Blog
Spread the cost of craft
- 2nd October 2018
- Posted by: Ami Lowman
- Category: Classes Get Involved
At Making Space, we appreciate that, occasionally, our customers might find that their financial circumstances mean they aren’t able to book on to a course or class all in one go. We certainly don’t want cost to be a barrier to enjoying high quality workshops with experienced crafters, so we have changed the way participants can secure a place on any of our activities.
Previously, a booking could only be confirmed once paid for in full, but now it is possible to book and secure your place with a deposit, usually around 50% of the full class price. This means you can spread the cost of attending in a way better suited to your budget. All we ask is that the outstanding balance is paid a couple of weeks before the start of the class.
How Do I Pay My Deposit?
This feature is available through all payment methods. If you book by telephone or in person, simply let us know you wish to pay a deposit and we will confirm the price.
If you prefer to book online, the feature is available in a dropdown menu in the top right of the course page, highlighted in this image:
Simply select the appropriate option (Deposit, Full Payment or, if you have previously paid a deposit, Balance) and continue as normal. A couple of weeks before the class is due to run, we will send you a reminder to pay the balance.
How Do I Settle My Balance?
Again, either by telephone or in person, just let us know that is what you wish to do. Online, you can select the Balance option in the payment options dropdown and proceed from there. If you wish to pay the balance in smaller chunks, we can accommodate this over the phone or in person but not, as yet, online.
What Happens To My Deposit if a Class is Cancelled?
We never like to cancel classes but sometimes it is unavoidable. If Making Space has to cancel a course or class for which you have paid a deposit, you will be contacted about the cancellation and refunded in full through your original method of payment.
I’ve Changed My Mind or Cannot Attend, Can I Get My Deposit Back?
Our policy on refunds largely follows what you would expect if you had bought a ticket to a live event – places on our courses are non-refundable. The reason is simple: as a charity we must ensure that all our activities at least cover their own costs, so there is a minimum number at which a class is able to run. If we are close to that threshold and a participant chooses not to attend, this could mean we run the class at a loss, and that jeopardises our ability to offer activities in the future.
Therefore we are unable to refund deposits if a customer changes their mind, or cannot attend for any reason. However, you are very welcome to find someone else to attend in your place, just let us know. Beyond this, refunds are only offered at the sole discretion of Making Space or, as stated above, if the course is cancelled by us.
We hope this new policy means that access to high-quality craft is affordable to as many people as possible, while still allowing us to support our artists by ensuring they are paid a fair fee for their time and skills. If you would like more information on our booking policy, please read our Booking Guidelines.
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