Official Club Membership Enquiry

[XXX]

1+2=3

my thoughts precisely....actually its you the members thats goin to make it happen..as its you who votes the office bearers to run this 'company' of yours..

 

[2cents]

Ok as far as the carrot dangling part I would say the club has not dangled it yet as you see we not yet get the carrot bcos got no fertiliser and bcos everybody still debating which fertiliser to buy..but rest assured when we get the fertiliser its going to be a 20 Carat Carrot.

Currently BMWCM cant promise heaven and earth yet as it needs funds to move but all I can say is that once thats in, BMWCM's mission is to give the members their moneys worth, currently you dont need to pay a cent and you are enjoying yourself, what more when BMWCM has funds to do things that could make that experience better. Any club you join has its risk its just like buying shares in the stock market you hope for the best and that is as much BMWCM can afford to say right now, it will definetely in its ability to give its best to its members.

I wouldn't go ther if i wer u, dude, the Securities Commission has requirements with very high standards of disclosure in the prospectus of what a listed company is to do with public money.
In my humble opinion, what may help is perhaps, an outline of how much is required to move the club to which direction(s) & in what estimated time frame, what r these goals, mission of the club & how will these goals b achieved, expressedly? -just my 2cents

 

[KL2DC]

Hey guys,

Been out of the loop the last month. Only now starting to get schooled on this whole membership thing.

You guys have my support of course wrt club dues and others. Please advise on overseas membership fee payment. Do you guys use paypal?

Wrt personal info. I looked at the application form and I must say that there is a lot of personal data/info solicited like NRIC number, race, religion etc. It looks like a credit card application!. Is this information entirely necessary? I understand you guys are building up a database for members but isn't name, correspondence address, contact information, BMW model etc enough? There is a risk and great responsibility on the part of the club organizers/management when managing so much unnecessary personal information.

For reference, BMW CCA doesn't ask half the info you guys are asking and they do fine wrt benefits disbursements, management, communication, events planning etc etc Their renewal form can be found here: http://www.bmwcca.org/members/AM/BMWCCA/Documents/printableRenewalform.pdf
https://www.bmwcca.org/members/AM/Template.cfm?Section=On_Line_Join&Template=/bmwcca/custompages/join/joinsection.cfm

Look, I don't have a problem with that but you guys might want to consider the issue to ensure the success of your membership drive.

Also you guys might want to revise the initial proposed sign-up package. Maybe if you set up the sign-up at a lower price point while keeping the annual membership dues where they are, it might be easier to stomach. There are plenty of dedicated members here who like to see the success of this club but either way you cut it RM300 or USD85 is a big hit, even for me. FYI, BMWCCA doesn't charge a sign up fee.

Speaking of benefits, what's the deal with the insurance coverage?

My take on it is if the organizers might consider starting slow first and then slowly build up the benefits and the subsequent membership dues.

 

[Iqlima]

RM300 for fee .......

Members who signed up would be entitled the following items and benefits:-
1) Starter pack worth more than RM150
- BMW Club Shirt - new design (for Members only)
- BMW Club Cap
- BMW Club Keychain
- BMW Club Number Plate Holders
- Insurance PA (RM75,000)
2) Member Privilege Price for participation fees for future club events.
3) Unrestricted access to the BMW Club Malaysia website.

I'm a person who spend at least 200 days from 365 days a year overseas.

I'm most likely to spend my time with my family rather than outing/TT.My two kids and my wife deserve more than others.

I've no interest on club event because obvious reason as above.

I've interest on technical discussion even I can say this forum have less than 10% DIY people.

I'm no interest on BMW mark whether on shirt,keychain or plate holder because I've a kidney at front of my 7. Sorry about sticker because I'm only allow roadtax sticker on my car.

Any alternative for just online member ??

 

[KL2DC]

To add on to my earlier rant...

Here's my take, and I gave it some thought.

First of all much credit to all the committee members who drew this up. I can see it is very well detailed, progressive and well executed.

I think right now, the main focus of the club organizers is to cement down the numbers good and strong. Shaking up the club to get serious feedback is a good start. Once you administer the membership base you can shop those figures around to supporting vendors, sponsors and ultimately, the support of the big kahuna themselves i.e. BMW Malaysia.

To get the numbers you might want to listen to folks and revise the price points. The membership dues seem alright for what you get, I know you guys have a lot of events and such and the administrations seem spot on but a little downward revision wouldn't hurt. In turn, when you can offer more for the annual dues, you can always revise it up but by that time, the whole machinery will be well oiled and running strong.

As per my last post, I think the sign up package is a little too ambitious/lavish. I see where you are getting at in equipping members with some basic amenitied and to shore up a sense of privelege/amenities etc but perhaps you can offer that package in tiers. I think someone brought that up. I don't think this move will be elitist, its a matter of choice. Some folks prefer to fly economy, some folks prefer to fly first class but they all end up at the same place, at the same time.

Again just my 2 cents. I too, like a lot of folks here would like to see this whole thing take off and you guys have my support. I think you've all done phenomenal footwork. Let's drive this whole thing home.

 

[andrewk]

Totally agree with KL2DC's comments. Some tiered membership structure could be considered to cater for different needs (and of course, entitled to different benefits). Like Iqlima said, perhaps a category for "internet" members with full access to the site, discounts from vendors/shops etc. but don't get MPP for club events. This way, the club can get the numbers required to bring in vendors/shops etc. and it caters for members that do not have time for TT/club events etc. etc.

Anyway, I'm sure the comm will as much as possible, take everyones view into consideration and have the club's interest at heart. I guess only time will tell if things take off or not. Nevertheless, the comm members have been doing a great job, and I know its not easy to manage a club, esp when you are working for free!!

Just my 2 cents...

 

[fabianyee]

Thank you all for the recent inputs. We are compiling it and putting them into the world's mightiest computer system and would be churning out the results soon.

Seriously, we are taking into consideration on the feedbacks given here.

Thanks.

 

[Iqlima]

Thank you all for the recent inputs. We are compiling it and putting them into the world's mightiest computer system and would be churning out the results soon.

Seriously, we are taking into consideration on the feedbacks given here.

Thanks.

the world's mightiest computer system : SGI

 

[scin]

Just a quick observation

1. committee has done an excellent job of the registration etc

2. RM 150.00 annual fee is a little steep, but still acceptable to most, taking into consideratioin the "goodies"

3. One time joining fee is too much

4. 2 levels of membership is advisable coz you need different strokes for different folks. Not every one wants to go for events. They just want to go online and an occaisional TT. But yet if they could have some limited privvies like the PA,some discounts and full access to the forum, I believe they would be willing to pay a lower membership fee.If and when they decide to attend events, they pay more than a "full" member would.

They may not even want the "goodies"

Maybe a "platinum/full" member displaying his card at an outlet would get 15% off and a "titanium/junior" member would only get 10%

The "full" members would receive more benefits and pay less (if at all) for major events.



This dual levels of membership and fees would help bring in the masses and the fence sitters... those who only want to be semi active and not pay too much to join yet have full access to the forum.

If you neglect this sector of potential members, you will most certanly not get the big numbers in your recruitment drive.


5. too much fuss has been made about the information gathering. I am sure the intent was not to stir shit. If you don't want to disclose that info, then don't! Simple as that.


6. I think the part about charging a premium because you want the club to be "prestigious" just like the car is pure rubbish. If people are signing up just because they feel that they have "made it" and are part of a prestigious community......WELL.....

I for one would not want to be part of club full of posers!


These are just my opinions for your consideration.Thank you.

 

[sithwarrior]

Scin,

What are you on about ? I understand your queries, but did you have to end it with a whine ? In any case I will bring this up with my fellow committee's ya.... take chill pill in the mean time.

Sith

 

[Funk]

I can see most are bringing up the same matter.

It would be easier on the comms if they are open about it and pledge something to be done.

Cheerio!

 

[KL2DC]

I can see most are bringing up the same matter.

It would be easier on the comms if they are open about it and pledge something to be done.

Cheerio!

I am confident that the comms are considering all feedback/constructive criticism. This is uncharted territory for the Club so a lot of hits and misses are expected. The most important thing is that everyone is going the same direction and is on the same page. Its ok to have differences in opinion and viewpoints (it's a democracy) but we must all band together.

Cheers

 

[scin]

Scin,

What are you on about ? I understand your queries, but did you have to end it with a whine ? In any case I will bring this up with my fellow committee's ya.... take chill pill in the mean time.

Sith

No, but it was just more fun that way...hehehe
I am always chilled ...
Basically, the point I was trying to make is....

I wouldn't want to be a part of a club of posers.
SO, if the fees are set at a premium in order to gain some aura of exclusivity and to make the members feel like they are somehow part of the higer echelon of society ( as someone suggested) , then I think that is not the right approach.

That's what I was on about with my whining and whinging..

BUT, as with everything that is posted here, this is purely IMHO only and not meant to personally attack, ridicule or belittle in any way whatsoever the efforts of the comm. whom I feel have done a brilliant job thus far.

 

[XXX]

aiyoyo RM150 for life and RM150 annually very exclusive meh?...

 

[rifhamdi]

aiyoyo RM150 for life and RM150 annually very exclusive meh?...

well.... some of us here tend to think so... as somebody did mention. like wise this statement "RM300 also cannot fork out, then you should not drive a BMW!"

i concur with scin!

btw,.... RM300 is a lot of money for me. not interested in the activities because am always working but would like to access website and to attend TT occasionally.

cheers

 

[XXX]

ok lets put it this way, tropicana club the joining fee is RM25000 can you say I only want to use the swimming pool can pay Rm5000 only bcos I dont have time to play golf.
As it was mention earlier fees collected are to fund the running of the club as a BMW club we have certain standards to meet to meet those standard is not cheap. If we are not going to be any different after we become a full fledge club, why are we wasting our time collecting fees in the first place, we might as well be what we are now bcos if we are going to collect fees that is not enough to enhance this club experience then we might as well be what we are now,
the small little coffeeshop when we actually someday want to be like coffeebean.

 

[KL2DC]

What are your proposals for other sources of operations funding? Have you started talks with BMW Malaysia for support, I think this is key. You guys need to do serious lobbying. Aside from various sponsors, you can do online ad sales and if you guys are starting up a newsletter (print or online), that is also another source of funds. Also start up an online store selling merchandise. The funds do not have to be borne of the membership base 100%. The membership base should be your tool to get more funds, its not an end all. Also small events like an auto-x day could be a good source of funds, especially if you open it up to the public.

 

[godflesh]

ok lets put it this way, tropicana club the joining fee is RM25000 can you say I only want to use the swimming pool can pay Rm5000 only bcos I dont have time to play golf.
As it was mention earlier fees collected are to fund the running of the club as a BMW club we have certain standards to meet to meet those standard is not cheap. If we are not going to be any different after we become a full fledge club, why are we wasting our time collecting fees in the first place, we might as well be what we are now bcos if we are going to collect fees that is not enough to enhance this club experience then we might as well be what we are now,
the small little coffeeshop when we actually someday want to be like coffeebean.

XXX,
Not a bad idea. That's all a car club should be. What are we trying to achieve by collecting RM300, recruting 25 members and losing 250 or more - just doesn't make sense - and that's going to happen.

Also, just curious, how does the club plan to enhance member's experiences - a cap and shirt is not going to suffice. A lot of the statements in this and previous posts are very vague. I'm here mainly for tech support and at RM300 I'll get it for free somewhere else.

As for the fees - Scin couldn't have put it better. Don't need to fork out hard earned cash to feel great about driving a bmw - I feel great driving ANY car (even my proton) looking at the absurd prices we pay here in Boleh Land!

And finally, for the time being........

Tropicana isn't based on a "www. forum"

Later.....

 

[mini_jeff67]

BTW, I don't think you have to be rich to own a UDM... u just need to be prepared for a lot of commitment!

 

[MRsamdol]

Tropicana?? If compared with a golf club like tropicana means that you want bmw club malaysia to be exclusive and that means no lower middle income group is allowed... Also you can be a non golfing member of tropicana its much cheaper.

Just messing/kidding around... I understand what you trying to say.