Cattery Cancellation - Asking For Full Payment

2020_Scotland

I had booked my two cats into a cattery from the 23-28 December while I was visiting family during the Christmas break. I am in Scotland and was planning on travelling to another area of Scotland. Due to the government's announcement re lockdown, I cancelled the cattery booking. I contacted them on Saturday evening (5 days before our booking) and they have asked for full payment of £176 (I already paid a deposit of (£34)). I asked if it would be possible to compromise given the circumstances and they replied to say that  "they didn't want to fall out with me but that all their other customers are happy to pay in full". They also stated their business insurance and government support does not impact my contractual obligations. 
I would be happy to pay for 50% but I feel that because I'm cancelling due to lockdown and circumstances outwith my control, I shouldn't be liable for the full amount. However, this really isn't an area I'm clued up on so would appreciate advice.

adamp87

A deposit is usually for this exact occurrence.

What were the terms and conditions of the contract for the deposit/booking you signed, you need to look at those. But I wouldn't be paying anything bar the deposit if that's all that's required.

Thrugelmir

What do their terms and conditions say?  Cancellation at short notice is a standard event. Nothing unusual. 

tacpot12

I think your instincts are correct to try to negotiate a partial payment. They will not have to heat the run or feed your cats, so they are saving a little of their costs. Unless the contract binds you to pay in full if you cancel at the point you did, I would carry on trying to negotiate, and gently tell them that what other customers have done is not relevant to you. You might bear in mind that you would have had this cost if your plans had gone a head so presumably you can afford it. 

You should bear in mind that if you want to be able to us this cattery in future, it would be as well to come to an agreement that the cattery owner is truly happy with, otherwise they won't accept a booking from you in future. 

2020_Scotland

Thanks everyone. A deposit was already taken and I was fully expecting that this wouldn't be returned. The terms and conditions state that if cancellation is less than 7 days before then full payment is required. However, I was hoping that as these are extraordinary circumstances then some leniency would be granted. I don't intend on using them in the future, but still want to be professional and understanding too. 

comeandgo

You can still give your cats a holiday, cattery is still open and your cancellation is less than 7 days.

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds
check out  contracts that cannot go ahead due to lockdown laws

Thrugelmir

2020_Scotland said:

 However, I was hoping that as these are extraordinary circumstances then some leniency would be granted.

Bet you would soon start complaining if your employer did likewise and wanted you to accept reduced pay at the end of the month. 

unholyangel

How did you enter the contract? Over the phone? Online? In person? And when?

2020_Scotland

unholyangel said:

How did you enter the contract? Over the phone? Online? In person? And when?

I booked online on the 27 November then confirmed with a phone call and then paid the deposit.

2020_Scotland

sheramber said:

check out  contracts that cannot go ahead due to lockdown laws

Thanks. They are saying that they are remaining open so I guess the contract could go ahead?