Q. Who is the member?
A. STAYdontPAY membership is confined to the two named contacts and the address on the application which is accepted and approved by STAYdontPAY.net. If your circumstances change update your profile (on the Web Site or by phoning the STAYdontPAY.net Office). Please note: your membership cannot be transferred to any other party.(Refine your FAQ search to children for further details).
Q. What is a Guest or Host Break?
A. A bedroom for up to two people for one night plus breakfast. (once issued non transferable)
Q. What do I have to provide?
A. There is a range of facilities which members have on offer. Double bedrooms en-suite, double bedrooms with separate facilities, double or single rooms with shared facilities. Members provide clean bed linen, bath towels, a mirror hanging space a chair for clothes and breakfast (cooked if requested otherwise continental), a warm welcome and somewhere for guests to sit and relax before retiring. Please consult the New Member Vetting Form and use this as a check list. Regular travel with STAYdontPAY.net all about overnight hospitality for fleeting visitors i.e. bed and breakfast. It is not intended to be an enormous burden on busy people. STAYdontPAY.net wants to be inclusive and provide extra travel opportunities for a wide range of like minded people. Accommodation ranges from large houses to flats and it is as much about people as it is about standards of accommodation. The role of the STAYdontPAY network is to arrange an enjoyable stop over with a host who has comparable facilities and interests to your own.
Q. How many guests do I have to have each year?
A. There is no minimum or maximum but we hope that members will to take an active part in STAYdontPAY.net. The more "Host Breaks" you provide the more "Guest Breaks" you can take.
Q. When considering STAYdontPAY.net membership for the first time some people might have concerns about inviting other members into their homes.
A.
In practise your guests are STAYdontPAY.net members and will not feel like strangers when they arrive because the STAYdontPAY.net systems have been specially designed to avoid this. You will have a personal profile of your guests and your guests will have a personal profile of you before the HomeStay is agreed. Your guest will make telephone contact with you at least 48 hours before their arrival, so you have already got to know each other! Most new members of the network are introduced by existing members and this generally assures an acceptable standard of accommodation and suitability. The STAYdontPAY.net systems used to accomplish these objectives can be divided into three parts
Firstly the sytems built into the membership enrolment procedures:-
We make personal contact with all new members We ask them to explain exactly where they live in their street and check their answers with mapping software I.E checking that they are who they say they are! We will ask if they know an existing member and follow up this reference. Otherwise we will either ask for a non member reference, ask a local member to make contact or if necessary send a STAYdontPAY.net QC person to visit. We refer to payment details supplied by members If there remains any doubt about a new member they will be asked to Host an existing member who will be asked to assess the new members suitability. CONCLUSION: No application is automatic and there is a lengthy enrolment procedure before full membership is accepted and finally a formal hosting contract is signed.
Secondly the booking system:-
Your personal details are only available to yourself and the STAYdontPAY.net office. When you are approached by STAYdontPAY.net to ask if you are prepared to Host a member, that member's personal profile (excluding their contact details) will be made available to you before you agree or decline to host. Having agreed to Host a member, personal profiles will be forwarded on to both Host and Guest prior to the stop over. Your Guest will make telephone contact to introduce themselves prior to the stop over. I.E. you will not be welcoming complete strangers into your home.
Thirdly - Members maintain their own QC system
Each Guest is sent a pre-paid postcard to return to STAYdontPAY.net after each stop over. It simply asks if your stay was to your satisfaction - members self QA system If you stay in a traditional bed and breakfast house you will be with total strangers!
Q. What happens if I have paid my membership fee but STAYdontPAY.net QC provides an unfavourable report and my membership is refused?
A. Your membership fee is returned.
Q. Can I arrive at a Guest's home at any time during the first day?
A. When a stop over has been agreed Guests will make a telephone call to introduce themselves and chat through their last minute arrival details. I.E. working wives, agreed times etc. Some Guests might want to have their evening meal before they arrive, others might want to drop off their case and then look for local eating facilities. Guests will be sent a map and local directions in their joining instructions.
Q. Will members forget that they have guests arriving or will guests forget to turn up as planned?
A. Guests are expected to make contact with their hosts 48 hours before arrival just to check everything is in place. Failure to do so is not just bad manners it increases the risk of disappointment. If a guest fails to turn up without any notification to STAYdontPAY.net they will be deemed to have used their Guest Break Stamp which is not transferable.
Q. What about car parking?
A. Hosts are encouraged to provide car parking and possibly vacate space for their guests. However if Hosts are unable to provide car parking facilities they are expected to take the trouble to research alternative arrangements thus minimising costs and inconvenience for their guests. If members do have complicated car parking arrangements amend your personal profile or let STAYdontPAY.net know and it will try to minimise inconvenience.
Q. What happens if a member does not uphold the STAYdontPAY.net Values?
A. Expulsion procedures are outlined in the Members' Agreement and are at the total discretion of STAYdontPAY.net. We aim to maintain a harmonious group of like minded people who enjoy their short break stop overs and this will be maintained rigorously. We have a QA system for vetting members and will consider expulsion if Guests indicate that the STAYdontPAY.net values are not being maintained (outstanding Host Breaks are not refundable).
Q. How late can I leave a cancellation/variation
A. Any requests for cancellation/variation must be made to the Office during normal working hours 9am - 5pm at least 48 hours prior to the arranged break. (However members who cause inconvenience by cancellation will be given lower priority when there are a number of possible hosts to choose from.)
Q. What if the guest is late or doesn't turn up?
A. Members are expected to make every attempt to honour any arrangements that have been agreed jointly. However STAYdontPAY.net recognizes that unforeseen travelling difficulties do occur from time to time. If guests do not arrive and have not made a request for cancellation/variation and because Hosts have made arrangements to receive their Guests, Hosts will be credited with a Host Stamp as if they had actually arrived and stayed overnight. (This will be forwarded on to you by the office.) However the un-used Guest Stamp is not returnable.
Q. How do I notify STAYdontPAY.net when I am prepared to host members?
A. Some members might wish to be frequent hosts others might wish to host infrequently. All we ask is that you let us know which dates you are prepared to accept guests. (We call it a diary and this can either be maintained on the internet or by Fax/Text/Phone/Email to the office). If a member would like to take a short break in your area and you have indicated that you are prepared to accept guests we will be in touch with you before any final arrangements are agreed. However if we contact you only to find you are not able to receive guests and you have not informed the Office of this change in circumstances you are simply making subscription charges more expensive for other members (and yourself!). Maintaining a member diary on the internet is very quick and easy. It can be updated instantly as often as your own diary changes! If you do not maintain your diary STAYdontPAY.net is not obliged to continue the provision of its services. (See your Subscriber contract)
Q. Can STAYdontPAY.net insist I host a guest
A. NO.
Q. How often can I make a request for a StopOver"
A. If you have a Host Stamp surplus - I.E. as often as your credits permit.
Q. Will my hosts have common interests with my own?
A. New members are asked about their hobbies and interests so that we can wherever possible make the best match subject to dates and locations. As we progress we aim to offer interest based group matching (Rotarians stay with Rotarians - Fishermen stay with fishermen etc.) as we believe that this will be appreciated by those members who might wish to choose this approach. Please look on the Lifestyle Links page on the web site for further details or contact the office for a printed summary. Please note - if you feel concerned about providing this type of personal information it is not compulsory - it is your choice. However the more personal information we have the better we can match members requirements.
Q. If I want to take a break using STAYdontPAY.net what do I do?
A. Make a Fax/Text/Email or Web Request or phone the Office. All we need to know is which is your chosen nearest regional location (a list of Cities/Towns is published by STAYdontPAY.net), the date when you wish to stop over, for how many nights you would like to stop over, how many people in your party, how many bedrooms you require and what your bed/bathroom preferences are. If you let us know the purpose of your visit we will explain this to potential hosts who will then see the common objective.
Q. What about Food Legislation
A. If you are in doubt about your legal responsibilities you are advised to contact your local authority. There are useful publications available from the Food Standards Agency - Catering From Home Safely (FSA/0575/0502) - Food Safety Regulations (FSA/0421/0202) Normally for occasional guests these regulations don't apply.
Q. Can I take pets for a STAYdontPAY.net short break?
A. Members are asked to let STAYdontPAY.net know about any needs requirements preferences likes or dislikes. I.E. STAYdontPAY knows how members feel about having pets in their home. This is included with information about their pets in their personal profile. If apprpriate we ask the hosts if arrangements can be made for the pet in question.
Q. What about Insurance
A. This is the total responsibility of individual members and all relevant measures must be in place before you receive Guests. (See Hosting Contract). You are advised to check these aspects with your own insurers.
Q. What if there are no local members available to Host you on your chosen dates
A. The provision of accommodation is a matter for STAYdontPAY.net to obtain agreement between the Host and Guest. Therefore STAYdontPAY.net cannot guarantee to fix up a short break in the location of your choice. However it will pride itself in developing persuasive communications encouraging members to be active and reap the full benefits of membership. STAYdontPAY.net will seek members who are able to host your visit in the nearest location possible.
Q. Are there any implied or unexpected costs which might be incurred by your guests?
A. New members are expected to outline any unusual/unexpected costs that might be incurred by their guests E.G. ferries/congestion charging/overnight parking/tolls etc. This information will be passed on to Guests once dates have been agreed.
Q. What if a Guest: Cannot find the host - Does not turn up - Leaves early - Says it is unsuitable - Rows with the Host
A. Of course we don't expect this to happen but we have to prepare for every eventuality so we do have a system in place. There is an emergency help line number to contact the office in case of emergency out of office hours: 01227454130.
Q. Can I refuse any particular guest?
A. Before you agree to Host a member you will be given their personal profile (excluding their contact details). It is then up to you to make up your own mind and say yes or no. If in the unlikely event that you had taken a personal dislike to a previous guest (who has maintained the STAYdontPAY.net values). Please let us know and in future we would avoid asking you to Host this particular member again.
Q. What if I terminate my membership and I have more Host passes than Guest Passes
A. That is your choice. They are not refundable.
Q. What do I do if I want to leave ?
A. Your membership is on-going unless terminated by you. You must give notice to STAYdontPAY.net of not less than two months in writing to expire at the end of a calendar month. Members will be notified of the proposed new season subscription by the end of August in any one year. These proposals will take effect from January 1st. of the following year.
Q. What area does STAYdontPAY.net cover?
A. Initially anywhere in the United Kingdom, Eire and the Islands. During the start up phase STAYdontPAY.net will focus on approximately 104 popular tourist destinations to establish the network. As soon as this is complete STAYdontPAY.net will focus on developing local networks in both urban and rural areas. When stage two is complete STAYdontPAY.net will then extend the network to other European Union countries.
Q. What about children?
A. The children of members (permanently living at the address on the application form) are treated in exactly the same way as adults. A stop over is "One bedroom for up to two people for one night plus breakfast". If you do not wish to host children please include this preference in your personal profile supplied to SDP when joining the Network. (look in the Web Site and amend your personal data). The vast majority of our members have only one spare bedroom I.E. two guests. Host members are not expected to supply any additional facilities or equipment for children.
Q. Language Religion Ethnic Groups
A. STAYdontPAY.net is multicultural and all are welcome. Normally STAYdontPAY.net will not ask members for any information relating to these issues. However if any of these issues might have a bearing on your stop over please include your wishes in your personal information supplied to SDP on joining. E.G eating preferences language issues etc. (look in the Web Site and amend your personal data).
Q. THE SUBSCRIBER AGREEMENT (Members Agreement)
A. The full terms and conditions of this agreement between a subscriber (member) and the Company are published on the Web Site
Q. THE HOSTING CONTRACT
A. The full terms and conditions of this contract between any subscriber for the provision of accommodation by one subscriber (the Host) to an other subscriber (the Guest) are published on the Web Site. They are also available in hard copy form from the STAYdontPAY.net office.
Q. Can we take more than one STAYdontPAY.net short break on the same day? (I.E. one of us goes to one location and the other to a completely different location far apart?)
A. Yes However for organisational reasons the initial software system is not designed to permit double booking on the same day. Therefore if you wish to take two short breaks in separate locations on the same day please phone the office who will assist you. Don't forget you will need enough surplus Host Stamps to cover both trips.
Q. Can I make a joint Stop Over Request with another member so we can stay in the same members home together?
A. No. Each member should submit their own Stop Over Request in the normal way. However if you make contact with the office and ask if the two requests can be coordinated we will do our best to help. You will have to decide if you only want to accept a booking in the same members home - or how far away you will accept two locations or - is it a coordinated booking for either or or both choices etc. Obviously this will make it far more difficult for STAYdontPAY.net to find a suitable solution - a very good reason for providing STAYdontPAY.net with lots and lots of notice.
Q. Can I bring a friend neighbour relative (other than children) or companion on a STAYdontPAY.net short break?
A. No Only the two names on the members application profile (or their children) which has been accepted by STAYdontPAY.net are permitted. If your friend neighbour relative or companion wishes to join STAYdontPAY.net they can submit an application to join in the normal way. In addition if you contact the office and ask for a coordinated Stop Over with the other member (your companion) STAYdontPAY.net will do their best to organise it. (A good reason to give STAYdontPAY.net loads and loads of notice.)
Q. Can I share a bedroom with another member?
A. No If two members are staying at the same home at the same time the Stop Over will only be confirmed if there are two bedrooms available. STAYdontPAY.net does not book more than one member (from different families) in any one bedroom.
Q. How many bedrooms can I request a Stop Over for on any one night in one location?
A. As many as are available. If you request more than one bedroom STAYdontPAY.net will try to find a Host member who has enough bedrooms to accommodate your request. However if STAYdontPAY.net cannot find a suitable host with sufficient bedrooms you will either be offered the nearest host with sufficient bedrooms or more than one Host member closer to your travel location and it will be up to you to decide which is most suitable. Please note: The initial software system only allows for one booking per member per night regardless of whether it is one or all of the available bedrooms. However if a member should require an additional bedroom at a later date please contact STAYdontPAY.net who will do their best to make arrangements by telephone with the Host member.
Q. Holiday Homes
A. If you have a second (holiday) home or flat which offers the minimum requirements for STAYdontPAY.net guests you must make a second membership application using your second address. Please remember this can cause added complication and increase the risk of error booking (you can't be in two paces at the same time!). Please be extra careful with your diary updates and the submission of stop over requests.
Q. Can I change the number of bedrooms I make available for STAYdontPAY.net guests?
A. Yes. Just log in to your members area on our web site and amend your profile as often as you like. BUT remember however many bedrooms you make available today will be what STAYdontPAY.net uses for any forward bookings. Any bedrooms you had previously indicated were available and you have agreed to Host STAYdontPAY.net guests in will remain unaltered. (If you wish to change your mind retrospectively please submit a STAYdontPAY.net cancellation).
Q. If I want to temporarly cease activity is this possible?
A. Yes. Cancel all available dates in your diary. If you really will not consider hosting any members please uncheck the box alongside all your bedrooms in your members web profile. (If all your bedrooms are unchecked STAYdontPAY.net will not contact you to try to persuade you to host another member who might be desperate - if your bedroom is checked and your diary is unavailable STAYdontPAY.net might contact you to try to persuade you to change your mind.) For those members who are not on the Web please contact the office.
Q. I have two single bedrooms but not one bedroom suitable for two guests. Is this permissible?
A. Yes. When STAYdontPAY organises an exchange for you they will select members who have comparable facilities to your own.
Q. How does STAYdontPAY.net take account of Disability
A. STAYdontPAY.net has a wide target membership which encompasses anyone who will look after their guests in the same way that they would expect to be looked after themselves. We try to match like minded people where hosts can offer the facilities requested by their guests. Members are encouraged to outline any specific requirements or needs in their personal profile and we will do our best to match them. We encourage people with special needs to join STAYdontPAY.net and we hope they will in turn encourage other similar people to join as well - then we can build up a range of opportunities for them all to take advantage of. However STAYdontPAY.net will provide information to members without legal responsibility and any agreement is strictly between the individual host and guest. If you are in any doubt check with your host as soon as a HOMESTAY has been arranged and well before your arrival. If you are looking for specialist holidays including sources of funding for disabled people on a low income; accessible accommodation nationally and internationally; a range of publications related to holidays; information on accessible visitor attractions and transport; a reservation service for accommodation, including activity holidays and respite care holidays contact www.holidaycare.org.uk or advice@dlf.org.uk
Q. What standard of accommodation can I expect - will it be better or worse than mine? (Equity)
A. There are no two homes or people alike - that is the "charm" of STAYdontPAY.net. they range from big houses to flats. Some members will have en-suite, some will have traditional baths like us and some might only have one bathroom but are prepared to lay down a few simple rules of engagement! In other words don't be deterred from joining just because you do not have the very latest en-suite facilities. Obviously when we are talking to a new member we will discuss these issues and make a note of what facilities you are able to offer. The final stages of enrolment involve someone from STAYdontPAY.net or a local member popping in to say hallo (by arrangement). STAYdontPAY will only accept membership applications from members who meet the requirements and can provide a comfortable stop over. STAYdontPAY will only select potential Hosts who offer the same level of facilities as their Guests.
Q. Why I am unable to choose my Host from an on-line Directory supplied by STAYdontPAY.net?
A. Unlike commercial directories STAYdontPAY.net is a personalised service. We pride ourselves in "taking the drudgery out of booking accommodation". Rather unusually these days we provide members with a full booking service. We make all of the numerous contacts at varying times of the day to find people in the right location, people who are available on your chosen travel dates and only people who have compatible facilities and interests. In short we search out a social stop over which you will enjoy. Spending hours on the computer, waiting for erratic responses, dealing with the last minute cancellations and most importantly finding last minute alternatives are no longer our members' concern. Before a Host agrees to receive Guests we provide an outline of their personal profile so there are no surprises in store
Q. How do I use the search facility (help).
A.
Enter your string into the search box and click the search button.
car - will search all Questions or Answers for the string car
If you want to search on two strings enter both strings. Insert either the word and or the word or between the strings depending on whether you are searching for either or both words in the questions and answers. Leave a space between the strings.
car or parking - will search all Questions and Answers for the string car or the string parking
car parking - will search all Questions and Answers for the string car or the string parking
car and parking - will search all Questions and Answers for the string car parking
To reset/clear the search facility click on the search button.
Q. Confidential Personal Information
A.
When you supply personal information to STAYdontPAY.net, it has a legal obligation towards you in the way in which it deals with your data. On request, STAYdontPAY.net will inform any member who wishes to know what information STAYdontPAY.net holds about them, what that information is used for and whether we will pass the information on to anyone else. We use all reasonable measures to ensure that personal information we hold is accurate and you may request that any incorrect information held about you be corrected.
1.No information you provide to STAYdontPAY.net will be supplied to any party outside the STAYdontPAY.net membership. The only time we might do so is if we are obliged by law to disclose information.
2.All information supplied by members is for use by STAYdontPAY.net staff and the individual member. Members do not have direct access to other members personal information.
3. When STAYdontPAY.net staff contact a member to ask if they are prepared to host another member on a particular date and only if the member indicates they are available, STAYdontPAY.net staff will pass on to the Host member a summary of the personal profile of the Guest concerned. This summary will not include contact details. Once the member has agreed to host STAYdontPAY.net will confirm the reservation to both parties exchanging the personal profiles of both Host and Guest including contact details. If sufficient notice permits this exchange will enable Guests to make contact with Hosts and finalise arrival arrangements well ahead of their trip (at least 48 hours).
STAYdontPAY.net is registered under the UK Data Protection Act. PZ8807675
STAYdontPAY.net does not use Web based methods of receiving member subscriptions.
Q. Who developed the STAYdontPAY network - where does it operate from and why?
A. The network is run by Frazer & Rita Spence - Magpie Cottage, Stodmarsh Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 4AP UK. (Telephone: We believe there are many people who have time on their hands, would like to do more travelling and would like to meet interesting people. So we have set up a network to provide these new opportunities for members to use and enjoy. The network has been set up as a structured and careful system respecting members choice, privacy and above all their home. Our message to friends considering whether they should join is simple: "We have designed the network in exactly the same way that we would arrange a short break staying with our own friends. We aim to provide members with an uncomplicated, comfortable, safe stay with friendly hospitality and without any sudden surprises." If you have similar goals you are very welcome. Best Wishes from Frazer & Rita
Q. What level of hospitality or entertaining is expected by Hosts or Guests?
A. The STAYdontPAY network is for people on the move - overnight accommodation a chat over breakfast followed by the onward journey. Hosts provide a warm welcome, somewhere to relax prior to bed and a chatty breakfast. In some instances some members can both be working and will have to disappear promptly in the morning. The STAYdontPAY network is not heavy entertaining and is not an all day committment it is simply a brief but friendly stop over. If members are staying for more than one night access during the day is only by arrangement with the Hosts. Guests are asked to respect their Hosts' busy committments elsewhere. Here is an example of what might happen - Both hosts and guests are active walkers belonging to local groups. Over breakfast the conversation will probably be all about local walking and guests will receive some good tips! However the Hosts are not expected to actually go walking with their guests but just provide them with a chatty breakfast.
Q. Who are Frazer and Rita Spence?
A. We are an early retired couple whose children have left home. We live in Canterbury and our address is MagpieCottage Stodmarsh Road Canterbury CT3 4AP Te: 01227470780 We have enjoyed lots of short breaks staying with friends and welcoming them back to Magpie Cottage in return. We do use hotels or B&B or hostels as well! Perhaps just as importantly we enjoy meeting people. In retirement we have so much more free time but on a reduced income. We believe there is an increasing number of people in the same position and therefore we have invested some of our savings in setting up a travel network so that this group can achive more from their reitrement. We hope you will have lots of fun with the STAYdontPAY network and we would be pleased to hear from you.
Q. Having difficulty with log on (logon) or retrieving your password.
A. Some mail browsers have anti spam settings creating a white list and a black list. If this applies to your web browser, you must make sure that our two addresses are on your white list. Usually this means adding them to your address book. (AOL users) - but sometimes this alone is insufficient. The two addresses are admin@staydontpay.net and magpies@staydontpay.net Members are advised to logon to our web site using staydontpay.net and NOT staydontpay.com when they intend using their members area. (Diary / Stop Over Requests / Update thier profile).
Q. Do I have any say in where I stay and the quality of the accommodation? (Choice - Preferences - My Minimum Standards - Equity)
A. Yes. STAYdontPAY will select the nearest Hosts who are available and who have similar facilities and interests to their Guests. Note: if you have a single bedroom with a shared bathroom you will not normally be offered a double bedroom with en-suite facilities and vice versa. If you have en-suite facilities and only wish to stay where there are en-suite facilities let us know and this will be organised. After all of these considerations STAYdontPAY will explain what is available on the day and you decide.
Q. What is the membership cost or subscription/charges?
A.
Please have a look at our web page which explains the subscription costs.
Each night you are a Host or Guest you are issued with 1 Host or 1 Guest Stamp.
One host or guest stamp covers one bedroom for up to two people for one night plus breakfast. I.E. As these are provided by Hosts with no charges, there are some indirect costs in addition to your subscription.
Members are issued with 2 Host Stamps when they join. When members re-new their subscription their Host / Guest stamp totals are carried forward and an additional two Host Stamps are issued.
(The founder members were issued with 3 Host stamps when they joined and when they re-new their subscription 2 Host Stamps are issued.)
If you have more Host Stamps than Guest Stamps you may submit a Stop Over Request.
END .