Austin Hot Air Balloon Business Closes Abruptly, Customers Left in the Dark
AUSTIN — A local hot air balloon business named Austin Aeronauts has shut down unexpectedly, leaving many customers without their prepaid bookings and with little recourse for refunds. The company, which has been operating for over 40 years, ceased operations at the beginning of October, providing no prior notice to its loyal clientele.
Customers React to Sudden Closure
Many customers were taken by surprise when they received emails informing them of canceled bookings. One customer, Leslie Crowe, was especially taken aback. Crowe had booked a hot air balloon ride as a special gift for her husband and had paid a total of $700 for the experience.
“My throat dropped into my stomach. I was like, what? Wait a minute. What’s going on? Is this a joke? Is this a prank?” Crowe expressed, showing her frustration and disbelief. She explained how difficult it was to save up the money, especially while dealing with a mortgage and other expenses.
No Way to Contact the Business
Along with the closure, many customers found themselves without a way to contact the business for refunds. The phone number and email address associated with Austin Aeronauts stopped working, leaving individuals feeling abandoned. “There was no sign that they were even going to close. This was a blind side to us, like it just came out of nowhere,” Crowe remarked.
She wished the owner had been more transparent about the situation before completely shutting down operations. “At the very least, you should have had an explanation prior to even closing,” she said, stating that it felt unfair to have lost money she had worked hard for.
The Owner’s Perspective
The owner of Austin Aeronauts, who purchased the business three years ago, shared that the company had been struggling for some time. He indicated that the business had seen a drastic decline in bookings, suffering a loss of more than 70% compared to previous years. As costs piled up, including rent and loan payments, the owner found himself unable to sustain the business financially.
“When all the money was gone, we had to shut our doors because there was no more money,” the owner stated, expressing regret over the conclusion of the business that had served the community for decades.
Advice for Business Owners Facing Closure
Experts from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) noted that there are resources available for business owners facing such struggles. Katie Galan, the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the BBB, mentioned the importance of reaching out for help.
“There’s a bunch of different business organizations that can help for free, most of the time. So, reaching out to one of these organizations can help you find the resources that you need,” Galan said. She emphasized that business owners should also consider getting legal advice to understand their obligations to customers who have already made payments.
Importance of Transparency
When it comes to dealing with customers during difficult times, Galan strongly recommended transparency. “Just kind of let them know, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on. I want to be honest with you. I want to help you. But unfortunately, this is what we have,’” she explained. Galan noted that honesty can go a long way in maintaining customer trust, even in tough situations.
Conclusion
The situation with Austin Aeronauts has left a number of customers disappointed and out of pocket. As they await any further communication or potential refunds, many are left wondering how a well-loved local business could go from thriving to closing so suddenly. While the owner reflects on a difficult decision, customers hope for better communication in future dealings.
