Official Club Membership Enquiry

[KL2DC]

I like to make a minor correction:

BMW CCA charges $40 annual dues but no sign up fee. Its not free but $40 is reasonable in light of the benefits.

The immediate/popular benefits are:

1) Excellent monthly magazine 'Roundel'
2) $500 rebate check on new BMW purchase/lease (must be a member min 1 year)
3) Discounts on parts/accessories including Dinan products at participating dealer
4) Regional chapters host various social mixers and driving events (not all are free but heavily subsidized)

All we get at sign up is a window sticker. But they do have an excellent online store.

Club membership is encouraged by client advisors. This is the extent of the club's association with BMW NA, its almost like an arm. I envision BCM reaching this point one day. Car clubs heightens the ownership experience and builds much goodwill and loyalty to a single marque.

Please keep in mind that the low annual dues is possible as the club is extensively supported by BMW NA, sponsors, ad revenues and proceeds from various events. Apparently BCM is not allowed to accept ad revenue??

I am glad to see the committee members coming out to address views, opinions, comments, suggestions and even criticism. I am also appreciative that they've kept this thread open. I can see that they are genuinely concerned with how everyone feels. It would be nice to have a broad discussion forum prior to the decision on fees as such. I think some people were none too happy about it, they felt left out as constituents of this organization. But I also see the need for expedited and efficient actions in getting this show on the road.

Well since the fees structures could not be revised, how about introducing a new tier in membership dues/sign up to keep everyone happy? Again, to me, the numbers is the main objective. You can't have a big footprint without the numbers.

Btw no one answered my question on how to pay my fees?

 

[rifhamdi]

Likewise ah lian, its my right to pay up and be a member if I want to!

and if you think i am going to part with RM300 just to be a member, i am sorry but i won't. so be it! as i said earlier, owning and driving my E21 is already a satisfying enough!

........if possible, I would want things to carry on as they were. If not feasible than its alright if a reasonable fee needs to be imposed. I am very much aware even to run a website is not free.

But…. I would not want to repeat myself and sound like a broken record…. So pls refer to postings as above.

KL2DC…. The $40 charged looks reasonable before conversion la...

Cheers all

 

[jarance]

Likewise ah lian, its my right to pay up and be a member if I want to!

like I said, if possible, I would want things to carry on as they were. If not feasible than its alright if a reasonable fee needs to be imposed. I am very much aware even to run a website is not free.

But…. I would not want to repeat myself and sound like a broken record…. So pls refer to postings as above.

KL2DC…. The $40 charged looks reasonable before conversion la...

Cheers all

be careful what you wish for lah.. USD40 x RM3.7 = RM148

Anyway, all views are welcome. Most of the query seem to be on the justification of the fees being imposed. However, due to the ROS bylaw of BCM constitution, the registration fee and annual fee have been set. Even if the club want to give a discount, we still have to consider whether the club will get into trouble with ROS later on. As most of you are aware, any change to the bylaws of the constitution have to be decided by a majority votes from members during the AGM. I hope some of you will understand this requirement.

The committees are voted by the members and being an office bearer and caretaker of the club, we have to uphold and abide by the constitution. In addition, we are responsible for the well being of this club. But the most important thing is we are answerable to all the members who vote us into office.

All we are asking is to put your faith in us. This club is nothing with the support of the members. and Yes it is YOU..

cheers..

 

[sithwarrior]

I like to make a minor correction:

BMW CCA charges $40 annual dues but no sign up fee. Its not free but $40 is reasonable in light of the benefits.

The immediate/popular benefits are:

1) Excellent monthly magazine 'Roundel'
2) $500 rebate check on new BMW purchase/lease (must be a member min 1 year)
3) Discounts on parts/accessories including Dinan products at participating dealer
4) Regional chapters host various social mixers and driving events (not all are free but heavily subsidized)

All we get at sign up is a window sticker. But they do have an excellent online store.

Club membership is encouraged by client advisors. This is the extent of the club's association with BMW NA, its almost like an arm. I envision BCM reaching this point one day. Car clubs heightens the ownership experience and builds much goodwill and loyalty to a single marque.

Please keep in mind that the low annual dues is possible as the club is extensively supported by BMW NA, sponsors, ad revenues and proceeds from various events. Apparently BCM is not allowed to accept ad revenue??

I am glad to see the committee members coming out to address views, opinions, comments, suggestions and even criticism. I am also appreciative that they've kept this thread open. I can see that they are genuinely concerned with how everyone feels. It would be nice to have a broad discussion forum prior to the decision on fees as such. I think some people were none too happy about it, they felt left out as constituents of this organization. But I also see the need for expedited and efficient actions in getting this show on the road.

Well since the fees structures could not be revised, how about introducing a new tier in membership dues/sign up to keep everyone happy? Again, to me, the numbers is the main objective. You can't have a big footprint without the numbers.

Btw no one answered my question on how to pay my fees?

Donny, your input is greatly appreciated, at least your comments are constructive in nature to say the least. Hahaha....now since you revealed that BMW CCA does indeed charge a membership fee, someone is already crying foul. No fee is low enough for some!!

What all members need to understand is Rome wasnt built in a single day. Committee members (particularly XXX and Fabian) are working hard to get sponsorships and other benefits for the members, of course this all takes time. We have already spoken to BMW Malaysia as well but of course their reply wasnt so encouraging in monetary terms and now we have no choice but to look into other avenues.

Rather than asking, what can I get for RM300, every forum member should ask themselves what they can do for the club instead. A lot of people have benefitted from this club, some have their technical problems solved, some made great friends, some found love, some had new business ventures through new friends and etc....this is the club where it all started. Can you really put a price on this? RM300 would be a bargain!!

At the end of day, it all depends on what the members want. The committee and advisors have chosen to take this forum based club to the next level, and we are all elected by members like you all to run this club. Let's all make this happen!

Cheers

 

[KL2DC]

Donny, your input is greatly appreciated, at least your comments are constructive in nature to say the least. Hahaha....now since you revealed that BMW CCA does indeed charge a membership fee, someone is already crying foul. No fee is low enough for some!!

That is precisely the point! Someone infered from my earlier post that BMW CCA is free, its not but they don't charge a sign up fee which is the pivotal issue to many. I think many are mostly ok with the annual fees, but they like to see a tiered approach for the sign up fee.

I am not here to champion BMW CCA but to provide insights. That is the direction I'd like to see this club take/go.

As you said Rome wasn't built in a day, I agree, that is what I've been harping about in my last posts. The main imperative now is to build up the numbers first. We need to band the constituents together. Without the numbers we can't achieve all the other goals. We have so much potential right now...

 

[aermyn]

Donny, your input is greatly appreciated, at least your comments are constructive in nature to say the least. Hahaha....now since you revealed that BMW CCA does indeed charge a membership fee, someone is already crying foul. No fee is low enough for some!!

What all members need to understand is Rome wasnt built in a single day. Committee members (particularly XXX and Fabian) are working hard to get sponsorships and other benefits for the members, of course this all takes time. We have already spoken to BMW Malaysia as well but of course their reply wasnt so encouraging in monetary terms and now we have no choice but to look into other avenues.

Rather than asking, what can I get for RM300, every forum member should ask themselves what they can do for the club instead. A lot of people have benefitted from this club, some have their technical problems solved, some made great friends, some found love, some had new business ventures through new friends and etc....this is the club where it all started. Can you really put a price on this? RM300 would be a bargain!!

At the end of day, it all depends on what the members want. The committee and advisors have chosen to take this forum based club to the next level, and we are all elected by members like you all to run this club. Let's all make this happen!

Cheers

Sitt,

I seconded what u mention, XXX and Fabian are working very hard for the Club but in returned all of forumners still bargain on the fees. Club have the rules and regulation. Without support from the members the club can't survived. I hope all the forumners could understand the Newly Form Club need fund to run the show.


KL2DC,

Please remember that BMW CCA is totally different from BMW Club Malaysia. How much to purchase a new BMW E90 in BMW CCA and to purchase a new BMW E90 in Malaysia ? As mention by ah lian $40 is equal to about RM150.00, so what is the different is we have 2 type of payment that registration and annual fees.

 

[sithwarrior]

KL2DC - I think your inputs have been very usefull and for that I would like to thank you. Please try to understand that its useless to have the numbers when the club is broke and can never organise any sort of funtions and get togethers. We seriously sat down and tought about this before we made the decission. Give me a buzz when you're down in KL anytime bro, would be great to catch up and have a drink with you.

Aermyn - Thank you for your understanding and support.

Cheers guys
Sith

 

[XXX]

Sithwarrior for President....hip hip hurray.

 

[KL2DC]

Please remember that BMW CCA is totally different from BMW Club Malaysia. How much to purchase a new BMW E90 in BMW CCA and to purchase a new BMW E90 in Malaysia ? As mention by ah lian $40 is equal to about RM150.00, so what is the different is we have 2 type of payment that registration and annual fees.

I never said they were the same, although BMW CCA more than any other International BMW club chapters is indisputably well structured and exemplary. Its a good ultimate goal to shoot for, wouldn't you agree?

From my observation, BCM has the same level of camraderie that I have seen in my local BMW CCA chapter. Factor in the frequencies of your casual g2g's, I'd say that BCM (at least in the klang valley) is also an involving community to be in. As mentioned before, solely on the social dynamics of the group, the Club is brimming with potential. Also as mentioned, the next few steps are uncharted territory and hits/misses are expected but its important to stick through. I am pretty sure BMW CCA had it rough in its fledgling years as well.

Btw, what's the relative price of cars have to do with the discussion at hand?

 

[KL2DC]

KL2DC - I think your inputs have been very usefull and for that I would like to thank you. Please try to understand that its useless to have the numbers when the club is broke and can never organise any sort of funtions and get togethers. We seriously sat down and tought about this before we made the decission. Give me a buzz when you're down in KL anytime bro, would be great to catch up and have a drink with you.

Cool! I'll look you up when I come down there this March

Active discussion aside, you guys have a big undertaking and I must say I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now. But that also speaks volume on the level of commitment and involvement the comms' have invested. Much applause to the comms'.

 

[Zoggee]

off topic a bit..

KL2DC..??? March??? come PNDC. we go for a drive.

 

[kelvinp]

I think the forum access shouldn't be limited to official members only. A personal note to the commitee, limiting access to the online forum will only create more extinction of members. I can bravely take a bet on that.

I suggest the commitee not to limit the forum access but instead lure more newbies into this superb forum of knowledge for free to gain best recognition. At the same time make use of the recognition with a marketing strategy to convince these people to join into the club as an official member where they'll receive physical benefits as in events,discounts,insurance,car-clinics,t-shirts,caps,keychain,plate-holders etc. Those who do not wish to sign-up as an official member will only be able to access the full-forum and nothing else.

I got no comments on the joining fees, but pls allow the others to debate.

 

[KL2DC]

off topic a bit..

KL2DC..??? March??? come PNDC. we go for a drive.

Sure why not! Already planning to scare the wits out of me, ah?

 

[Bailey]

off topic

off topic a bit..

KL2DC..??? March??? come PNDC. we go for a drive.

aloooooooo aiyah zoggee tis is not OFF TOPIC A BIT but really2 memang way of off topic maaaaahhhhh

 

[sithwarrior]

I think the forum access shouldn't be limited to official members only. A personal note to the commitee, limiting access to the online forum will only create more extinction of members. I can bravely take a bet on that.

I suggest the commitee not to limit the forum access but instead lure more newbies into this superb forum of knowledge for free to gain best recognition. At the same time make use of the recognition with a marketing strategy to convince these people to join into the club as an official member where they'll receive physical benefits as in events,discounts,insurance,car-clinics,t-shirts,caps,keychain,plate-holders etc. Those who do not wish to sign-up as an official member will only be able to access the full-forum and nothing else.

I got no comments on the joining fees, but pls allow the others to debate.

Yes Kelvin, Thats what we are also actually heading towards.. I am glad to see more members in tune with the club's goals.

God Bless BMWCM
Sith

 

[anaksarawak]

BMW Club

Hi All,

I am new in this forum and if I do mention any wrong comments, please forgive me as my intention is sincere.

Even less then a year registering to the forum, I found the Club’s members are the key to the success of this BMW Club. Many offer their sincere help to me and even now as I am searching for my UDM. Like most people, we all dream to own a UDM and thru this Club we hope more dreams can be realized. Keep up the good work guys and gals!

In each club, all members would like to enjoy the benefits of being a member and may I suggest the followings;

For those who love to involve –
1. Joint promotion and roadshow with AB, Sapura, and other main distributor of BMW around Malaysia or Singapore.
- Members can contribute to the sales as they share their passion of BMW to potential buyers. Also new buyers will not feel lost after purchasing their UDM.
- The more Pre Own UDM found enthusiast owner meaning more UDM on the road. Owner of UDM can upgrade as it is easier to find keen buy to own their current ride.
- Love your 28th Jan program. ( Very sad as I missed it)
- Enthusiast like me would like my selected Pre-own UDM to be checked by professionals but I find it is difficult to do so as we always assume Sapura or AB will charge us for it. I hope BMW Club can help in this aspect as to work with Sapura or AB to allow new buyer to send their selected UDM to be check at their facility.

2. There are a lot of potential members in Sarawak and Sabah, not to mention about Brunei.
- A JV with AutoBavaria East Malaysia and Brunei can help attract more members from East Malaysia.
- Currently AB in EastMalaysia will not touch or view your car if yours are not purchase from them. That is a serious problem to many UDM owner in Sabah & Sarawak. Technical advice and source of parts are very limited. If BMW Club and Sapura or other dealers can help organize BMW clinic it will attract many UDM owner. This can be JV with gray importers in Sarawak and Sabah.
- Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club – London did a wonderful TT in East Malaysia. Attract as many as 200 cars from all over the world. The cars are on display in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Brunei, Kota Kinabalu. (I do have the video of this TT)

3. Maintain your good members and reward your supportive members with incentives and upgrades of membership involvements. Good members make good clubs.
4. Also suggest clearing your chat as some are in-relevant to the topic as it is not good sight for your forum new visitors.
5. TT Should be more well organized as when I read through your forum, its difficult to convince myself to go there. Reasons are as follows;
- Bad reviewers in your forum find it boring
- Shy as I do not own a UDM yet
- Can be too far away
- No many special / highlights to look forward for

Guess I have said too much as a newbie…

Once again sorry if I said anything wrong.

 

[sithwarrior]

Geoffreylee,

Thank you very much for your inputs. It is very much appreciated. The committee is working towards that actually. There may be some hiccups during this period, but rest assured that the committee will stay commited to giving all BMWCM an oustanding experience here in the club....

Just to give you a hint... Apart from the Club Launch there is also a big drive / holiday / family day up north coming up very soon. This event will be posted up soon enough.

Sith

 

[anaksarawak]

Hi Sithwarrior,

Thanks for the prompt reply.

If BMWCM do have interest to do an incentive trip to East Malaysia do feel free to seek the assistance of the newly setup convention bureau.

More infor can be found here www.sarawakcb.com

Many UDM owner in Sarawak and I believe they will be keen to join BMWCM

Cheers

 

[sithwarrior]

No problems geofrey - Please do tell the east malaysian chapter that they are also in our disscussions. Eventually all privillages and benefits that West malaysia enjoys, will be enjoyed by the eastern chapter too.... Like I said please do give us a little bit more time....

Bailey - Yeps man... I hope it will be a 2 night 3 day thingy...

 

[ALBundy]

Donny, your input is greatly appreciated, at least your comments are constructive in nature to say the least. Hahaha....now since you revealed that BMW CCA does indeed charge a membership fee, someone is already crying foul. No fee is low enough for some!!

What all members need to understand is Rome wasnt built in a single day. Committee members (particularly XXX and Fabian) are working hard to get sponsorships and other benefits for the members, of course this all takes time. We have already spoken to BMW Malaysia as well but of course their reply wasnt so encouraging in monetary terms and now we have no choice but to look into other avenues.

Rather than asking, what can I get for RM300, every forum member should ask themselves what they can do for the club instead. A lot of people have benefitted from this club, some have their technical problems solved, some made great friends, some found love, some had new business ventures through new friends and etc....this is the club where it all started. Can you really put a price on this? RM300 would be a bargain!!

At the end of day, it all depends on what the members want. The committee and advisors have chosen to take this forum based club to the next level, and we are all elected by members like you all to run this club. Let's all make this happen!

Cheers

Suthe, well said. Of all your previous writings, this one makes most sense!