Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
I am currently considering waiting until 30 days past the payment date, then advising I am withdrawing the application and filing a claim with Paypal to get my money back. Not a series of actions I want to do but at this point I think that is the only way I am going to get any action here. I strongly suspect the problem is with the secretary. Their long time secretary is no longer holding the office and the new one just is not on the ball.
I perhaps am in need of perspective here. Am I expecting too much? Wouldn't it seem reasonable that by now I should at least have some acknowledgment that my application is being processed?
Login to Like
this post
Not knowing what organization this is, I'd say to give it more time. If there is only one person vetting prospective members, and that person is new, he may have to get access to whatever sites the organization uses to check out new members. The new secretary will have to learn how to use those sites. Also, if they have many new prospective members, your name may be down the que.
I don't think there was any problem asking for an update towards your approval for membership. I'd wait until October 1, and then ask for another update. Also ask how much longer do they think it will take. If that time frame is not acceptable to you, then remind them of your application date. If you don't get results, then you'll have to decide if you want to wait longer or withdraw your application and request a refund.
Login to Like
this post
Just went to the society website- they have a member's forum that is open to guests. I had posted about this matter and now someone else has posted with the same issue. they are still waiting to hear about an application.
The October 1 time frame is probably more reasonable. If there is some illness or family situation the person processing this may have legitimate reasons for a delay. From my interactions with the society president I got the idea he is mystified and is also trying to find out what's going on.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
12:18:13pm
Sometimes a member of a club, on-line or not, volunteers to take on a responsible office and is not aware of the actual work involved.
They then become overwhelmed as they find that there is more to it than just adding a title to their business card and smiling. That can lead to a feeling of annoyance.
Meanwhile the other club officers only gradually become aware of the depth of a situation such as yours and it will take time to recruit another, hopefully more responsible volunteer, especially if there is money involved.
Login to Like
this post
Yeah, I may have applied at a bad time. I wish the head guy would simply tell me they are trying to find out what's going on- everyone is just clammed up, it seems.
This seems to be a systemic problem these days, earlier this summer I applied for membership in a leading specialty society. I downloaded the application and mailed it in with a check. A month later- nothing. I'd sent messages to the secretary I'd mailed it to, then sent one to the president and suddenly got my answer. it seems my application was 'lost in the mail'. They suggested i cancel the check and reapply. I told them thanks, I will do so later. Maybe much, much later..
So this latest seems a continuation of my string of luck. Societies are staffed with volunteers and sadly in many cases they get the service out of them they pay for.
Login to Like
this post
Although I don't think it was mentioned here, the name of the society was mentioned in a similar thread on another board.
That society seems to keep a lot of things going (an auction, a published catalog, etc) with only a few dedicated volunteers. They also have a national convention coming up in less than a month.
So the people who need to process your application may be stretched a little thin.
And I joined them for several years a few years ago, and, although my application was processed quickly, my log-in credentials for the website never seemed to be right. By the end, I can't remember if it worked, or if I had given up on it by then.
So, patience is I think the watchword here.
Login to Like
this post
I've also had an experience that to me has been even more frustrating.
Again, I won't name it here right now, because I should give it a go again, but there's a society that I've asked to join several times over several years, and I never hear back with the application form or anything. Yet, I see someone updating their website from time to time, so some part of the society is still alive.
Indeed, about a year ago, after I had been trying for about a year to apply for membership, it turns out I had a document they were looking for to support the publication of an article. I dutifully supplied copies for them, after getting them to agree to please send a copy of the periodical to me, and to please, once again, please send me an application to join.
Neither ever happened.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
OK here's my best 'Society' horror story. Maybe the best ever.
Some years ago I was browsing the site of a major one country society and noticed their literature section had a publication I was interested in- it touched on an area I was pursuing. I asked if i could purchase it as a non member and was told to go ahead, so I did so and sent them a Pay Pal payment. Nothing. At least not until about 30 days later when I received a receipt in the mail from them thanking me for my 'generous gift' to their society, I emailed the guy I'd ordered the book from and his reply astounded me. They were sold out of the book and their policy was in cases like this to treat money sent as a gift! He would not budge- claimed it was clearly stated on the site- it wasn't. After a couple email exchanges he blocked my emails.
I noted they were and are an APS affiliate. So... I contacted the person responsible for affiliate matters at the APS, I also asked for papers to file an official complaint. Things must have hit the fan shortly after. I got an email from the society president apologizing- you see, it was all a 'misunderstanding'. They also refunded my payment. He invited me to apply for membership, offering to sponsor my application. I can't recall what I told him, probably it was something he didn't deserve because I think he had no idea the guy in charge of their online sales was such an idiot. It's funny now but at the time it was far from it. Good people must be very hard to find for these positions.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I just wanted to mention in my case that I belong to two country associations (check my profile--I won't mention them here). If either one of them is the one you are having issues with, let me know.
BOB
Login to Like
this post
Philatarium-
Many years ago I responded a number of times to a classified ad the SCC (Scandinavian Collector's Club) ran for years in Linn's. They offered a free copy of their magazine and membership information. I tried several times, must have lost several dollars in postage I'd sent to cover expenses, finally I gave up.
Fast forward several years and I happened to mention my experience to a dealer at a show specializing in this area, he started laughing. He went on to tell me that for years they had a fellow in charge of recruitment who ran the ad in Linn's. But.. replies were directed to the club secretary who felt put upon and also that he did not want any more members because he couldn't keep up with the work he already had. This sad situation continued until the old sourpuss finally passed on. By then they'd lost a ton of potential members.
The SCC today is thriving and is a fine society with a terrific publication. It just however goes to show how one obstinate member can clog everything up.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Thanks, Bob -- Unfortunately, it's not one of those, as I sure would otherwise appreciate your intervention!
Login to Like
this post
02:19:28pm
" ... Many years ago I responded a number of times to a classified ad the SCC (Scandinavian Collector's Club) ran for years in Linn's. ..."
Well that explains something I had almost forgotten. They did send a "free" copy of their very interesting magazine, "The Posthorn" but neither cashed nor acknowledged my check and application.
Login to Like
this post
Yesterday I started the process of requesting a Paypal refund on my dues payment, a notice of course, was sent to the payee.
Today I got an email from a society official asking me to withdraw the claim. He says they are working on renewals and this is a busy time of year, that I will hear shortly.
They sounded a bit put out.
From what I can see on my PP account, if I withdraw the claim I have to at the same time tell PP that the matter has been resolved. It hasn't- yet. i don't have my application processed. I also think from a past experience that I will be contacted by PP before this matter is escalated. It just seems I'd be losing leverage if I cancel it now. But, probably I am making too much of this- they did after all, finally reply. I think I will wait until next week to decide what to do here. I somehow think if I don't keep the pressure up I won't get this processed for another month or two. But then maybe that's normal.
Login to Like
this post
11:34:26am
If you let the claim stay, one of two things will happen: (1) they accept your application and grant you membership; or, (2) PayPal refunds your money and you are not a member of this dysfunctional organization.
If you dismiss the claim, and they subsequently deny your application and refuse to refund your payment, you are just out of luck as the PayPal "Buyer protection" has now ceased to exist.
Login to Like
this post
11:36:56am
Then tell them that you will be glad to withdraw as soon as the membership is processed and you are admitted, adding, it took the PP complaint to get someone's attention so withdrawal means you lose that leverage. Do the processing now and this thing becomes a memory.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
It sounds like your application was held to be processed for the new year. That's better than if they accepted it and a month later told you you owed the same amount again for the new year! But it would've been nice to have some communication.
I think it's a matter of how bad you want to be part of this society. If you withdraw your PayPal action, you can't use it again. So you are at their mercy if they don't perform. But at the same time, I doubt they'll move forward to make you a member with the claim still against them.
Login to Like
this post
Just now got a message from the secretary giving me my membership # and web site log in information, I tried it and I am indeed 'on board' now.
I thanked her by return email and told the Society president that it was resolved and my PP claim is withdrawn. I am sure he's glad not to have to hear from me for awhile.
Wanna bet I'd still be waiting and would be for a few more weeks if I hadn't filed the claim? It's too bad but sometimes you have to do stuff like this. Anyway all's well that ends well...
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
It still irritates me when I am ignored. Tell me you have a 6 week backlog and I'm fine. But ignoring multiple requests for a simple acknowledgement is unacceptable even for a volunteer society. It's just plain rude, in my opinion.
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Yeah that's my thinking too. They were plainly just going to take their time and ignore me- until they had to reply. All I wanted was an explanation, I'd have waited a couple more weeks.
Login to Like
this post
I applied for membership in a stamp society around 8-20, on line. I sent them a Paypal payment of approximately $30 and got a receipt from Paypal. That is all I have to show thus far. After a week or so I sent a message to the secretary asking if thy could just confirm they have it- nothing. Same thing the next week. Then I emailed the society president who asks me for the Paypal payment #- that was supplied. Now, still nothing. I sent a message this past weekend to the head honcho again with no result. It's frustrating.
I am currently considering waiting until 30 days past the payment date, then advising I am withdrawing the application and filing a claim with Paypal to get my money back. Not a series of actions I want to do but at this point I think that is the only way I am going to get any action here. I strongly suspect the problem is with the secretary. Their long time secretary is no longer holding the office and the new one just is not on the ball.
I perhaps am in need of perspective here. Am I expecting too much? Wouldn't it seem reasonable that by now I should at least have some acknowledgment that my application is being processed?
Login to Like
this post
10:21:56am
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Not knowing what organization this is, I'd say to give it more time. If there is only one person vetting prospective members, and that person is new, he may have to get access to whatever sites the organization uses to check out new members. The new secretary will have to learn how to use those sites. Also, if they have many new prospective members, your name may be down the que.
I don't think there was any problem asking for an update towards your approval for membership. I'd wait until October 1, and then ask for another update. Also ask how much longer do they think it will take. If that time frame is not acceptable to you, then remind them of your application date. If you don't get results, then you'll have to decide if you want to wait longer or withdraw your application and request a refund.
Login to Like
this post
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Just went to the society website- they have a member's forum that is open to guests. I had posted about this matter and now someone else has posted with the same issue. they are still waiting to hear about an application.
The October 1 time frame is probably more reasonable. If there is some illness or family situation the person processing this may have legitimate reasons for a delay. From my interactions with the society president I got the idea he is mystified and is also trying to find out what's going on.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
17 Sep 2015
12:18:13pm
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Sometimes a member of a club, on-line or not, volunteers to take on a responsible office and is not aware of the actual work involved.
They then become overwhelmed as they find that there is more to it than just adding a title to their business card and smiling. That can lead to a feeling of annoyance.
Meanwhile the other club officers only gradually become aware of the depth of a situation such as yours and it will take time to recruit another, hopefully more responsible volunteer, especially if there is money involved.
Login to Like
this post
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Yeah, I may have applied at a bad time. I wish the head guy would simply tell me they are trying to find out what's going on- everyone is just clammed up, it seems.
This seems to be a systemic problem these days, earlier this summer I applied for membership in a leading specialty society. I downloaded the application and mailed it in with a check. A month later- nothing. I'd sent messages to the secretary I'd mailed it to, then sent one to the president and suddenly got my answer. it seems my application was 'lost in the mail'. They suggested i cancel the check and reapply. I told them thanks, I will do so later. Maybe much, much later..
So this latest seems a continuation of my string of luck. Societies are staffed with volunteers and sadly in many cases they get the service out of them they pay for.
Login to Like
this post
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Although I don't think it was mentioned here, the name of the society was mentioned in a similar thread on another board.
That society seems to keep a lot of things going (an auction, a published catalog, etc) with only a few dedicated volunteers. They also have a national convention coming up in less than a month.
So the people who need to process your application may be stretched a little thin.
And I joined them for several years a few years ago, and, although my application was processed quickly, my log-in credentials for the website never seemed to be right. By the end, I can't remember if it worked, or if I had given up on it by then.
So, patience is I think the watchword here.
Login to Like
this post
re: Am I Being Impatient?
I've also had an experience that to me has been even more frustrating.
Again, I won't name it here right now, because I should give it a go again, but there's a society that I've asked to join several times over several years, and I never hear back with the application form or anything. Yet, I see someone updating their website from time to time, so some part of the society is still alive.
Indeed, about a year ago, after I had been trying for about a year to apply for membership, it turns out I had a document they were looking for to support the publication of an article. I dutifully supplied copies for them, after getting them to agree to please send a copy of the periodical to me, and to please, once again, please send me an application to join.
Neither ever happened.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Am I Being Impatient?
OK here's my best 'Society' horror story. Maybe the best ever.
Some years ago I was browsing the site of a major one country society and noticed their literature section had a publication I was interested in- it touched on an area I was pursuing. I asked if i could purchase it as a non member and was told to go ahead, so I did so and sent them a Pay Pal payment. Nothing. At least not until about 30 days later when I received a receipt in the mail from them thanking me for my 'generous gift' to their society, I emailed the guy I'd ordered the book from and his reply astounded me. They were sold out of the book and their policy was in cases like this to treat money sent as a gift! He would not budge- claimed it was clearly stated on the site- it wasn't. After a couple email exchanges he blocked my emails.
I noted they were and are an APS affiliate. So... I contacted the person responsible for affiliate matters at the APS, I also asked for papers to file an official complaint. Things must have hit the fan shortly after. I got an email from the society president apologizing- you see, it was all a 'misunderstanding'. They also refunded my payment. He invited me to apply for membership, offering to sponsor my application. I can't recall what I told him, probably it was something he didn't deserve because I think he had no idea the guy in charge of their online sales was such an idiot. It's funny now but at the time it was far from it. Good people must be very hard to find for these positions.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Am I Being Impatient?
I just wanted to mention in my case that I belong to two country associations (check my profile--I won't mention them here). If either one of them is the one you are having issues with, let me know.
BOB
Login to Like
this post
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Philatarium-
Many years ago I responded a number of times to a classified ad the SCC (Scandinavian Collector's Club) ran for years in Linn's. They offered a free copy of their magazine and membership information. I tried several times, must have lost several dollars in postage I'd sent to cover expenses, finally I gave up.
Fast forward several years and I happened to mention my experience to a dealer at a show specializing in this area, he started laughing. He went on to tell me that for years they had a fellow in charge of recruitment who ran the ad in Linn's. But.. replies were directed to the club secretary who felt put upon and also that he did not want any more members because he couldn't keep up with the work he already had. This sad situation continued until the old sourpuss finally passed on. By then they'd lost a ton of potential members.
The SCC today is thriving and is a fine society with a terrific publication. It just however goes to show how one obstinate member can clog everything up.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Thanks, Bob -- Unfortunately, it's not one of those, as I sure would otherwise appreciate your intervention!
Login to Like
this post
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
18 Sep 2015
02:19:28pm
re: Am I Being Impatient?
" ... Many years ago I responded a number of times to a classified ad the SCC (Scandinavian Collector's Club) ran for years in Linn's. ..."
Well that explains something I had almost forgotten. They did send a "free" copy of their very interesting magazine, "The Posthorn" but neither cashed nor acknowledged my check and application.
Login to Like
this post
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Yesterday I started the process of requesting a Paypal refund on my dues payment, a notice of course, was sent to the payee.
Today I got an email from a society official asking me to withdraw the claim. He says they are working on renewals and this is a busy time of year, that I will hear shortly.
They sounded a bit put out.
From what I can see on my PP account, if I withdraw the claim I have to at the same time tell PP that the matter has been resolved. It hasn't- yet. i don't have my application processed. I also think from a past experience that I will be contacted by PP before this matter is escalated. It just seems I'd be losing leverage if I cancel it now. But, probably I am making too much of this- they did after all, finally reply. I think I will wait until next week to decide what to do here. I somehow think if I don't keep the pressure up I won't get this processed for another month or two. But then maybe that's normal.
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
20 Sep 2015
11:34:26am
re: Am I Being Impatient?
If you let the claim stay, one of two things will happen: (1) they accept your application and grant you membership; or, (2) PayPal refunds your money and you are not a member of this dysfunctional organization.
If you dismiss the claim, and they subsequently deny your application and refuse to refund your payment, you are just out of luck as the PayPal "Buyer protection" has now ceased to exist.
Login to Like
this post
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
20 Sep 2015
11:36:56am
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Then tell them that you will be glad to withdraw as soon as the membership is processed and you are admitted, adding, it took the PP complaint to get someone's attention so withdrawal means you lose that leverage. Do the processing now and this thing becomes a memory.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Am I Being Impatient?
It sounds like your application was held to be processed for the new year. That's better than if they accepted it and a month later told you you owed the same amount again for the new year! But it would've been nice to have some communication.
I think it's a matter of how bad you want to be part of this society. If you withdraw your PayPal action, you can't use it again. So you are at their mercy if they don't perform. But at the same time, I doubt they'll move forward to make you a member with the claim still against them.
Login to Like
this post
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Just now got a message from the secretary giving me my membership # and web site log in information, I tried it and I am indeed 'on board' now.
I thanked her by return email and told the Society president that it was resolved and my PP claim is withdrawn. I am sure he's glad not to have to hear from me for awhile.
Wanna bet I'd still be waiting and would be for a few more weeks if I hadn't filed the claim? It's too bad but sometimes you have to do stuff like this. Anyway all's well that ends well...
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Am I Being Impatient?
It still irritates me when I am ignored. Tell me you have a 6 week backlog and I'm fine. But ignoring multiple requests for a simple acknowledgement is unacceptable even for a volunteer society. It's just plain rude, in my opinion.
Lars
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Am I Being Impatient?
Yeah that's my thinking too. They were plainly just going to take their time and ignore me- until they had to reply. All I wanted was an explanation, I'd have waited a couple more weeks.
Login to Like
this post