Donation-based hostels

[max patch]

Thats just me. I'm sure people will later post that I'm a cheapskate and others will say I'm crazy to give Blackburn anything. And their opinion is just no more or less valuable than mine. I do share your frustration with the "give me whats its worth" pricing.

[yellowsirocco]

I try to look at other comparable places as a starting point and then go on business ethics. I will pay the Blueberry Patch a lot more than someone who is just trying to skirt the law.

[Drybones]

I've never paid at Blackburn, per se but I am a donating member of the PATC and I've always tented outside. They've still brought us sodas and leftovers anyway. They are awesome there. If I was staying inside I would figure about $10 per person and we'd pitch in to help clean up or do another task if available. To me, it depends on the services rendered. If I'm getting a hot shower, flushing toilets, an actual bed/bunk and/or private accommodations, meals, etc. I adjust upward accordingly.

+1...............

[generoll]

what would you charge or expect as a donation if you were providing those services?

[Teacher & Snacktime]

I would have set prices with no ambiguity...and it would be contingent on the cost of whatever services I'd provide. Since I live in New England where the cost of living is nothing like that of the communites on the trail, I can't realistically answer this.

[Sierra2015]

Blueberry Patch includes laundry and blueberry pancakes for breakfast. What do you think it's worth?

what would you charge or expect as a donation if you were providing those services?

I think generoll wants to tell us how much he/she would donate.

[Hill Ape]

are the pancakes AYCE? does the laundry include soap? do they have to pay taxes on my donation?

[Special K]

It's so much easier with a set price. Even with shuttle services that were "donation style" I always overpaid so as not to feel like a freeloader. Others in the van never gave a dime. I could never wrap my brain around this. And, to answer the question before it's asked...no...these were not hikers on a strict budget.

[Teacher & Snacktime]

Blueberry Patch includes laundry and blueberry pancakes for breakfast. What do you think it's worth?

What I think something is worth and what I am in a position to pay are unfortunately often quite different amounts. I would love to be able to pay enough for something that the provider would always be fully financially compensated for his/her efforts, not just costs. Quite often what you receive at hostels is "worth" so much more than the fee.

[Hill Ape]

i really think there are tax related reasons for the donation based model

[Studlintsean]

When I stayed at Blackburn it was in the winter and I used the shelter with the stove. In the morning I made a point to chop enough wood to keep the place warm for the next 3-4 occupants. It was a great place and the maintainers were great people. When will you be there? I do quick weekend hikes in the NOVA, WV, Md section often and might be around.

[Seatbelt]

I always try to give extra just to help make up for those who "stiff" them and to help out with slow periods.

[sequor pars vicinus]

well if it were me, i'd just ask myself what i would want for my services. Say you provide a meal and a nice place to stay.

Sounds like $20 a head if getting off cheap. I'm trying to think of where i can get a place to stay and meals for two for that price.......

Maybe there should be a unwritten rule about this, like a minimum $20 per head if comes with a meal and $15 without. Provided the place is nice enough.

[Teacher & Snacktime]

When I stayed at Blackburn it was in the winter and I used the shelter with the stove. In the morning I made a point to chop enough wood to keep the place warm for the next 3-4 occupants. It was a great place and the maintainers were great people. When will you be there? I do quick weekend hikes in the NOVA, WV, Md section often and might be around.

This is the planned hike....feel free to join us!

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/grou...=68&do=discuss

[Teacher & Snacktime]

Even though I find it frustrating, I understand the premise of donation-based fees, inasmuch as they don't want to deter those who might not be able to handle a specific amount. I think the "suggested donation" policy would be much easier for the consumer, as it at least provides a guideline.

[sequor pars vicinus]

well if it were me, i'd just ask myself what i would want for my services. Say you provide a meal and a nice place to stay.

Sounds like $20 a head if getting off cheap. I'm trying to think of where i can get a place to stay and meals for two for that price.......

Maybe there should be a unwritten rule about this, like a minimum $20 per head if comes with a meal and $15 without. Provided the place is nice enough.

[Teacher & Snacktime]

Thanks everyone for your input. I think you've effectively given me the answer I was looking for.