Lay My Hat

I decided today not to renew after 2 years subscriptions. The website hit stats were not great, and none of my guests ever mentioned the sites on my enquiry forms or feedback forms. However, the real reason for not renewing is that I was originally seduced by the thought of a 'cooperation' between ...

Well I emailed the owner with a few questions about what sort of traffic went through the sites I'd be interested in and didn't even get a reply so I won't be taking it further. Shame as it's a nice idea and we need a good high profile alternative to OD etc. Hi, I'm sorry for the late reply but I'v...

I did try to use their contact us button. They sent back a silly automated email saying "we hope this answers your question and your issue is now resolved. If you require further assistance, visit our help pages or reply to this email". So, I replied that it hadn't answer my question and ...

A guest has sent a booking request for one of my cottages and HL has sent me an email saying that I should accept/decline/respond. The guest has immediately emailed that they wish to change the cottage booked - unfortunately it's on a different HL account. I imagine that if I decline the booking, i...

If the question about CC and my response could be moved to the original thread that would be great - just thought I needed to respond. Can't agree with Greenbarn enough about information and tracking where your website referrals are coming from. It's becoming increasingly vital and I would encourage...

New member, so be gentle pls. Have any of you signed up for Cottage Cooperative, and if so what has your experience been? I signed up for a 5 site package about 10 months ago and joined their Twitter feed. So am coming up for renewal, and am really unsure about it. I originally signed-up because I ...

Hi Salmoncottage Are you an on-site owner? I think this would affect my policy for how much leeway I would be willing to give people. In my (limited) experience every time I have had an inkling that a guest might be a problem, unfortunately it has always been proved right. I had three 'bad feelings'...

What a really interesting topic! We are in the same situation, having just purchased (well next wednesday it completes) our second property. I've started the marketing push with a new website covering both properties ( www.northumberlandholidays.com ) and I haven't exactly been overwhelmed by the re...

Also had a similar enquiry this week! A lady originally wanted two nights that went over a changeover day, so effectively knocking out a fortnight (despite only taking 1 week bookings at that time of year). Several text messages and phone calls later over a few days and she said she would like 4 nig...

Welcome to the forum! I'm not a huge poster, but I visit regularly and have found some wonderful advice and very supportive people. Best of luck with the new venture!

Windy wrote:

and some believe doesn't apply to FHL income anyway

That "some" does include HMRC themselves. Their statement is quite definitive!

Well at least that completely rules out Class 4, one less thing to worry about!

I was informed by HMRC (a friend who works for them has checked on my behalf) that owning and running a FHL is classed as running a business, therefore the owner is classed as self employed. This is irrespective of whether or not you also have a full time job (which I do). I Pay Class 1 National Ins...

I just find it staggering that someone would walk into a house without knocking, or attempting to get attention first. I think it says more than enough about these people to ignore their letter of disappointment!

It appears that the deposit we take is comparatively low, it's £50 per week booked. At peak season that's not even close to 10% so I think it might be one of the things we reconsider for next year! Just to add, the deposit we take is also strictly non-refundable. I have to say (re Margaret's comment...

Yup, I do the same as Dotty as well, as specific as possible at all times! I also think the keycode entry system stops people expecting silly arrival times. I say you're free to arrive at any time after 2pm, but your code will not allow you access before.