[quote name='nigel leyland' date='12 January 2010 - 12:16 PM' timestamp='1263298614' post='9911']
Do membership fees put off prospective members? (I've posted this here as I would like all to read and input not just senior members......)
Well it seems they do...!
Given that responders have to be members, (insurance) and that the small fee that groups charge is used to run the club (which may be a charity) and in some instances is possibly subsidised......
the following may need to be addressed....
A. Do we want need members who feel that they should not "have to pay for the preiveledge of helping"?
B. Need to adjust fees (if possible)?
C. Need to state up front why the fees need to be charged and what the group provides to the member?
You're thoughts please.......
Nigel.
[/quote]
so........
I'll start with B......
It's virtually impossible to run any team reasonably well wihtout some anual income, as we are not large enough to find sufficient funding nor have a big enough benifactor our only recourse is to take a fee from members, regardless of the other aspect as pertinent as they are.....the reality is we need the money! It therefore goes without saying that fees should not be excessive and I should imagine that groups with more members or free resources probably charge less. Indead as far as RNE are concerned it's the first thing that gets looked at each year when the bookkeeping is done, unfortunately we've not been able to reduce it.
Ergo A......
Bit of a loaded question I'm afraid folks, because given the above.....we're not going to get members who don't want to pay the fees we have to charge are we!!!!
That leaves C....
Obvious isn't, yes we need to provide information for current and prospective members.....in all aspects but I hope that posting this thread here will go some way to enlightening those who come along and want to ask the question but don't and then leave without seeing past "they expect me to pay to help!".
Lets facce it, you've heard about 4x4response, you think its a good idea, you're the sort of person who thinks they could afford a few hours now and then to help out, especially when it's as bad as things have been and the lads could do with a bit of a hand......then you find out it's going to cost you ££ before you turn a wheel......some will see past and investigae more, and understand, possibly joining us.....however some will be totally against the concept in principal and walk away.....but others will be found on various forums voicing there opinions and putting others of taking a look and making there own minds up!
Nigel.
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