class registration..
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Banter
Forum Discription: For all those non-sailing related discussions
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4341
Printed Date: 17 Aug 25 at 6:36pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: class registration..
Posted By: classdeveloper
Subject: class registration..
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 10:42am
|
Hi,
Before you say this is spam. Its not as this does not even exist yet. I could not think of somewhere to do a bit of research but then thought of here. Basically I am thinking of writing an on-line application for handling class registration. The user will register and be able to pay on-line via paypal (so also credit/debit cards), so no cheques or anything would need be sent via post. It would also remind the user a week or so before membership runs out and with a click of a button they would be able to renew it.. My friend also suggested maybe a similar working function for registering for events.. This could possibly integrated into a class forum as well. Would there be demand for this? And would classes pay for this, and if so what price? (I am not thinking anything high..). Your help would be much appreciated, Thanks John |
Replies:
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 10:54am
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I think it would be a great idea - I would also extend it to club memberships, then I am sure it would be in demand. At the moment clubs rely on cheques via snail mail, which I'm sure is why so many people forget to pay their subs on time. I much prefer paying for stuff online because it saves so much faff. You can already enter some races this way, why not club and class subs too? ------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 10:58am
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I believe it is a good idea too. Surely if you pay online the funds are there almoust instantly anyway. We pay for our club fees via cheque which is one reason I still have a cheque book. I would prefer to pay online then at least I can have a payment refrence too. ------------- |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 11:16am
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Some classes already do it: the Cherubs for instance ran an online shop which includes class membership...
http://www.sailingsource.com/cherub/test/doku.php/shop |
Posted By: classdeveloper
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 11:31am
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I didn't think of clubs, yes this would be easily possible and would only be minor alterations to a class version. (adding boat parking fees and water fees)
Yes paypal instant, as soon as the form is filled and the user is taken to paypal, they put their details in click go and its paid, and will confirm it instantly with the site it came from, so membership would be instant. John |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 12:34pm
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I think that would save very many headaches for membership secretaries.
------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: gary
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 12:44pm
| The Fireball class allow you to set up a standing order, so your membership automatically renews every January. |
Posted By: JohnW
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 12:51pm
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I have looked into online payment for a couple of clubs in the past, the main down side is the paypal fees at around 3%. On a membership income of say £25K per annum Paypal fees would be £750. and presumably there would be an additional fee for using the online service. Im not sure that paypal (or any credit card based system) is is good value for many clubs where the problem is with a small number of the membership who are bad payers and would have to be chased up regardless of the payment methods available. I have trialled direct online payments in the past, but at the time there was a very low take up (just a dozen or so members), perhaps now that more people use Internet banking it may be more viable. |
Posted By: classdeveloper
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 12:58pm
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The reminder would be similar to a standing order, but just requires confirmation.
The only cost for this would be a one off purchase of the program, which like I said I am not thinking much (any ideas on the kind of price you think clubs would pay?), which would include updates. Yes there are the paypal fees, but it would make life a lot easier. I could look into direct payment instead if this is popular (no paypal fees) and include this (possibly as an alternative, so you can switch between the two). John |
Posted By: classdeveloper
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 1:13pm
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Just had a look into direct payment - its much more complicated and much more hassle, both for me making this and the club/class using it so I think it is best to stick with paypal (it actually has low rates compared to other similar companies!)
If you handled the payments yourself you would need a merchant bank account, and you would be responsible for all credit card details and fraud prevention etc. This is all included in paypal fees.. (probably on class/club scale it would be more economical to use paypal even with the fees) John |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 2:40pm
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It depends. For clubs that are already incorporated as companies, there may be services that their bank can offer to help with taking payments. Alternatives: What about Google Checkout? nochex.com? |
Posted By: classdeveloper
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 3:21pm
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Google checkout, just checked that and there fees are only 1.5% + 20p so thats pretty good..
As for nochex thats 2.9% + 20p which is the top end of paypal. As for the clubs that do have business accounts etc, and they are interested in this, then I could do a 'special' version for these clubs as I think the majority would not? And class associations definitely won't have business accounts.. John |
Posted By: Contender443
Date Posted: 30 Jun 08 at 10:57pm
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I say keep it simple and either accept cheques or give your members the clubs bank details so that they can use internet banking. It works for us at Lancing and we get 100% of our fees without giving away a %age to someone else. I seem to remember someone telling me that sailwave offer a free online entry system for open events. ------------- Bonnie Lass Contender 1764 |
Posted By: classdeveloper
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 6:19pm
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Started coding, and the basic functions need have been done
Each person that joins the class will get a username and password so they can manage their membership and have access to a few other little features that the admin can turn on/off including PM system, profiles etc. Login System: 
User Control Panel: 
PM Inbox: 
View Message: 
The other features seen on the UserCP work but are not very interesting! (Apart from the admin panel which is under construction). There are a few other features to add. The registration is not finished yet either! So still quite a bit of work to do but thought I would post a few sneak previews! John |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 7:45pm
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Thoughts:
A lot of a two-person classes only require membership from one person (usually the helm/owner). However, us freeloading crews tend to be active "members" of the class too. So access to the class community features shouldn't be restricted just to those paying. Also, if this is intended to incorporate a message board (as a lot of classes run) the ability for those who aren't members to participate should be included- the message boards are useful for those seeking info about the class. |
Posted By: classdeveloper
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 7:51pm
| ah yes forgot about that.. I Will separate boat registration and user registration so guests can register and crews/helms can join.. |