We recently started charging a $25 deposit (for the same reason you
stated) and have had no cancellations since.  The one issue we have
had is that many of our groups are used to being able to reserve over
the phone and now they have to either send a check, come in person, or
give us a credit card number.  Some are reluctant to do any of these,
but once we explain why we had to start charging a deposit, they are
pretty understanding.

On 5/30/12, Laura Ayers <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> We have been having problems recently with school groups canceling
> trips at the very last minute. I was wondering if anyone has
> experience with non-refundable deposits to hold a field trip time. Do
> schools have problems with this? I'd really appreciate any insight
> anyone might have!
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Laura Ayers
>
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