So this is the year you decided to wow your father with an adventure for Father's Day. You may already know of something he has been wanting to try, or you just feel it's time to take him away from his day-to-day routine.
Before you make reservations for that fishing adventure, raft trip or balloon ride, Better Business Bureau has some tips to help you find a trustworthy outfitter and a few questions for you to ask before you pay any money.
For many adventurers, the first place to check is a company's online reviews. Go beyond the ones posted on the business' own website, which likely lists only positive reviews. BBB Business Reviews include a rating from A+ to F, details on any complaints filed against a company and, in many cases, there will be positive, negative or neutral reviews by customers.
Ask the outfitter for references - and call them. The glowing review on the website may not tell the whole story. Ask previous customers if there were any surprises or anything that you should be aware of before booking the trip.
Ask about any additional fees and limitations. Do you have to pay extra for equipment rental, meals or transportation? Are there any restrictions, such as for health or other reasons? Get all the details in writing, and make sure everything you discussed with the business is included in the written agreement.
Make sure you understand refund policies and expiration dates. When buying expensive items or gifts, get policies about refunds, exchanges, warranties and guarantees in writing. Some gift certificates and discount coupons are transferable, and some are not. Are there any cancellation penalties? What is considered a valid cancelation reason for the buyer or the operator? Under what conditions is a full refund available?
Read rental agreements for cabins, all-terrain vehicles, campers, kayaks or motorcycles carefully. The agreement should spell out the daily cost, fees, insurance and other details, such as time or return restrictions. If possibly, inspect the rental before you commit to using it.
If you are reserving online, be sure to check that the payment page is secure. The URL for the page should start with https://. Read the site's privacy policy, and use a credit card in case you need to challenge the charge.
Finally, make sure your father is available if you are reserving for a specific date. Some outdoor adventures are only possible during a certain season or time of day.
For more tips or BBB Business Reviews, go to midmobbb.org or call 573-886-8965.
Sean Spence is the Mid-Missouri regional director for Better Business Bureau.