trying to keep his job even after lying to Parliament) but its just too easy for guests to cancel.
@Mike-And-Jane0 I think I need to get back to Strict too. The guests who are coming through on Booking dot com are choosing the no cancellations option so there are still some serious bookers out there. 😉
Many of the bookings I receive occur within 30 days of arrival so I changed from Strict to Firm, and think that I will stick with it. To me it offers a good balance of making guests accountable for their reservations yet still offers them some flexibility.
Firm
To receive a full refund, guests must cancel at least 30 days before check-in
If they cancel between 7 and 30 days before check-in, you’ll be paid 50% for all nights
If they cancel less than 7 days before check-in, you’ll be paid 100% for all nights
Guests can also receive a full refund if they cancel within 48 hours of booking, if the cancellation occurs at least 14 days before check-in
Strict
To receive a full refund, guests must cancel within 48 hours of booking, and the cancellation must occur at least 14 days before check-in
If they cancel between 7 and 14 days before check-in, you’ll be paid 50% for all nights
If they cancel after that, you’ll be paid 100% for all nights