Refund Policy
Transparent and straightforward refund terms for your reassurance
Overview
At HarvestCommons, we recognize that plans may change, and we are committed to providing transparent and equitable refund procedures. This document provides the scenarios in which refunds for yacht charter services might be granted.
Kindly review these policies thoroughly before booking your charter. By reserving with HarvestCommons, you acknowledge your consent to these refund conditions.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Complete refund excluding service charges
Processing Time: 5-7 business days
Processing Fee: €50 for credit card payments
Conditions: Must be requested formally via email or telephone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Half of the total charter cost
Processing Time: 7-10 business days
Processing Fee: €25 deducted from the refund amount
Conditions: A valid cancellation reason is needed; administrative costs may apply
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: No refund possibility
Exception: Unforeseen emergency situations will be taken into consideration
Alternative: At the discretion of management, a charter credit might be offered
Conditions: Proof is essential for emergency claims
Weather-Related Cancellations
Our Weather Guarantee
Your safety is our highest concern. If our certified captain determines that weather conditions are unsafe for the operation of the charter, we offer the following accommodations:
- Full Refund: A full refund if rearranging the charter is unfeasible
- Reschedule: You may rebook your charter for the next suitable date with no extra charges
- Charter Credit: A credit note valid for one year from the initial charter date
Weather Assessment Process
Our evaluation of weather includes:
- Analyzing wind speed and direction
- Estimating wave heights and sea conditions
- Forecasting visibility and precipitation
- Heeding advisories and warnings from the Coast Guard
- Assessing safety through the captain's professional judgement
Decision Timeline: Decisions regarding weather cancellations are made not later than 4 hours before the charter is scheduled to leave.
Medical Emergency Refunds
Emergency Circumstances
We are understanding of unexpected medical emergencies. Situations that might qualify for special consideration include:
- Sudden medical conditions or injuries needing hospitalization
- Loss in the immediate family
- Military orders or emergency recalls
- Mandates for jury duty or legal subpoenas
- Natural calamities impacting travel
Documentation Requirements
For emergency refund requests, please furnish:
- A medical statement or documentation from a hospital
- A death certificate, if relevant
- Official documentation of military orders
- Legal subpoenas or notices for jury duty
- Emergency travel notices or declarations
Processing: Upon the provision of the valid documentation, emergency refunds are expedited within 3-5 business days.
Operational Cancellations
Mechanical Issues
In the event that your designated yacht experiences irreparable mechanical issues:
- Alternative Vessel: We will try to provide a similar option
- Full Refund: If an appropriate substitute is not available
- Partial Refund: If the substitution vessel is of a different price range
- Compensation: We may offer additional recompense for the inconvenience
Crew Unavailability
On rare occasions when certified crew members are not available:
- We will endeavor to find substitute crew members when feasible
- A full refund if the charter cannot proceed
- Opportunities to reschedule with no additional costs
Refund Processing
Payment Method
Reimbursements will be made using the same payment method as the original booking:
- Credit Cards: 5-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: 7-10 business days
- Cash/Cheque: 3-5 business days
Processing Fees
Credit Card Processing
€50 fee for cancellations with more than 72 hours notice
Bank Transfer Processing
€25 fee applies to all refunds processed via bank transfer
International Processing
Extra charges may apply to international transactions
Charter Credits
When Credits Are Offered
In certain situations, charter credits may be offered instead of refunds:
- When cancelling shortly before the charter (less than 24 hours prior)
- In case of weather-related cancellations
- For voluntary changes to the schedule
- Due to unscheduled operational disruptions
Credit Terms
- Validity: Available for 12 months from the date of issuance
- Transferability: Non-assignable to other individuals
- Value: Equal to the full price of the charter without any deductions for handling fees
- Usage: Can be used for any available charters
- Expiration: Cannot be extended beyond a 12-month period
Partial Service Refunds
Service Interruptions
If your charter experience is curtailed or cut short by events within our control:
- Proportional refund based on the unused duration
- A voucher for a future equivalent charter service
- Additional complimentary services or upgrades may be offered
Guest-Related Interruptions
If a charter concludes earlier due to conduct or safety infringements by guests:
- No reimbursement will be provided for the unfinished time
- The entire charter fee remains due
- Supplementary costs may be incurred
Dispute Resolution
If you are not in agreement with a refund evaluation, you may:
- Request a reevaluation by our administrative team
- Submit further information or proof
- Seek solutions via consumer rights agencies
- Engage legal actions as permitted by relevant laws
How to Request a Refund
Step 1: Contact Us
To begin your refund claim, reach out through:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +49 40 1234 5678
- Directly at our waterfront office
Step 2: Provide Information
Your refund application should include:
- The confirmation code of your booking
- The date and time of the scheduled charter
- The cancellation reason
- Appropriate backup documents (when applicable)
- Your preference for the refund method
Step 3: Review and Processing
Our team will acknowledge your request within 24 hours, assess it against this policy, inform you of the outcome within 48 hours, and proceed with approved refunds according to the timelines provided.
Important Notes
- All applications for refunds must be presented in written form
- Refunds are carried out in €, irrespective of the currency used for the initial payment
- Obtaining travel insurance is highly advised
- These policies may be revised with a notice period of 30 days
- Refunds are subject to the laws and tax regulations in force
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding refunds or to initiate a refund request:
Refunds Department
HarvestCommons Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20459
Germany
Phone: +49 40 1234 5678
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM