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Abroad - Q. Are we being ripped off or what? A. What.

SamMalone - Dec 03, 2009 - 08:37 AM
Post subject: Q. Are we being ripped off or what? A. What.

I’ve spoken about some of this on another thread, but I can’t seem to find it to link it to this:

Anyway, are we being ripped off or is this the way it works with airport transfers?

We go to Tignes from Dec 13th – 20th (flying EDI-GVA)

We booked our flights back in July, to get them as cheap as we could. We booked our chalet mid September and about 4 days before we booked, I had a long conversation with one of the co-owners of the chalet. During this conversation, he told me the cost of a transfer for 2008/09 was 450 euros per 8 seater bus and that we’d be roundabout that price divided by 8.

As it worked out, we were the only guests flying into GVA and due to our flight times we couldn’t use Alpi/Alti bus or get the train and we wouldn’t consider hiring a car. The chalet co-owner organised transfers with Cool Bus and he initially quoted us 550 euros split between the 4 of us, this then came down to 500, which the co owner declared a “good deal” and that “it wasn’t that cheap for season 2008-09” (he forgot he’d told me it 450 for 2008-09)

We resigned our selves, to paying the 500 and paid a 30% deposit. On Tuesday, the co owner phoned me and said they had another 3 people wanting to share our bus, but we’d have to wait an hour in GVA for them. To which, I said OK, assuming that it’ll now be 500/7, to which the chalet co-owner replied it would be more like 550/7. At which we said “no way, we’ve got an invoice from Cool Bus for 500 euros, that’s the agreed price”

He forwarded the new request to Cool Bus (without attaching our comments), asking them if it was OK to pick up one hour later at GVA. Cool Bus replied yesterday saying it wouldn’t be a problem and that the new price for the bus is 700 euros and that as my group had paid 500 euros (they took the outstanding balance before they replied) we’d get a refund of 29 euros each (which might be enough for a round of beers and a packet of crisps, whilst we wait for the other 3 to arrive at GVA)

Some of our group think “yes, we’re being ripped off, but what can you do” and others think, “fcuk them, we won’t wait for the extra hour for the sake of 29 euros and we’ll just keep it at 500 euros and have the 8 seater to ourselves, so we can stretch out, rather than wait for an hour for the other 3”, that way Cool Bus need to send another bus and the other 3 can pay whatever they get charged divided by 3.

Anyone else been in this kinda situation before?

Rob_Quads - Dec 03, 2009 - 11:04 AM
Post subject: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

Personally for the sake of £25 I would go with the first setup - more sapce less waiting around which is the last thing you want to do once you have arrived.

HandD - Dec 03, 2009 - 11:19 AM
Post subject: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

any reason why you can't phone around yourself and arrange something

mini. - Dec 03, 2009 - 11:34 AM
Post subject: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

Walk into Avis and hire a car. you will spend less plus have all the convenience of having a car.

a weeks hire for a 2lt vectra is only £247 quid.

for 4 people travelling a hire car should be a real consideration (unless you plan on being wasted when you get off the plane!)

nickmotture - Dec 03, 2009 - 11:43 AM
Post subject: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

So they have said you will get 29 euros each refund and you're complaining they are ripping you off? I'm not sure what you are moaning about to be honest?

nickmotture - Dec 03, 2009 - 11:47 AM
Post subject: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

Oh and the people who think feck them they can get their own bus should go take up another sport, they sounds like lovely people, not in the slightest bit selfish.

cantridepete - Dec 03, 2009 - 12:03 PM
Post subject: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

i'd have a phone around some of the other companies and see what else is available, just to compare it really. Its difficult to know if your being ripped off without having anything to compare it too.

if you look on the coolbus website the cost on your day for 7 people from geneva is 672.00 RETURN...

SamMalone - Dec 03, 2009 - 12:19 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

Can’t arrange something else as no one would pick up us as early as we need for the return flight (plus Cool Bus have got our 500 euros).

Car hire is out, as we do intend being wasted when e get on/off the plane and we’ll each have our own boardbags as well.

It’s not the 29 euros refund, the agreed/invoiced price was 500 not 700, the price should be 500/7, not 700/7. Cool Bus told us that it was a private transfer and the bus was “ours” when we agreed to the 500 euros. They’ve now bumped up the price to 700 when they were offered more punters. This morning, I’ve been copied into emails from the chalet to Cool Bus and the chalet say the price now quoted is “very disappointing” and Cool Bus have replied to the chalet saying “not to worry” and basically “tough sh1t” and we should think ourselves lucky as Cool Bus have waived their “usual admin fee”

…and I am one of our party who think fcuk them, purely because it gives Cool Bus and the chalet grief, it’s nothing to do with the 3 skiers arriving into GVA an hour later. I’m also with Rob Quads in thinking, it’s a long transfer, so max space to stretch out and enjoy the beers (plus one of our group suffers from travel sickness, so surely it’s better to be puking amongst friends rather than 3 complete strangers….

nickmotture - Dec 03, 2009 - 12:34 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

to be honest when you book a transfer you are often in with other people, thats often how it works. If they are taking more people they charge more money, if not what is the point in them picking up more people, what in it for them as a company? If you want a private transfer then you pay more for it, which you are doing. As for not wanting another three complete strangers in the bus with you despite it being cheaper for you, well i hope the shoes i on the other foot sometime. You're basically saying screw those other people they can pay for another transfer between them an hour later. How would you feel if that was you and hour later, they are going to have to pay hundreds more because you wont wait a little while despite this meaning it will actually be cheaper for you. Remember theses are people may well be sharing your accomodation and may well have become mates, dont expect them to speak to you all week!

joe_edd - Dec 03, 2009 - 12:50 PM
Post subject: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

SamMalone wrote:

Some of our group think “yes, we’re being ripped off, but what can you do” and others think, “fcuk them, we won’t wait for the extra hour for the sake of 29 euros and we’ll just keep it at 500 euros and have the 8 seater to ourselves, so we can stretch out, rather than wait for an hour for the other 3”, that way Cool Bus need to send another bus and the other 3 can pay whatever they get charged divided by 3.

Anyone else been in this kinda situation before?

I am of the opinion to stuff the 3 extra people, stretch out, and then once you arrive you can just relax, see what the resort has to offer in way of bars, etc and just get yourself geared up for the week ahead. In my opinion there is nothing worse then hanging around an airport waiting for people because by the time you arrive you are so anxious and full of excitement and you just want to get to the resort regardless if you going to be on the slopes that day or not. Also the sooner you there the sooner you can relax.

Shame you can’t come on our transfer, but we arriving in Geneva at about 10ish. Which part of Tignes are you going to be staying at? I’m there also from the 13th, and staying at Les Brevieres, the lower part of the resort.

nickmotture - Dec 03, 2009 - 12:54 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

You're obviously a lovely person as well if you say stuff the other people. Whoever said snowboarders were a friendly, inclusive and easy going bunch......

Its only an hour to wait!

SamMalone - Dec 03, 2009 - 12:54 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: RE: Are we being ripped off or what?

We're happy to share - I've put threads on here and the Cool Bus forum asking for people to share the transfer cost, it's the price (goalposts) getting moved that we'rre p1ssed off at. Our "fcuk 'em" attitude is purely aimed at Cool Bus.

.....and the other 3 are in the same chalet as us and are getting picked up at the same time as us on the return leg.

SamMalone - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:06 PM
Post subject: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

joe_edd wrote:

Shame you can’t come on our transfer, but we arriving in Geneva at about 10ish. Which part of Tignes are you going to be staying at? I’m there also from the 13th, and staying at Les Brevieres, the lower part of the resort.

Easyjet from Edinburgh, arrives 11.15am

We're staying in Tignes Les Brev as well. From threads on here, I knew you were in TLB and I was gonna PM you nearer the time, to see if you wanna meet up for beers - more the merrier etc.?

diggity - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:14 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

The simple answer is not your not, the chalet has booked a 4 person transfer (I found one for €400, €100 each) then the chalet changed the booking to 7 (cost now €600 for the one I found, €85 each) for the same transfer. You get some cash back as more people in the bus as it should be. Next time book your own if your worried about it that, way you won't save anything by other being in the bus with you.

joe_edd - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:20 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

nickmotture wrote:

You're obviously a lovely person as well if you say stuff the other people. Whoever said snowboarders were a friendly, inclusive and easy going bunch......

Its only an hour to wait!

Thanks for the compliment. I know I am a lovely person. I agree with SamMalone about the goal post keeps on being moved with the price, maybe if it stayed static then it wouldn’t be so bad. Anyway human nature dictates us to be selfish, being nice would mean going out of way and putting in effort for something, who wants to do that, unless we born with being nice the whole time then it would be easier on our part. Buts it’s a dog eat dog world and you got to be tough to get by else people will take advantage of you. (devils advocate, not the movie).

Yeah an hour is an hour, but what happens if it’s delayed or it falls out the sky and you are on it, what a shame. I joke, please see it as that.

But now SamMalone has provided new info saying that the people are in the same chalet, maybe you should wait for them because then you can get to know them on the way to the resort and they could be a good bunch of people. Also if they find out that you screwed them by not waiting, then the week could be an awkward one.

nickmotture - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:29 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

exactly, theyre in the same chalet and they will know that you wouldnt wait an hour and cost them several hundred more, fun times!

Im confused now if its the price you're complaining about....they quoted you 500 quid didnt they? And now they're saying its going to be less than that....so what are you annoyed about, that the price has gone down??!

joe_edd - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:38 PM
Post subject: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

SamMalone wrote:

Ah yes, I remember I just had a look back at a previous topic “Weather…Hot or Cold” the link is here if people want to have a gander at http://snowboardclub.co.uk/index.php?na ... highlight= yeah and remember you saying you at Les Brev.

Do PM me closer to the time, well we pretty close now 9 days to go. Can meet up for beers, there’s is 27 of us going on the 13th, so a bit of a big group.

kieren24 - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:42 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

You could hire 2 large cars for 10 days for 500 Euros... you will have fuel on top and tolls... just a thought...

I've got a 2L mondeo from 11-21 from Geneva...

Tiberius - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:56 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

joe_edd wrote:

...it’s a dog eat dog world and you got to be tough to get by else people will take advantage of you.

In some situations, but not all. Personally I'd wait an hour, these people are staying in the same chalet as you, might be 3 hot girls (just an example, but whatever, it sounds like a reasonable start to get to know other people). Your flight might be delayed by that amount of time anyway.

Tiberius - Dec 03, 2009 - 01:59 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

nickmotture wrote:

Whoever said snowboarders were a friendly, inclusive and easy going bunch......

Nobody I know. In general I thought snowboarders had a reputation for being cliquie loners. Certainly never heard of them referred to as friendly and inclusive.

SamMalone - Dec 03, 2009 - 02:04 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

nickmotture wrote:

Im confused now if its the price you're complaining about....they quoted you 500 quid didnt they? And now they're saying its going to be less than that....so what are you annoyed about, that the price has gone down??!

Invoiced for 500 euros/4 and told it was our own private transfer, to me that means it's not an official Cool Bus pick up/transfer. The chalet asked us on Tuesday if it was OK for the other 3 to come with us. To me that means that the price should be the already agreed/invoiced/paid 500 euros/7

diggity - Dec 03, 2009 - 02:09 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

If you check out other transfer companies you'll find the same, more people more cost. But the per person goes down.

Mattylovesthewindchill - Dec 03, 2009 - 09:10 PM
Post subject:

I agree with the OP, I feel the transfer company are being a bit shady.

If you quote a per person transfer, things would be clear, you can understand that you might need to wait while for extra people and you would also understand they need to fill the van as much as possible to stay alive.

However, when you are quoted for a private transfer, it is understood that the price quoted is what a reasonable quote is based on vehicle wear and tear, driver wages, fuel etc, plus a some kind of profit margin. So when they turn around and try and fill up your private transfer and raise the price for their own profit, I and many other people would be pissed off. My question would be, why is it extra money? where is this extra cost incurred? The reality is the tranfer company are trying to cram the PRIVATE transfer to make an extra buck.

I would try and contact the other people in the chalet, and explain the situation, then tell the transfer company you will be taking the original transfer thanks very much, unless of course you are willin th split the 500 7 ways.

nickmotture - Dec 03, 2009 - 09:50 PM
Post subject:

How the hell are they being shady?? They're reducing the price from 500 to 384 to make up for them taking more people...how the hell is that shady?!

Why would they pick up more people for the same price when they could take this lot for 500 and then do a seperate transfer for the other three at full price an hour later??! They're being the opposite of shady the'yre offering something that suits everyone at a lower cost to everyone involved.

You just said they are raising the price...they arent they're lowering it by 29 euros per person!!!!

Some people really expect something for nothing these days.

Sidget - Dec 03, 2009 - 10:08 PM
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Damn

You sound like a rite fun friendly guy Rolling Eyes

Mattylovesthewindchill - Dec 03, 2009 - 10:57 PM
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No, they are raising the price to 700, the quote was not per person originally, so why would it be now.

They wont want to do 2 seperate transfers because a. it will lower the profit margin due to 2 vans, drivers etc b. If they quote 500 for the other 3 people they will probably tell them to get fuc.ked.

I think anyone would understand fillin the van a little more, but for 200 extra? again, what is this for?

I work in transport Nick, I price up jobs, so I know what goes into it. I also know if you start treating people like they are stupid you dont get very far.

[quote="nickmotture"]How the hell are they being shady?? They're reducing the price from 500 to 384 to make up for them taking more people...how the hell is that shady?!

Why would they pick up more people for the same price when they could take this lot for 500 and then do a seperate transfer for the other three at full price an hour later??! They're being the opposite of shady the'yre offering something that suits everyone at a lower cost to everyone involved.

You just said they are raising the price...they arent they're lowering it by 29 euros per person!!!!

Some people really expect something for nothing these days.[/qu

nickmotture - Dec 03, 2009 - 11:24 PM
Post subject:

[quote="Mattylovesthewindchill"]No, they are raising the price to 700, the quote was not per person originally, so why would it be now.

They wont want to do 2 seperate transfers because a. it will lower the profit margin due to 2 vans, drivers etc b. If they quote 500 for the other 3 people they will probably tell them to get fuc.ked.

I think anyone would understand fillin the van a little more, but for 200 extra? again, what is this for?

I work in transport Nick, I price up jobs, so I know what goes into it. I also know if you start treating people like they are stupid you dont get very far.

nickmotture wrote:

I'll say it again they are reducing the price for this guys group by 116 quid.....how the hell is this being shady??!!

What the price is in total makes no difference to either group all that matters is how much each person is paying, and this way they're paying quite a bit lower. You can bang on about them making more money but thats the business they are in, making money. why the hell would they offer to add another group of people together with the original one for no extra money?!

They're getting a much better deal yet they are complaining about it, the company are offer a discount but you;re accusing them of being shady. Some companies cant win, perhaps you'd like them to just offer to do it for free?

Mattylovesthewindchill - Dec 04, 2009 - 01:32 AM
Post subject:

Well then I hope I never come across a company that is run by yourself - apparently only out to make money.

Any business training or current businesses that are successful will tell you that a good deal is a good deal for both parties involved. Especially in the current climate where money is sparse and customers are savvy.

Obviously you need to operate at some kind of profit to stay afloat, they would have factored this into the original quote.

My point isnt that they shouldnt have raised the price, its that a raise of 200 for absolutely no physical reason is a little steep. 100 maybe, 200 you will start to piss poeple off, hence the origination of this post.

I have worked for companys that adopt the policy you share, needless to say they have a high turnover of staff and customers. This particular transport company are lucky they have no competition or i doubt they would be doing any transportation at all.

nickmotture - Dec 04, 2009 - 01:50 AM
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how many times do i have to say the words before you understand the english, THEY ARE OFFERING A DISCOUNT OF 29 EUROS PER PERSON, 166 EUROS IN TOTAL, if that isnt coming up with a solution thats good for all aparties then i dont know what is. It makes no difference to the peopel in the bus, theyre not paying any more are they. Why should they care if the company are making more profit they are getting the serrvice they have booked for less than they were originally quoted. 500 between 4 was the original quote 700 between 7 is the new quote, they are getting a better deal this way!!!!

I honestly dont thnk you could have read the original post through properly or you couldnt be saying what you are. Youre actually saying they should demand the original more expensive transfer deal, pay extra and screw over the other three people just to spite the company and stop them making more profit??? Thats idiotic.

What they have offered gets them a lower price, why is that so wrong???

Mattylovesthewindchill - Dec 04, 2009 - 02:04 AM
Post subject:

And here is the point of this whole thread......

"it makes no difference to the people on the bus"

A 1 hour wait after an uncomfortable flight, and thats if it doesnt get delayed, less room in an already tight minibus/minivan, 1 traveller who gets travel sick.

Perhaps its you who did not read the original post, either that or you just dont understand the gripe of the OP.

If I had been drinking in the airport/on the plane, the last thing I would be looking for is a boozeless wait for a long trip on a cramped bus. You could keep the 30 fu.cking quid.

Sidget - Dec 04, 2009 - 02:10 AM
Post subject:

Quote:

A 1 hour wait after an uncomfortable flight, and thats if it doesnt get delayed, less room in an already tight minibus/minivan

May I be the first to say;

AWWWWWWW DIDDUMS!

Seriously

an hour wait... it's nothing

You'll probably spend a good 40 minutes in baggage reclaim

A lot of us on previous bashes have waited at the Airport for 5 hours+ for flights/transfers etc, but we don't complain as it's just part of enjoying the sport we love

If you find it so drastic that you have to wait another hour, no offence but you need to take a look at how you reflect on life, chill out... relax... why does everyone feel the need to race through life?

Get the later transfer, make some new friends, sit down and have a coffee or whatever for an hour and have a chat, you'll enjoy yourself - Honest!

Smile

Mattylovesthewindchill - Dec 04, 2009 - 04:15 AM
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Well, I wouldnt expect you to understand Sidget, because your probably about 13 and still at school.

I am just guessing of course, but this guy probably works long hours, and wants to go on holiday with mates and have a good time - not be waiting around when a prearranged PRIVATE taxi has already been paid for in advance.

Race to get through life? no. Get to beer laden resort as hassle free as possible so you can enjoy the expensive holiday youve been looking forward to for ages. YES

I am sure you had a great time waiting around in airports on "the bash" sidget, personally i would much prefer to pay extra and go on a holiday with my mates.

nickmotture - Dec 04, 2009 - 08:14 AM
Post subject:

Could you come across as more of a patronising old man? What has his age got to do with it? He makes a good point whereas you just come across as someone who like to complain about everything, like some heroic campainer for consumer rights. I hope to never have to share a transfer or a holiday with you, I bet you moan about the colour of the snow not matching what you were quoted in the
brochure. What about those other three people who will be sharing the chalet with them a week, are you just saying screw them let them get their own transfer and pay tje 500 for anothe trsnsfer on their own? Nice guy, lovely, no really I hope the shoes on the other foot someday.

And fir your information this is one of the biggest most liked and most used transfer company, it's also the only one who will pick them up that early the rest said no. You ask for a premium service you pay a premium price. Ive done that transfer from geneva to tignes about
thirty times and t's still a bargain, especially since it's early and no one else would take them.

joe_edd - Dec 04, 2009 - 08:45 AM
Post subject:

I love forums Love

nickmotture you are my favorite person to read, you have the answers to everything and also when ever there is a debate going on somewhere you are always found in the think of it. Its not your fault to be honest, its just that people all have different opinions which are not in agreement to yours. But at least you buddy sidget came to your rescue and provided back-up.

But saying that I have to admit I am siding with you, because you make a good point. The price has been dropped and the wait is just an hour and the 3 extra people could be very nice (it could be 3 drop dead gorgeous snowboarder girls) then you would kick yourself for not waiting.

As far as working long hours and just wanting to get to the place you going, I also agree with that. Because in my job the stress levels can be high and hours can be long especially if there are tight deadlines, and in the climate that we are in, my clients want more but at the same cost and sometimes it is done in order to keep. So with my trip in a week or so time I just want to get out there and relax and make the most of it and not mess about with waiting. And heres the but, you prob wont hit the slopes that afternoon anyway, so there is all evening to relax and chill, so may as well just wait the hour. Also Geneva airport is so small, you’ll probably seem them come off the plane. The more I think about it, the more I am thinking that if it was me, I would just wait, get the refund, take out the bottle of rum I have stored in my luggage, get my copy of Whitelines/ Document/ Onboard or what ever snowboard mag was brought and just sit back, have a drink and look at the pictures (C’mon, who actually reads the articles from front to cover)

Forums, the only place you can rant and rave and argue with people you have never met. One view, different opinions. That should be the catch line for snowboardclub.co.uk

SamMalone - Dec 04, 2009 - 08:58 AM
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Matty – I pretty much agree with everything you’ve written. Some people can’t grasp the Private Transfer aspect of this and the previously agreed/invoiced/documented Private Transfer price of 500 for the whole bus.

I’m trying to think of a way to explain this (as I see it) and this is the best scenario I can come up with:

Think of the bus as a 500 euro hotel room. You book a room with Expedia that sleeps 8, but there are only 4 of you in the room at the time of booking, the 4 pay the 500, it doesn’t matter how many people are in the room, it’s your room and the 4 have covered the cost of every bed in the room. Later that day Expedia ask if another 3 people can stay in your room, the room is still 500 is it not?. The next day, the hotel say that because you’ve now got 7 in your 8 bed room, they’re gonna increase the price to 700, even though you’ve already paid them the agreed 500.

Anyway, what’s happening is that the “we’ll wait for the other 3” have outvoted the “fcuk ‘em, we’ll go ourselves”. One of our guys is bringing his Mrs and he’s paying everything for her as it’s her birthday, so he’s getting 60 euros back (no one from Cool Bus or the chalet has said how or when we’ll get the refund)

This is the second time we’ve stayed in a chalet and both times have been a fcuking disaster. For what we’ve ended up paying in total for accommodation/flights/transfers for our “DIY Cheap December ’09 holiday” we could have went to Canada at the same time for less. It’s package deals from now on for me….

ace_mcgraw - Dec 04, 2009 - 09:34 AM
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You've gotta remember this is a service they're providing, not a product - ie it's not like four of you were going to group together and buy an ipod, which stays at a fixed price. But for a company that operates by making money taking people to the slopes, it seems reasonable to charge more overall for taking more people.

But, the whole post is asking the question "Are you being ripped off?" And the answer is no. It's a little less convenient with other people being on there, but you paid £125 for a private journey each. You're now not having a private journey and you're paying nearly 25% because of that. So that's not a rip off. You're losing a bit of the service, and you're being compensated for that so fair enough I say!

Anyway, every holiday I've ever been on has been lightened up by people that I've met on the transfer, or staying in the same hotel! It's a bigger group to go riding with, or people to meet down the pub with afterwards or whatever, but it's always improved the holiday, and definately an improvement over frostily sitting around the breakfast table knowing that you'd cost them (And yourselves) extra moolah by wanting to stretch out a little more! Perhaps you're not that type of person that wants to make new friends, but that's how I see it!

And matty - I'm 31 and don't go to school anymore, so I hope my point of view is valid enough for you!

cantridepete - Dec 04, 2009 - 09:43 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

take the 29 euro's and spend it in the bar waiting for the others to arrive. Job done Smile

They might be fit Wink

SamMalone - Dec 04, 2009 - 10:36 AM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

I hope they're not babes cos the guy who's brought his Mrs will hit the roof if they are cos he's got her with him and couldn't make a move on them.

...and TBH we're not the most sociable or approachable people at the best of times (and I'm the worst one), we've been on holidays where we've never spoken to another person outwith our group.

Snowscreen - Dec 04, 2009 - 10:50 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

Hey mate!

I can completely understand why you’re annoyed, the goal posts have moved in a way. there

However it’s happened now so I guess you’re better off dealing with it and trying to move on, part of the reason you’re even more p!ssed off is probably because the cost of the holiday hasn’t came in as cheap as you’d have wanted and it’s been your responsibility? Been there my friend and being the one sorting out the holiday without any help is not a pleasant experience.

£30 isnt that bad, look at it as if you were at home. You’re being paid £30 each for an hours work, I’d take that.

I can sympathise with you because you’ve obviously had the stress of sorting the holiday out for the group, or at least the transfer. I’ve done it before on a DIY holiday to Les Gets (much shorter transfer so easier to sort out) but it was a nightmare sorting everything out. It’s hard enough sorting a package deal out some years because everyones on a budget and some need hire, some don’t, some need lessons etc, and some T.O charge a lot more than needed so I sometimes try to source hire/lessons elsewhere.

As the other people are staying at the same place I’d wait the hour, it will fly by especially if you’ve all had a fair bit to drink anyway! Take your time getting your luggage back and enjoy not having to rush to the transfer, chill while everyone else in the airport is rushing about or have a sit on the bog and just relax.

It’s a learning experience aswell, the airport transfer isn’t short to Tignes and you’re going at an awkward time, it’s just one of those things.

Enjoy your holiday!!!

jimbo_rosslato - Dec 04, 2009 - 10:58 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

Bet you wish you never mentioned it now Laughing

antplant - Dec 04, 2009 - 12:11 PM
Post subject:

Quote:

take the 29 euro's and spend it in the bar waiting for the others to arrive. Job done Smile

They might be fit Wink

If the whole thing is getting pissed on the way there then this is perfect. Theres nothing better waiting for a bus while getting pissed in Geneva. Brilliant!

nickmotture - Dec 04, 2009 - 12:26 PM
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actaully having given it some mroe thought, if you're all going to be that pissed at 6am im not sure the others will actually want to sit in a mini bus for 4 hours with you Smile

SamMalone - Dec 04, 2009 - 12:56 PM
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I wouldn’t want to share a 52 seater bus with me when I’ve been drinking since 4.00am, never mind an 8 seater.

By the time the other 3 turn up, we’ll have abandoned any attempt to speak ‘English’ and will be speaking in our local dialect which is unintelligible to anyone 10 miles out with our home city radius.

I'm coming round to this shared transfer idea the more I think about it...

kieren24 - Dec 04, 2009 - 01:49 PM
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Quote:

. One view, different opinions. That should be the catch line for snowboardclub.co.uk

or, 5 snowboarders, 7 opinions...

Quote:

I hope they're not babes cos the guy who's brought his Mrs will hit the roof if they are cos he's got her with him and couldn't make a move on them.

He's clearly just not that skilled then...

cantridepete - Dec 04, 2009 - 02:56 PM
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Mattylovesthewindchill wrote:

Well, I wouldnt expect you to understand Sidget, because your probably about 13 and still at school.

cos insults always make you point more valid Rolling Eyes

ChasKi - Dec 04, 2009 - 03:28 PM
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This thread was an amusing read.

It's pretty simple really, they booked a private transfer, for 500 Euro.

The bus company offered them a discount if they make their private transfer a non-private transfer.

They either chose to do that, or don't. Where's the difficulty? There's no shady behaviour here, just a straight up offer to change the terms of the service (from private to public) and a discount is offered to sweeten it for all parties concerned. You don't have to take it, it's just an offer!

Personally I'd take it, makes it cheaper and helps out some people you'll be staying with - who might even buy you a beer or two with the hundreds they'll save, for being legends and saving them from paying top dollar for their own private transfer. Just hope they don't read this thread! Razz

Bashing Sidget based on age is frankly laughable. Nice one.

matty.boy - Dec 04, 2009 - 04:02 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

last year on the bash our plane was canceled, so we ended up being flown to grenoble 12 hours later. thankfully john arranged a transfer to resort for us, and that cost 500 euros. Grenoble is about 50km closer/half an hour closer so i'd say your paying an average price there to be honest.

Tiberius - Dec 04, 2009 - 04:19 PM
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SamMalone wrote:

I’m trying to think of a way to explain this (as I see it) and this is the best scenario I can come up with: <snip>

It's a good scenario...but it doesn't really equate does it? Putting extra people in a room doesn't really encur extra costs for the hotel (other than a marginal cost of extra hot water used in the morning). A better analogy would be bed and breakfast, and in that case you would expect to pay extra to the hotel for the extra food.

Here, the extra weight/people is going to incur extra fuel, and extra time for the driver to load/unload. So you'd expect the company to be enumerated accordingly.

Fundamentally, as stated above, it's a offer to change the private booking to a public booking, take it or leave it, but 'being ripped off' doesn't really apply. However, as stated above it's the kind of attitude I'd expect snowboarders to take tbh.

Mattylovesthewindchill - Dec 04, 2009 - 07:00 PM
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"Bashing sidged based on his ages is laughable, nice one"

Your right, experience counts for nothing.

I have never had a problem with companys making a profit, what I have a problem with is companys that are very quick to charge that little bit extra for no apparent reason. They could make a good profit on the 500, so where is that extra money going. It was a PRIVATE, again a PRIVATE shuttle booked, so any extra people should be agreed by the booker, and the price (500) split between the 7.

Anyway im done with this thread, it used up/amused me for a good afternoon yesterday when it was too cold to ride. Going snowboarding.

Sidget - Dec 04, 2009 - 07:33 PM
Post subject:

Quote:

Your right, experience counts for nothing.

I've been on several trips abroad snowboarding, and multiple trips flying around Europe, when I was 17 i got to the bash resort by myself, booked my own plane tickets, arranged my own transfer times etc - I didn't cry that I had to wait a few hours for the transfer, as it's part of life

You're bashing me for being young (19) yet I know that at times you've just gotta be patient and relax - I guess you never learnt that...

N oh, I only knew vaguely a few people when I arrived to my first bash, decided to hang around with some people I met on the transfer, left after the week with some amazing mates and great experiences, SCUK is like a giant family to me - be welcoming to anyone who is nice enough to be friendly to you, I sure have had a lot of people help me out / be kind to me for no benefit of their own

Tiberius - Dec 04, 2009 - 08:30 PM
Post subject:

Mattylovesthewindchill wrote:

... I have a problem with is companys that are very quick to charge that little bit extra for no apparent reason

But myself and several other people have listed those other reasons. You just choose to ignore them because they don't fit in with your seemingly set idea that you're being 'ripped off'.

ChasKi - Dec 05, 2009 - 12:55 AM
Post subject:

It's really simple mate, they gave you another option. Transfers are calculated on a per person basis, not per bus (which you seem to think it is).

Options:

a) 500 Euro's for PRIVATE transfer split by 4 people, at your chosen time.
b) 700 Euro's for a PUBLIC transfer split by 7, 1 hour later.

You're free to pick either one you want, one is cheaper than the other and you'd have to share the bus with 3 others you don't know. The shady 'foul play' is all in your head mate.

Mattylovesthewindchill - Dec 05, 2009 - 01:47 AM
Post subject:

Ok this is my last addition to this thread, it went from being amusing to tiresome.

Tiberius wrote:

Mattylovesthewindchill wrote:

... I have a problem with is companys that are very quick to charge that little bit extra for no apparent reason

But myself and several other people have listed those other reasons. You just choose to ignore them because they don't fit in with your seemingly set idea that you're being 'ripped off'.

Yes, I saw the crap you wrote, and it is such crap that it wasnt even worth a comment. Anyone that thinks 3 extra peoples weight and an hours drivers wages amounts to 200 extra quid is quite simply, an idiot. The amount bugged me, not that they increased the price.

Quote:

Well no sh1t. Thanks for that, without that post I am sure he would be struggling t make the call.

Quote:

Good for you

Sidget - Dec 05, 2009 - 02:36 AM
Post subject:

ace_mcgraw - Dec 05, 2009 - 10:35 AM
Post subject:

Matty, I dunno if you're deliberately being retarded, or just not reading anyones threads? The service has gone from private, to non private, and therefore the people are being compensated for that change.

What is difficult to understand there?

cantridepete - Dec 05, 2009 - 12:16 PM
Post subject: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

SamMalone wrote:

So at what point through out this thread did it turn from "the chalet owner arranging a transfer" to "a private transfer"?

It was never a private transfer, it was just something that the chalet owner arranged for you and you have started reffering to it as a "private transfer" to help bulster your arguement.

You've got three options, say yes, say no or walk. For me, i'd have said yes from the word go and made a few mates along the way.

Tiberius - Dec 05, 2009 - 12:39 PM
Post subject:

Mattylovesthewindchill wrote:

<snip>

As I said earlier. Snowboarders have a pretty bad reputation for being stuck up, selfish, non-inclusive, clique forming, opinionated, prats.

SamMalone - Dec 05, 2009 - 03:31 PM
Post subject: Re: Are we being ripped off or what?

During a phone call I had with the Chalet Bonjour Bonjour co-owner on Sept 9th, he said not to go with Alpibus as he coud arrange a cheaper PRIVATE transfer. He said the price for 08-09 was 450 PER BUS split between 8, so we'd get it for about 65-75 euros each. The quote of 65-75 euros was a contributing factor in us choosing Calet Bonjour Bonjour.

We were originally gonna go for the Mountain Sun chalet as they were gonna pick us up at GVA for £50 return (£25pp each way!), but we thought that for another £25 Chalet Bonjour Bonjour and Tignes Les Brev would be a better base as the girl who's coming has never boarded before.

Gazza - Dec 08, 2009 - 05:40 PM
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Saying yes and pocketing the 30 quid refund and going with the public shared option and the chance to make friends with some new chums is all caring and sharing and lovelly and cosy and all that..... until their flight gets delayed, then their one of their luggage goes missing, and then...... etc .... Your 1 hour wait for them could become 2...3...4....more.... and then you're travelling in the main changeover day peak traffic and you get stuck for hours in traffic as they shut the tunnels & auto-routes to limit the flow into the valleys, blah, blah blah.

On that same basis though - it is understandable and reasonable why the TOTAL bus costs are more (even though the per head costs are rightly less) for 7 than it is for the 4, as it has to be costed to wait for two flights, picking up extra time/salary for the driver plus potentially parking charges, and the potential of further delays.

That said, call me selfish, but 125 for a guaranteed private transfer to meet my flight, vs 96 for a shared public transfer, I have no shame in admitting I'd probably go for the private option, as there is obvisouly less chance of something going wrong (which lets face it, things do go wrong with flights/airports).

SamMalone - Dec 08, 2009 - 08:56 PM
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I got an invoice from Cool Bus today telling me we were still due them 350 euros for our transfer.

I told them that we'd paid the outstanding 350 over a week ago and that they were due us a refund of 29 euros each as we were sharing the transfer with the 3 from Derby.

Cool Bus said they had been told we were not gonna wait for the other 3.

Not by me.....

CoolBusRob - Dec 14, 2009 - 07:10 PM
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Wow this has certainly sparked some response!

As you can probably guess by my user name, I run Cool Bus, so I'd like to reply to all of this.

We were asked directly by your chalet company to provide a good price for this transfer so we quoted 250 euros each way. We would normally charge 69 euros per person, each way. You can check this price on our website. We then contacted you directly to take the booking. I will cut and paste below a section of your email to us:

"We are happy to share if anyone else is going to Tignes on 13/20th. Therefore, if any other parties wish to get the same transfer after we've paid, would we get a refund?"

We usually only do private transfers as it is much easier when it is just one group and there are no worries for people waiting around for delayed flights etc. but here you have expressly asked us to find people to share!

And now I will cut and paste a section from our reply:

"If we do find other people to share this transfer, the price to your group would drop in line with the prices published on our website – www.coolbus.co.uk and subject to a small admin fee."

The price for 7 people travelling to Tignes on this date as per the prices clearly shown on our website would be 48 euros per person each way. 48 x 7 x 2 = 672

You had already paid 125 per person return, the new price is 96 per person return so the refund is 29 euros. As you mentioned, we did decide to waive the admin charge as well!

We have been completely clear and upfront at all times about the pricing of this. We have a very good reputation out here for being totally honest and fair with our prices and providing a good service. If you are going to slag us off on forums please tell the whole truth!

Thanks to everyone who actually stuck up for us!

Rob

Sidget - Dec 14, 2009 - 07:18 PM
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That is a winning post right there Wink

BarShaker - Dec 14, 2009 - 10:37 PM
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The bus company Seemed to be being penalised for offering a reduction in the first booking. Once the requirements changed, it is not un reasonable for them yo also change and revert yo their full bus price.

But at that money you can hire a very big car and I can't work out why you wouldn't do that and have the freedom to go around a bit.

nickmotture - Dec 14, 2009 - 11:35 PM
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Brilliant, prize for the best post of the year right there coolbusrob!! Brings a slighly different twist on the original complaints!! Are we being ripped off indeed!! Answer errm no you're not!

cantridepete - Dec 15, 2009 - 02:44 PM
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just waiting for a newbie to start a thread now, about someone refusing to wait an hour so they could get a transfer to the resort Laughing

nickmotture - Dec 15, 2009 - 02:50 PM
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I thought the 500 quid he was saying he was quoted was one way i didnt know it was return!!! Thats a complete bargain!!!!! Im amazed they're doing it for so cheap, last season transfers Geneva to Tignes were as much as 90 euros each way

flippant_guru - Dec 15, 2009 - 02:52 PM
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CoolBusRob dude ..... i salute you

If i ever need a transfer for me and my buds in your area
I'm booking with your good selfs

flipp

StevieMcK - Dec 15, 2009 - 03:10 PM
Post subject:

Rob wouldn't be so big around Bourg if he was constantly "ripping people off". You just have to look at the number of cool buses around Bourg when its not transfer day to realise that he is doing something right.

charlie - Dec 15, 2009 - 03:12 PM
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I've amended the thread title accordingly Smile

dunx - Dec 15, 2009 - 03:33 PM
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... I've asked Cool Bus to become a SCUK partner Wink

Muten_Roshi - Dec 17, 2009 - 06:01 PM
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Best
Post
Ever

pwned!! Laughing

Dylanrobinson - Dec 17, 2009 - 07:05 PM
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Hahaha. Don't expect a welcome hug at the airport from the driver Smile

dunx - Dec 17, 2009 - 07:47 PM
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And now SCUK members can receive a 10% discount with Cool Bus.

www.snowboardclub.co.uk/news-8921.html

Sidget - Dec 17, 2009 - 08:02 PM
Post subject:

Result!

Like the news story also Smile

Best thread of 09 <3

ChasKi - Dec 17, 2009 - 08:47 PM
Post subject:

Hah, epic turnout to this thread.

SamMalone - Dec 22, 2009 - 09:57 AM
Post subject:

CoolBusRob wrote:

There’s nothing you’ve said that hasn’t already been said in this thread.

I’ll say straight away that the transfers each way were excellent and I’d recommend Cool Bus to anyone as it was a ‘dawdle’, both drivers were there at the agreed time (the sounds going through were excellent) and it was only 2½ hours each way (whereas people in this thread said there was no way Cool Bus could do it in that time). We gave the outbound driver a tip and the return driver should have got one as well, but we each assumed that someone else in the group had taken care of it when we got out at GVA.

Anyway, I’ll repeat again that we agreed with the chalet to wait an hour before we left for the holiday, so we assumed we’d be waiting/sharing with the party of 3 from Derby.

We were then told about 48 hours before we left by the UK based chalet co-owner that the “Derby 3” who were staying in our chalet were hiring a car at GVA.

By this time I had been PM’d by a party of 3 from Glasgow through the Cool Bus Forums who’s flight arrived at GVA at the same time as the Derby party asking if they could share, so I had to tell them ‘no’ as we were sharing with the “Derby 3”. The “Glasgow 3” said in their PM that they had contacted Rob and asked him the same question. Therefore, we assumed that when we were met at GVA by the Cool Bus rep that we’d be waiting an hour on the “Glasgow 3” as they would just replace the “Derby 3”.

The holiday, the chalet/staff, snow conditions were all excellent throughout the week and we talked with the Derby party and they, along with other parties in the chalet agreed that the UK based chalet owner was useless with a particular emphasis on his poor communication and memory of conversations both written and verbal. The chalet based co-owner and the chalet manager were told this during the week.

I’ll say again, that if we’d been told it was approx €100pp return for a transfer at the time of booking with the chalet, then we’d have accepted that as we now know that’s about the going rate. I’d say our ‘frustration’ aka ‘ripped off’ was that we were told not to book an organised transfer by the UK based chalet co-owner as they could get us a cheaper private transfer for €67pp which in reality became €125pp.