nickologjam Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I sell a few shoot days through various methods including this forum and every year it never ceases to disappoint me how many no shows and let downs I get. I ask for a deposit against bookings but there are always the ones who drag it out until a few days before the booking when they either let me know their plans have changed if I'm lucky or alternatively just don't bother turning up and I don't hear from them again. I never used to ask for deposits at all but as usual its the few who **** it up for the many. There are at least three names on this forum alone, but should I name and shame? Whats the point, people will no doubt give me the public abuse and hurriedly come up with a reason why I am somehow to blame. Can we please remember that syndicate and commercial shoots alike rely on a full season of pegs being filled just to survive and lost revenue means failing shoots and less opportunities for everyone. Whatever your budget or shooting discipline I was always taught that shooting was a sport for Gentlemen (and Women). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackbart Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I just had this conversation the other day.... What we were thinking is a deposit and a time limit..say at least 2 weeks notice or you lose deposit. At least then it gives you a chance to get other guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 Take it on the chin but next time deposit up front and don't let it drag on, it's ridiculous but sadly the only way to avoid idiots Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 Any genuine gun should be willing to pay a deposit - I would be. I pay a deposit for stalking and my stalker has lost a lot of money through those who cant be bothered to turn up or ring, not to mention the early (4.00am) starts ! Make it a condition until you know the guys - it makes it worse for the rest of us in the end. Half up front as a minimum, even a cheque gives a bit o added security. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikk Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I don't see why only half up front should be paid? If you book a holiday you dont pay the ballance when you get there. If the day is cancelled the shoot organiser can return the money. If I take a peg and cant make it surely that's my tough luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webber Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 (edited) Hi Nick I've sent you a PM Edited November 18, 2012 by webber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 Money up front all day long Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I actually don't think I've ever paid a deposit for stalking or driven game but on the other hand I've always turned up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 And being from Herts you don't pay with cash you pay by "receiving" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontbeck Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I actually don't think I've ever paid a deposit for stalking or driven game but on the other hand I've always turned up Me neither but I always turn up. However, the estate or keeper knows the guns. If I were to book somewhere new I would expect to pay a deposit Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker56 Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I'm new to the sport and wouldn't be insulted or even think anything out of the ordinary to be asked for the full amount to be paid upfront with a time limit before the shoot either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I'm always happy to pay up front but not been asked to yet but shoot with guys I know. I would have thought full up front payment would be normal if you buy a day. If the days cancelled you will be refunded if you can't make it that's not acceptable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Mongrel- Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 I'm new to the sport and wouldn't be insulted or even think anything out of the ordinary to be asked for the full amount to be paid upfront with a time limit before the shoot either. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 2 years ago, i paid 100% deposit on a driven day. just to secure the pegs for that popular day. its a purchase agreement for a product. i wouldnt hesitate to pay for it upfront. i was sent a reciept and documentation. it was paid by cheque so any disctepencys can be tracked. certainly having a limit on when you must pay the minimum helps. its horrible chasing money from people. in some cases its like getting blood from a stone., OH they are willing to pay the minimum amount of deposit, then chasing the rest of the money is impossible. i`ve had my fingers burned, so i wont help out anyone else again. money talks, nothing walks ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 This is answerable by the simple 'if it starts going wrong it will keep going wrong' law. (There must be a better name for it than that). We're all familiar with he the scenario, someone is supposed to stump up goods, money, time or services and lo and behold they start prevaricating, then it's one excuse after another. As soon as this happens it will go teats-up, and you might as well cut that friend, customer, supplier whatever loose at the earliest opportunity. A sporting agent I know takes 100% payment up front, they have a good name so it's not usually a problem. I was there the other day and they used to waste a disproportionate amount of time with people fannying about over payment, so nowadays it's pay up or no day booked for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamiedenny Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 deposit then full payment 2 weeks prior or you let the place go. I would happily subscribe to these terms as long as I got sufficient receipts and you had a track record. Dont ever feel bad about chasing money, a customer who doesn't pay isn't a customer they are a pain in the ****. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stubby Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I'd name and shame your providing a service, same as me with pest control that has more than one visit, I get payment in full before anything is done its too easy for people to moan about the cost once all visits have been done, if they only pay a percentage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 My suggestion of half was the midway between a customer and keepers risk. I pay for driven days when I get there - the keepers here know me and must be happy I'll get there and pay up as with most of us. There are bad shoots out there who might take the cash and sell the day twice - although I have no experience of this personally. Work with people you know and trust or ask for the full amount, as said 2/3 weeks prior and send confirmation/receipt. I would personally suggest naming and shaming on here should be the norm - who needs shooters who are not as good as their word ? Eventually they would all get the message. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asa Bear Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Deposit to secure peg then paid up in full say two weeks before shoot date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRNDL Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I would suggest a payment of 50% upfront, adopting this method facilitates a financial commitment and adds more significance to attendance. I would stress the balance must be paid x days before the commencement of the shoot. Failure to do so will see your peg go up for auction on a forum such as pigeon watch, taking bids on or above the outstanding fee. In addition to the above, advertise the peg for the remaining balance on a first come first served basis. The keeper is paid in full for the peg, and somebody gets a very cheap rate for a days shooting at the expense of a fellow gun. Just my input into the business side of things. Friendly shoots with know participants are likely not to take this approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lock Stock & Barrel Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 I just had this conversation the other day.... What we were thinking is a deposit and a time limit..say at least 2 weeks notice or you lose deposit. At least then it gives you a chance to get other guns. Wise move, but I'd be harder still. Tell anyone wanting to join a shoot that their name will only be added to the peg list upon the receipt of a deposit of 25% of the shoot fee - then, unless the remaining 75% of the fee is received at least 3 weeks before the day of the shoot, they forfeit both their deposit and their day on the shoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikk Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 If I order a TV I dont pay on delivery. The full amount is paid before. Can't see why shooting shouldn't be the same. Gready people take pegs that others could have had and then pull out at the last minute. The shoot struggles to fill last ninute places and even if they get the money they are left a gun short. Anyway one mans loss is anothers gain. I probably got that peg and had one of the best days of my life! The days review is coming soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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