Honesty pay-per-stay stopover

[VandM]

Hi funsters.

As we're nearing the point of opening our new motorhome stopover/Aire we're looking at a fair pricing for per night stays (regardless of the number of people in a motorhome).
Facilities will be black and grey water disposal, fresh water, level hardstanding, food waste composting.
We're a micro farm on a small island within the Orkney archipelago with stunning south facing sea and island views.
The entire site infrastructure, simple as it is, has been created from our own funds but we're considering using a "pay what you feel it's worth" pricing structure.
We'd give visitors an envelope for them put in money to the value of what they feel is fair for their one or two night stay.

Has anyone heard of this kind of charging scheme and what are your thoughts on it's viability?

VandM

 

[Cie]

Glad to hear you’re progressing well with your aire. Here in Fraserburgh we charge £5 a night but only have parking and water currently. We’d need to charge £3-5 for waste disposal to just cover the cost of having the tank emptied, that’s if we manage to get something installed cheaply!
Nearby aires generally charge about £10 per night with water and waste, plus another £3 for EHU (although with the cost of electricity increasing I suspect that might change, as its difficult to recoup all the installation costs as well as cover the amount used).
We’re here all the time at the moment, but would need to have an honesty box if we manage to get out travelling ourselves. We have had people stop who’ve tried to give us a tenner as they said £5 was too cheap, but we’re not in it for the money, just offering a safe parking space and trying to cover insurance costs etc, so you might find your pay what you think it was worth idea works well for you. I quite like that as it also helps people who perhaps can’t afford as much as others, and also for people with perhaps a small camper versus a larger motorhome or solo traveller versus large family to decide what’s fair.
We also have a PayPal Account people can use and there is a comp any called Airestop that has just started that offer a payment method for a small fee (sadly this is currently too big a percentage for us with our charges but might work for you)
Keep us updated with your progress. We’ll definitely try to head up to you once we’ve finished converting our small van to a camper (we want to do see the Orkneys, Shetland and Hebrides but our 7.5 tonnes beastie woukd cost a fortune on the ferries, if she fitted!)
Best wishes,
Cecilia and Greg at Glenbuchty Stopover, Fraserburgh

 

[VandM]

Nobody mentioned the MHF discount yet

A good plan, worth us investigating.
Cheers.

 

[violet]

We have stayed at a village site in Scotland, it had an honesty box but no suggested payment. We put what we thought in the box but other vans did not seem to see or use the box.
Personally I much prefer knowing what I will be paying rather than having to second guess what is wanted. I'd be more likely to stay happy and comfortable in my mind if I didn't have to try and work out what the site owner wants.
If there is a set payment indicated the site is more likely to get it.
I'm not sure that the fact that people may have made a long journey and paid a lot to get to a particular place is relevant. We've been to Iceland in the van several times and no'one could say that was easy or cheap. But we still preferred to know what we would be paying for the sites we stayed on.
Can you post and let us know what you decide please?

 

[Roger S]

Which ever way you go with the costs you can adjust it if it needs to be adjusted.

Good luck with your venture

Roger

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[Skyway]

Because "Too many" infers that the number of visitors who don't pay anything should dictates that the vast majority lose out.
As a previous post suggests, the relative remoteness of our location and the effort needed to get here is (possibly) likely to deter the type of person you refer to.
We do understand your sentiment but don't want to live our lives stressing over the tiny number of disagreeable types walking the earth.
But it is good to hear a spectrum of views, so thank you.

I do agree with you and that good what your doing and your right you in the middle of no where
I am just used to the scumbags and I live in central London and everyone wants to bloody rob ya
Good luck and I am sure it be fine

 

[BillyKontiki]

You assume that we are naïve or gullible? If someone leaves after two nights stay after using onsite facilities and only puts a tenner in the honesty box (or nothing at all) we may be disappointed but we'll not chase them round the island or block them from boarding the ferry back to Mainland.
In life we cannot insulate ourselves from the greedy or selfish but we can have faith in the majority of humanity.

We’ll put

 

[Emmit]

I know it's a different thing all together and the client base is Christian but there are albergues (refuges for the night) all over Spain and Portugal on the Camino de Santiago where, for a donativo (donation)' a pilgrim can have a bed for the night.
Having said that, I have seen people walking out, having had, not only a bed but showering and cooking facilities, without making a contribution.
I wish you luck but don't do this without a suitably worded 'Suggestion' as to payment.

 

[DerryW]

Kyle of Localsh? Agreed, is all thats needed in a decent camper or MH.
I think Jim was looking at it to include in the MH fun certified sites at one point

Yes, I think it was called Auchtertyre farm. I repeat, very basic, but all that's needed if touring west of Scotland. It's a pity there are not more places like this down south. I would have thought it would be a good revenue stream for smaller farms.

 

[Ivory55]

Yes, I think it was called Auchtertyre farm. I repeat, very basic, but all that's needed if touring west of Scotland. It's a pity there are not more places like this down south. I would have thought it would be a good revenue stream for smaller farms.

If it was a good earner then they would be doing it.

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[VandM]

If it was a good earner then they would be doing it.

Yes, it's not a serious revenue stream, more a useful addition, a boost to the island community income a d a service to fellow motorhomers.

 

[pampam]

Vandm i would have an honesty box and also a mobile form of payment for those who dont carry cash,if its not your main business,and costs you no more in sewage and water rates,insurance and council tax,and rubbish removal (meaning if you arent out of pocket) then its a great idea,i think for the ones that are tight and try to flimp you,there ll be more that are happy to stay in such a beautifull place and pay more.you could try it for a year and see how much you earn lol ………keep us informed please ..happy new year

 

[pampam]

Ps ive just googled where you are and i wouldnt be dragging my little old caravan there sadly,but if i ever manage to buy another motorhome ,ill put your place on my wish list

 

[Essgeebee]

We agree, not "all" people can be trusted but the untrustworthy types are in the minority and we will not have our lives jaded by that type of person.
Having an honesty or quoted structure was the point of our original post and we are grateful for all comments (even if we don't agree with them all).

Do you just want us to agree with you? There you go, sorted.
Skyway is giving an opinion that (however we may wish it was otherwise) is the reality. But why not give your 'honesty' approach a year. If you're happy with it, continue. When you discover that Skyway had a point you can change tack if you want. If you seek opinions of a group you're going to get a variety of answers. Good luck with your venture.

 

[VandM]

Do you just want us to agree with you? There you go, sorted.
Skyway is giving an opinion that (however we may wish it was otherwise) is the reality. But why not give your 'honesty' approach a year. If you're happy with it, continue. When you discover that Skyway had a point you can change tack if you want. If you seek opinions of a group you're going to get a variety of answers. Good luck with your venture.

My post was a consultative.
It has proven to be extremely informative, with lots of views and guided us in deciding a pricing structure.
Skyway has a point and we thanked them for it (we had a number of exchanges).
There will no doubt, at some point, be non payers no matter what kind of revenue collection methods we choose.

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[Realist]

Reading all the above seams so complicated, it’s like a game of guess the price.

I would just stick a price list up and leave it at that and quote donations greatfull.

That way your getting a guaranteed figure a night and possible extra and not keeping fingers crossed that people will pay and pay a reasonable price.

Best wishes.

 

[corconx]

Im one who rarely has cash on me but am quite happy to pay by PayPal and if you use Family and Friends they can pay to a mobile number as per here;

How does PayPal Friends And Family work?

1. Log into the PayPal account.
2. Select “Send & Request”
3. Input the recipient's details using either the name, email address or phone number in the “Send money” section.
4. Choose “Sending to a friend” when prompted.
5. Enter the payment amount and add a note, if desired.
6. Click Submit.

That gives an option that doesn’t cost you anything

Wish you every good luck and hope to get up from Cornwall. Long way but have friends at South Shian who we try to see annually as he’s 90 today.

When ready you can also list on searchforsites

Carol

 

[Swozer]

Generally, most people like certainty and dislike the hassle over discussing "how much shall we put in?". You could be the cause of many spousal arguments! Campers want low stress, not worrying about what the owners might think of them. Fixed or suggested price is best.

 

[P Jones]

Hi funsters.

As we're nearing the point of opening our new motorhome stopover/Aire we're looking at a fair pricing for per night stays (regardless of the number of people in a motorhome).
Facilities will be black and grey water disposal, fresh water, level hardstanding, food waste composting.
We're a micro farm on a small island within the Orkney archipelago with stunning south facing sea and island views.
The entire site infrastructure, simple as it is, has been created from our own funds but we're considering using a "pay what you feel it's worth" pricing structure.
We'd give visitors an envelope for them put in money to the value of what they feel is fair for their one or two night stay.

Has anyone heard of this kind of charging scheme and what are your thoughts on it's viability?

VandM

i no

 

[cyberyacht]

I'm unsure what you mean by "vehicular access" in this context? A vehicle and passenger ferry links our island with Mainland (Mainland Orkney). It operates 7 days a week all year round with six return sailings a day.
The ferry takes everything from foot passengers, bikes, motorcycles, vans, motorhomes and HGV's up to medium sized articulated lorries.

That'll teach me to zoom in a bit more on GoogleEarth.

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[Kelsae2]

West Harris Trust have payment by cash or Paypal, so that would cover people who do not always carry cash for payment.
Auchtertyre Farm is a good setup, with payment by Paypal. Easy to do and a good facility to have in the area.
Good luck choosing whatever payment method suits you. Hopefully we will be back in the Orkneys again soon and will make a point of visiting the outer islands this time.

 

[cmcardle75]

£10 sounds about right, although in the right location I'd consider more.

I never pay cash, though and nor do many people under the age of 50 who don't work in a trade.

You absolutely need to have a non-cash method of payment. Exactly how that would work would depend on your internet access and frequency of payments, I'd guess. Anything from a paypal drop point to an active contactless payment point (like churches and museums use to take donations). Whilst they may cost more to setup, I bet almost everyone would tap a card, many would pay by paypal (if there's signal) and you might occassionally find someone who will leave cash in a box.

 

[VandM]

£10 sounds about right, although in the right location I'd consider more.

I never pay cash, though and nor do many people under the age of 50 who don't work in a trade.

You absolutely need to have a non-cash method of payment. Exactly how that would work would depend on your internet access and frequency of payments, I'd guess. Anything from a paypal drop point to an active contactless payment point (like churches and museums use to take donations). Whilst they may cost more to setup, I bet almost everyone would tap a card, many would pay by paypal (if there's signal) and you might occassionally find someone who will leave cash in a box.

We are having contactless, chip and PIN, PayPal and cash options.
Looks like for the card/contactless payment options we'll go for either SumUp or Zettle and have PayPal QR codes.
Mobile signal at our location is a strong and reliable 4G so no issues there.
It does seem we're moving into more of a cashless society, whether or not that's a good thing I'm not sure but in a Covid world it'll mean less cross contact issues.

Slainte.

 

[DDJC]

We are having contactless, chip and PIN, PayPal and cash options.
Looks like for the card/contactless payment options we'll go for either SumUp or Zettle and have PayPal QR codes.
Mobile signal at our location is a strong and reliable 4G so no issues there.
It does seem we're moving into more of a cashless society, whether or not that's a good thing I'm not sure but in a Covid world it'll mean less cross contact issues.

Slainte.

Slainte Mhath

I applaud your pricing idea, which is a charming display of trust that is frankly, less common, either given or received, in much of the country.

However, I would prefer a set charge. Payment method is less of an issue for me. Card, phone, BACs, PP, cash or pullet eggs, all fine with me.

Having looked at your location on Google, I would imagine that on a clear day, the view across Wyre would be something to be gazed at for hours (with a glass of the strong stuff, obv). For me therefore, if I had a good day, with a wonderful clear night and maybe even a showing of the aurora, I'd be putting thirty quid in your envelope, and probably want to do a second night. If however, it was chucking it down, I'd be back to my most miserableness, and put in less. Human nature is to be generous when you are content! Unless of course you come from a certain northern county where they take rather too much pride in a bargain!

A set charge would alleviate any awkwardness or disappointments.

 

[VandM]

Slainte Mhath

I applaud your pricing idea, which is a charming display of trust that is frankly, less common, either given or received, in much of the country.

However, I would prefer a set charge. Payment method is less of an issue for me. Card, phone, BACs, PP, cash or pullet eggs, all fine with me.

Having looked at your location on Google, I would imagine that on a clear day, the view across Wyre would be something to be gazed at for hours (with a glass of the strong stuff, obv). For me therefore, if I had a good day, with a wonderful clear night and maybe even a showing of the aurora, I'd be putting thirty quid in your envelope, and probably want to do a second night. If however, it was chucking it down, I'd be back to my most miserableness, and put in less. Human nature is to be generous when you are content! Unless of course you come from a certain northern county where they take rather too much pride in a bargain!

A set charge would alleviate any awkwardness or disappointments.

Here's that very view, taken at the start of the project.
The four parking bays are in that top part of the field.
Thanks for the kind words.

Lang may yer lum reek.

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[Mr and Mrs O]

Rather than talking about suggested cost , honesty boxes and FLT.
I think that the original poster should be commended for taking the time, effort and Im sure considerable amount of cash setting this up!
Thanks and wishing you every success .