Refunds for missed autoX time?

[BLINGMW]

Just curious to see what you guys think. Might come up as we run events as well.

Went to SCCA autocross sunday, running STS, which was in the 4th run group (last of the day), and worked for the 3rd group. 200 some entrants at $25-$35 each, we were a little behind schedule when the afternoon (3rd and 4th) groups got started, but everyone was getting 4 runs, at least that's good. Beautiful day. I finish working, get one run, then the clouds start rolling in. Hey, running in the rain might be fun. Everyone in the group gets 2nd run without rain, and then it starts dumping on us. A few get to run their 3rd, but it's getting nasty, thunder, lightning, they call the event. Go home. Sweet.

Should they offer a refund/discount to the people shafted in the 4th group? Half off the next autocross? I'm sure some have asked, I'm not tight with the group, so I don't know if they will, but I'm thinking I might ask. Way out of line? Sure, the weather isn't their fault. But they pull in a lot of $$ for 200+ cars, I worked, I paid, I get half the return. I guess if I were running it, and the event made $$ (I can't imagine it doesn't), I would offer half off next entry. I've heard of similar results from rained out driver schools, why not an autocross? It's already such a waste of time anyway for less than 4 min of driving, but for 2... like I said, sucks. I would think, if anything, it wouldn't be much to offer from their standpoint, and keeping people happy could be worth the $$ later. Thoughts?

[.RJ]

IMO, they should credit you free entry to the next event.

[Mike]

Free entry? No. But a discount percentage that is based on how much you missed seems reasonable to me.

[.RJ]

Yeah, free entry. He came out, worked and got shafted.

[Evan]

<generic_case>
No.

Its part of the game, unfortunately.
The club still has to pay for the lot, insurance, etc.

If it were a profit-making enterprise, then yes they would be expected to refund.
</generic_case>


However-

with 200 people per event, chances are your region is like the DC region and is pulling in MAJOR bank from each autoX. If this is the case, then you should get at least 1/2 off the next autoX.

[Dave]

My thoughts mirror Evan's.
In a business sense, you paid knowing about the possibility of getting rained out and therefore not getting your money's worth. This is not the fault of the SCCA and if probably even documented somewhere.

However, at that kind of entrant list and cost, there is no doubt that they are making big $$ off the event and should definitely give something in return. One thing about a business is that if you keep the customers happy, they keep coming back. If you screw them, say goodbye to them and thier money. If this SCCA group is smart, they'll give you free admission to the next one.
This is b/c it will incite you to talk to more people b/c you are performing for free at thier cost b/c of something that was out of thier control; that looks REALLY good for the SCCA and is hardly costing them anything in the long run, since that kind of publicity is what fills up registrations.

[JackoliciousLegs]

you paid knowing about the possibility of getting rained out and therefore not getting your money's worth. This is not the fault of the SCCA and if probably even documented somewhere.

[white_2kgt]

If they don't want to loose entrants, you bet your butt they better kick me back some $$$. Let us know how it goes.

-c

[REED]

Is there any direct competition, it seems to me that they have a sort of monopoly, therefore if someone wants to autox they have to deal with whatever SCCA decides, and with 200+ entrants it seems that there is enough interest....of course you could say that by not having any refunds they are detering people new to the sport, and this arguement could go back and forth forever....