Low deposit holiday myth?

bigadaj

richardw wrote: »

I dislike the use of 'low deposit', because it describes something that it isn't, it's just a part payment of the deposit.

It could be argued it's a cash flow advantage to the purchaser, though more accurately a lure for those that are struggling to afford the total cost.

Duckyduck

bigadaj wrote: »

It could be argued it's a cash flow advantage to the purchaser, though more accurately a lure for those that are struggling to afford the total cost.

It's the description that is the issue. I agree that the partial deposit option has benefits to the purchaser but describing it as "low deposit" is misleading, and frankly false.

Personally I've never booked a package holiday and until this thread I always thought a low deposit was a deposit that is low in value. That's what those words mean. I imagine many others must think the same and fall victim just like the OPs daughter unfortunately.

christaitfife

Ive just tried a dummy booking with First Choice too. This isn't in small print, it is on the screen when you make your choice about paying the deposit. They even give you the option to pay the full deposit. I know it isn't what you wan't to hear but it needs to be paid. This is one of those very expensive learning exercises. Atleast if she had the money to pay for a £1000+ holiday, she will be able to pay this deposit.

Duckyduck

christaitfife wrote: »

Ive just tried a dummy booking with First Choice too. This isn't in small print, it is on the screen when you make your choice about paying the deposit. They even give you the option to pay the full deposit. I know it isn't what you wan't to hear but it needs to be paid. This is one of those very expensive learning exercises. Atleast if she had the money to pay for a £1000+ holiday, she will be able to pay this deposit.

I've just done a dummy booking (for 2 people, total trip being £1651) and it isn't explicitly stated. On the payment page there's 3 option:
pay a £250 deposit, with a further £250 payment and then the remaining balance
£500 deposit and then a further payment of the remaining balance
or the full balance

Under the £250 deposit option there is a link to "important information about low deposit" but even if you do bother to click on that it's says the remainder of the deposit is due 8 weeks before departure, it doesn't state you're still obliged to pay this in the event of cancellation.

I'm all for buyer beware and taking responsibility for your own decisions, but I really don't get why so many people here are saying the OP should have known better. It is ambiguous and must be a good little earner for the travel agents.

leylandsunaddict

Duckyduck wrote: »

I've just done a dummy booking (for 2 people, total trip being £1651) and it isn't explicitly stated. On the payment page there's 3 option:
pay a £250 deposit, with a further £250 payment and then the remaining balance
£500 deposit and then a further payment of the remaining balance
or the full balance

Under the £250 deposit option there is a link to "important information about low deposit" but even if you do bother to click on that it's says the remainder of the deposit is due 8 weeks before departure, it doesn't state you're still obliged to pay this in the event of cancellation.

I'm all for buyer beware and taking responsibility for your own decisions, but I really don't get why so many people here are saying the OP should have known better. It is ambiguous and must be a good little earner for the travel agents.

It's not the travel agents that were offering it. It was First Choice. The low deposit conditions in the A-Z form part of the bookings terms and conditions. If people choose not to read them before they accept them then it isn't the fault of the company. It's their own fault.

"Low Deposit Offer
This offer is per passenger. We can change or withdraw this offer at any time. The rest of your deposit will be due within eight weeks of you booking your holiday. If you cancel your holiday you still have to pay the full deposit."

IAmWales

Currand839 wrote: »

Even though the law states that TC should only take expected costs that they may incur from the deposit if you cancel they disregard the legislation.
Please copy and paste the below to see may story.
justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thomas-cook-unfairly-ripped-off-the-curran-family

You want people to give you £3,000 to take your kids on holiday? Pay for it yourself, cheeky ...

bradders1983

IAmWales wrote: »

You want people to give you £3,000 to take your kids on holiday? Pay for it yourself, cheeky ...

Bumped a thread from months ago to post the link to the begging page, too.

leylandsunaddict

Currand839 wrote: »

Even though the law states that TC should only take expected costs that they may incur from the deposit if you cancel they disregard the legislation.
Please copy and paste the below to see may story.
justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thomas-cook-unfairly-ripped-off-the-curran-family

So you had some financial problems and breached your contract with the tour operator, and now you expect strangers to fund your holiday! Have some self respect! Unbelievable.

Pollycat

That crowd-funding beggars belief.
No wonder there's £0 money raised.

photome

Pollycat wrote: »

That crowd-funding beggars belief.
No wonder there's £0 money raised.

only started 4 hours ago, he may get a fiver by this time tomorrow, if he is lucky.

he is trying the sympathy card re serving military and 6 kids.

wish i could afford to have 6 kids