2023 Club Guidelines

 

GUIDELINES
You'll find these Club Guidelines in the front of the Directory. 

 

Confidentiality. Information in this directory and on the Evergreen website is strictly confidential. Members have provided it to help you select and arrange your accommodations. It may not be used for any other purpose. Please ensure that outdated issues of the directory are disposed of properly.

Arranging a Visit. Evergreen Club membership provides the resources for you to connect with interesting, thoughtful people world-wide who will provide you with clean, comfortable sleeping accommodations, a wholesome breakfast, and friendly conversation. The golden rule applies to every visit: be as considerate of guests and hosts as you would want others to be to you.

Avoid Misunderstandings. Be sure to pay careful attention when arranging a visit. Take time to carefully write down your guest/host's name, contact information and date of visit. Put it in a safe place where it will be readily available for reference. If your plans change, be sure to notify your guest/host as soon as possible. This is why adding your cell/mobile number to your profile is a good idea... you're then accessible in the case of unexpected change or emergency.

Reconfirm arrangements with your guest/host a few days before the visit date to be sure everything is going according to plan. 

Avoid Uncertainty. If you are not ready to make a commitment on your first contact with a host, and need more time before actually scheduling a visit, be sure to let the host know that you are just making an inquiry and that you will be in touch again if you need an accommodation.

Photo Requirements. Photos are a “comfort builder” that help establish a level of familiarity with fellow members you may be hosting or staying with. As of June 2019 we will require all newly joining members to have photos on their profile. If that member doesn't put their own photos on themselves, the Evergreen office will select a free open-source generic photo of that member's city or surrounding area and put it on their profile for them. Existing members are encouraged to put photos on their profile. If you haven't already, please upload 1-10 photos of you, your house, your pet, the guest room, the bathroom your guest will be using, and perhaps the view from your lovely back yard.

Expectations. You are a guest in someone's home, not a 5-star hotel. Don't expect hosts to accommodate late night arrivals, room service, or special diets. And be sure to tote your own luggage. 

Membership Verification. A photo ID such as a driver's license or passport is sufficient to confirm a guest's identity if you feel the need to do so.

Gratuities. A gratuity is like a tip. It's a modest way to express appreciation and help reimburse hosts for any out-of-pocket expenses they may have incurred in preparing for your visit. Guests naturally want to express appreciation for the hospitality they receive, especially since there is no charge for Evergreen accommodations. To facilitate this, a standard gratuity is payable to your host at each visit. Please present the gratuity when you arrive so it won't be forgotten in the flow of events. Have the exact amount in cash.
The standard world-wide gratuity is USD $15 for a single traveler or $20 for a couple per day.  A couple gratuity is when both people occupy the same guest room. When two guests each occupy separate guest rooms, they would each be considered a "single" so that's $15/person per day.  When the gratuity is paid in foreign currency, it should be of equal value in USD. Ask your host ahead of time what currency they prefer.

Healthy Visits. If you're feeling a bit under the weather before or during a visit, discuss the situation with your host/guest ahead of time. It's better to make alternative arrangements than to cause undue concern about everyone's well-being.

Happy Visits. We're sure you know better, but it probably bears repeating. A word to the wise: Don't allow friendly conversations to skid downhill by pushing personal views on politics, religion, sports, etc. Also, it is unacceptable to use Evergreen visits as a means of promoting business or a special cause.

Timely Departures. Many hosts are employed or serve as volunteers and may not be able to afford you substantial attention aside from basic hospitality. Please arrange a soon-after-breakfast departure when a host's code-string includes the letter "B" (i.e., timely departure please).

Non-Members. A member listed in the directory or online may be accompanied by a non-member guest(s). The host must agree to accommodate the non-member. The host may request a higher gratuity for a non-member guest. This is all to be worked out between the host and the guest ahead of time.

Current Membership. Listings include the month/year when a membership is due to expire. (Example EXP: 06/2022.) Since the print directory is published once a year in July, it's possible that someone has joined or renewed their membership but it's not yet reflected in the Print / PDF Directory. Always verify a membership is current. It's best to check online (the Map is in real time) or call Customer Service at 813-551-3197.  The Print Directory policy is under review.  Members may print any or all of the online directory.  It is updated the first business day of each month.

Smoking and Alcohol. If members smoke, we indicate that in their listings with the code "4". Otherwise, all accommodations are non-smoking and guests are not allowed to smoke indoors. Also, please refrain from taking alcohol into your host's home.

No-Shows. It's unacceptable to arrange an accommodation and then fail to arrive on schedule. And it's equally disappointing if you arrive on someone's doorstep and they're not at home! In the event your plans change, make every effort to notify your host (or guest) as soon as possible. Untimely arrivals and last-minute cancellations are unacceptable except in cases of emergency. It's not always easy at the driver's end. Trying to find your way in unfamiliar territory or running into rush hour traffic or unexpected detours may cause delays or even necessitate a change of plans. But remember, someone is waiting for you. Your hosts have graciously prepared for your arrival and even planned tomorrow's breakfast. They're probably watching the clock right now in anticipation of your arrival. So the least you can do is to keep them informed about your progress. Be sure you have each other's cell phone number so you can stay in contact during the crucial hours before your arrival. You may even need to ask the host to guide you by phone those last few miles. 

Length of Stay. Visits are limited to three days, but hosts can make exceptions if they wish. 

Special Amenities. Some hosts offer assistance with transportation and sightseeing. Some even serve home-cooked meals in addition to breakfast. But these amenities are not included in the Evergreen gratuity. Before accepting such services, agree with your host on the amount of additional compensation and don't just take these services for granted. There's no charge for the use of WIFI, kitchen, and laundry privileges however. But if offered, they should be used sparingly to meet minimal needs.

Problem-solving. Members of the Evergreen Club have enjoyed a fairly consistent standard of friendly hospitality and unique accommodations for almost 4 decades. You can help us maintain that standard by letting us know when something seems amiss. We will discuss the situation discreetly. Issues should not be ignored, especially if they're likely to be repeated. If timidity tempts you to "let it go," you won't be doing anyone a favor. Please help us ensure that the Evergreen standard of hospitality remains top-notch. Please contact us at administration if you need to discuss any issues. Generally it's better to turn an issue over to us for discreet follow-up with the parties involved. Ignoring an issue or leaving it unresolved can be unfair to others.

Renewals. Several weeks before your membership is due to expire, you'll receive an email notice with a link for renewing online with a credit card, using our secure server. Online membership profiles automatically become inactive on the due date if the renewal has not been received. Renewals can also be made by mail if you prefer.

Contact Us! We love to hear from you. Don't hesitate to email or call if you have questions or concerns. 

Email: info@evergreenclub.com       North America:  Call or Text:   813-551-3197         

                                                          Others please Call or Text thru What's App   813-551-3197

Website: https://www.EvergreenClub.com

Please note our mailing address:

Evergreen Club c/o Kavanagh
2818 Westridge Ave
Carrollton, TX  75006