Bronco Off-Roadeo Warning

[sajohnson]

Thank you! This forum group is very kind! I don't know any of you and you don't know me and yet you find it in you to empathize with me.

I am grateful just for that even if there is no financial resolution for me. I had challenged the charge on my CC and the Roadeo people doubled down on their refusal even to the point of sending every last cancellation legalese to the CC people which I then received Monday. I don't know, it just felt like a slam especially in light of the resort's reply to tell me to take care of my wife and the "no cancellation" deposit of $250. was being returned to my CC.

That's ice cold and a perfect example of how NOT to do business.

This is a classic "black & white vs shades of grey" situation.

B&W: The Off-Rodeo people are within their rights to keep your deposit. It is greedy, short-sighted, and stupid -- but legal. It will cost them far more in the long run.

Shades of grey: Most rules governing business-client relationships have (or should have) exceptions. Like returns -- instead of lumping all customers together and making a "NO RETURNS!" proclamation, they should treat people as individuals. Yes, some people take advantage, but most do not.

It is understandable that the Off-Rodeo program has a non-refundable deposit. They have a legitimate business need to minimize no-shows. Most people who do not show up probably do not have a particularly good excuse. You and your wife are clearly the exception!

There is no defense for how the Off-Rodeo people are treating you. None. Based on your experience, my wife and I have decided not to go to any Off-Rodeo events (we have an RV and were planning to). I could not have a good time knowing how they treated you. In fact, I would encourage everyone to avoid Off-Rodeo events.

You have a few options:

1) Contact Ford.
2) Contact the BBB -- file a complaint, write a review (you could use your posts here).
3) Keep working with your CC company/bank. Explain that you are fully aware of the deposit policy, you are not disputing its existence, just it's implementation. Provide some proof of your wife's condition (maybe something that documents her dialysis). The CC people are supposed to go to bat for you. They should see the shades of grey and persuade the Off-Rodeo folks to make a "goodwill exception."

FWIW, every time I've contested a charge the bank reversed it within a few days. Some situations were similar to yours in that technically/legally the business could take the action they were taking, but it was wrong in that particular case.

If the bank refuses to help, you could threaten to cancel your card, but IDK if that would help. It might, or they could say 'sorry to see you go...'

Best of luck to you and of course your wife. Let us know how it goes.

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[davidg4781]

Thank you! This forum group is very kind! I don't know any of you and you don't know me and yet you find it in you to empathize with me.

I am grateful just for that even if there is no financial resolution for me. I had challenged the charge on my CC and the Roadeo people doubled down on their refusal even to the point of sending every last cancellation legalese to the CC people which I then received Monday. I don't know, it just felt like a slam especially in light of the resort's reply to tell me to take care of my wife and the "no cancellation" deposit of $250. was being returned to my CC.

I think one of the things businesses look at is how you cancelling that spot impacts their business. At least this is what I remember from my Business Law class...

For the hotel... they are either fully booked and can fill your empty room or they have plenty of empty rooms and you missing isn't going to have a negative impact. By negative impact, I mean you not showing, they don't have time to fill, and they lose out on that income.

For the Off-Rodeo... They already paid for the food and will not be able to fill your spot. I didn't realize how popular Off-Rodeos were until I went and saw how many have come through so they may end up missing out on your income, which is why they charge that cancellation fee.

If you do decide to push back, one argument you can maybe use is were the BSs fully booked? When I went, only 2 out of 4-5 BSs were occupied so other than some ok food, they weren't out any money.

I know it doesn't feel good how they weren't giving you a refund. If I were in your shoes, I would probably expect a refund too. Hopefully you can talk to someone that can make it either right or at least half right.

 

[gatornek]

If you do decide to push back, one argument you can maybe use is were the BSs fully booked?

A great, POINTED question that can possibly open up one's leverage.

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