Poster: A snowHead
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Hi all.
Im planning to join a trip to a chalet booked with ski-beat, thing is, Ive never met the group before.
I found the trip advertised on another forum, and there is nothing which has made me suspicious, but Im concerned about parting with my money, and wonder how I can confirm there is no chance Im being scammed or anything.
The trip is already booked, but me and my girlfriend are going to replace 2 who have dropped out.
I think what would reassure me is confirmation from ski-beat before I pay the guy who has organised the trip, but Im not sure if this is possible.
Im going to contact them tomorrow, but before doing so I am looking for any advice from the forum.
Thanks,
Skola
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Skola, I think that is a reasonable thing to ask Ski Beat, they might not give you an answer but it's a reasonable ask! Can you be upfront with the chap your paying? Ask for some form of conformation?
Otherwise I'm sure I've seen similar trips on here?
If it's just the two of you booking last minute with the big tour operators can be a very cheap way of holidaying. I did it a fair bit when I was a student, quite exciting, sometimes you would arrive in a country and not know where you were going, what the chalet would be like or what the other guests would be like. Out of my 5 or 6 trips like this (thanks to Student Loans) I never had a bad experience...
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Hi Parlor thanks for your reply!
I will be up front with the guy whos organising it, but I think he would like a deposit first before getting the names changed for the flights and everything, so even £50/person would mean I could loose £100 (it is quite unlikely tho).
Im really happy with the offer I have to be honest, the resort looks amazing, and ive priced everything and its within budget, but I appreciate you sharing your experience.
Was hoping for a few more replies but most appreciated.
Thanks,
Skola
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Quote: |
it's a reasonable ask!
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No it isn't. It is a question. 'The work 'ask' is not a noun.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Lizzard wrote: |
Quote: |
it's a reasonable ask!
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No it isn't. It is a question. 'The work 'ask' is not a noun. |
lol
ski beat said they only deal with the party leader so unfortunately theres nothing they can do.
that puts me in a pickle because as sure as I am, Im still putting quite alot of trust in an almost complete stranger.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Skola,
I just did an identical thing (join an unknown group). I was not uncomfortable giving the money to the organiser but wanted to pay the chalet directly so that I had better accountability if i had to cancel the holiday/use the travel insurance.
Anyway, the chalet in question (and the "organiser") are quite happy for me to pay them directly so that's what I am doing....if I can get them to pick up the phone!
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thanks for your reply kruisler
i guess that isnt an option with skibeat it seems
they did say that i can call them and they can give confirmation that we are part of the party
so i think il ask the guy to do that first before giving him any money as a good will / trust jesture
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Skola, I find it a bit strange that ski beat won't let you pay them directly as Kruisler, says, that would solve your problem. presumably the person you need to pay is just a private individual so you can't pay by credit card?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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To me it looks like Ski Beat are a lazy bunch.
My chalet had to issue an invoice and payment receipt just in my name and I bet you Ski beat just can't be bothered...I don't really see any valid reason not to be able to pay them directly.
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Do you have the full name of the group leader? If so, phone up Skibeat and say you are that person and want to check some details, etc. I think Skibeat's site also has chalet availability so at least you could check that there really is someone booked in for that date and that the chalet isn't shown as empty! Can't really see why Skibeat wouldn't try and be as helpful as possible though - anyone like me who wonders about booking with them might not do so now?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Ski beat amd other large TO's will give group discounts - one reason for doing so is that they will have a single point of contact for x number of bookings, makes their operation much easier and it's part of the agreement you enter into when accepting the group discount, so it's no surprise that they can't take the OP's payment seperately.
Kruisler's situation is entirely different, he's dealing with a private chalet who are much more flexible and friendly and his group organiser is an honest and genuine geezer
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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masmith, you know him then?
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Have crossed his path from time to time
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You know it makes sense.
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Janska:
I have checked and the chalet is not available during the dates ive been given.
As far as im aware masmith is right with the one point on contact, plus, i think everything might have been paid already
Im actually waiting for word back from my work - the hr department needs to ok my holidays but its a quiet time of year and shud be ok
il let you guys know what happens
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Is he a Nigerian prince
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