why is the gapper/bootcamp fee non-refundable

We do our best to make it clear right next to where you pay that the gapper fee (aka the bootcamp fee) that it is non-refundable.  

The reason is that before this fee, the no-show rate was about 90%.  So we put a lot of time into talking to people about how to get here, what they might want to bring, what accomodations we might arrange, bringing pets or kids, etc.  

When we came up with the gapper fee, the no-show rate dropped to 50%.  Plus we now had coin to subsidize airport/bus rides and a variety of other things.  Or pay people to have all the conversations.   Way better.  

I think that some day, the gapper fee will be raised to $200.  And later to $300.  But for now it is just $100.  

And then people asked for refunds if they changed their mind.  Even after we made it clear "no refunds".   They would ask all the questions, make arrangements, change the date, change the date again ... all the while needing lots of conversations and then change their mind and ask for a refund.  

This has happened enough times, that I wanted to start this thread.  

You are paying for us to have all the conversations.   Before you pay the gapper fee, we require that all questions be posted to the bootcamp thread.  After the gapper fee, we answer questions via email.  

So far, when people ask about a refund, they have been super smooth.  But I cannot help but think that there will come a day when somebody will be less than smooth.  And when that day comes, I want to point to this thread - to understand the why and to have a place to talk about it.  

The bootcamp is staggeringly inexpensive at $100 or $300.  If anyone doubts this, they should check into a motel forv a week.

so after spending some time looking at the Bootcamp Program. I am impress with the amount of skills which will be taught to people who enter the program. For the life of me i cannot imagine another program which would come close. A 100 dollar non refundable fee for all which is provided, is a near drop in the bucket.

So much energy can be spent on communicating with boot/gapper people. From communicating, talking about what is allowed, diet tolerances, anticipating your arrival, figuring out where to put you, scheduling you into the "project labor".All of this before they have even met you! Someone has to do this role of communicating with the boot/gapper person. I think it is only fair for it to have a non-refundable fee. Please get in while the programs non-refundable fee is only 100 dollars!!

Great job providing a place for such wonderful opportunities :)