Had a friend bail on a weekend cabin trip last spring and it changed how I plan stuff now

Back in April I rented a cabin up near Lake George for 4 people, cost me $200 each. Two friends backed out two days before, leaving me and one other guy stuck with the full bill. We went anyway but it was awkward splitting everything and honestly I felt kinda salty about it. Now I make everyone Venmo me a non-refundable deposit for group trips. Has anyone else had to start doing deposits with friends to avoid getting burned?

3 comments

3 Comments

wright.dakota13d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, you said you rented it "cost me $200 each" but then said you were "stuck with the full bill." That math doesn't really add up unless you meant $200 total per person. If it was $200 per person for 4 people that's $800 total, so you and the other guy would have owed $400 each if the two bailed. I've been burned similar though. My buddy Jake and I planned a camping trip to the Adirondacks last fall and two other guys flaked the night before. We ended up just splitting their share ourselves cause we already paid for the site. Now I make everyone put up cash upfront too, no exceptions.

terry_walker13d ago

Hold up, I think you're right about the math actually. I re-read his post and yeah, it sounds like he meant $200 total per person not $200 each. But still, how do you get stuck with the full bill if you had a buddy who also stayed? Unless that guy ALSO bailed on him last minute? Like was it just him solo in a cabin meant for four people? I got screwed on a beach house rental once with similar confusion over splitting costs. Three of us agreed on a place, then the fourth guy backed out but didn't tell us until we were already driving there. We had to scramble to cover his share. Did the other guy who stayed with you not chip in for the flakers?

bettyrodriguez12d ago

Ugh yea that's the only way to do it anymore honestly.