Joining Fees

   If there is one thing in the world of sailing that really, and I mean really, really, angers me it is "Joining Fees" there is and never has been any justification for them, I have questioned several clubs over the years as to how they justify them and have never been satisfied with any answer, basically because you can't.

They should be ditched without delay.... end of.

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Roger Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 23 Mar 04 Location: Somerset Online Status: Offline Posts: 524	Post Options Post Reply Quote Roger Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Joining Fees Posted: 01 Oct 16 at 3:31pm
	If there is one thing in the world of sailing that really, and I mean really, really, angers me it is "Joining Fees" there is and never has been any justification for them, I have questioned several clubs over the years as to how they justify them and have never been satisfied with any answer, basically because you can't. They should be ditched without delay.... end of.

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6662	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 16 at 2:48pm
	As I recall in the days of waiting lists and the like part of the justification was that it encouraged committed members who were there for the long haul rather than (in 21stC terms) bucket list types who dip in and out.

Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3401	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 16 at 2:48pm
	Joining fees are counter productive and in my view, unhelpful. I can't see how charging new members a premium helps the club grow (in these times where most clubs are actively seeking new members). Allowing new members a reduced sub when they first join to reflect the time to renewal is simple fair and equitable. I would be discouraged from joining a club if I had to pay 12 months subs for 3 months membership (I am about to join a club who's subs are fairly high but there is no joining fee and a pro rata reduction for new members joining in the second half of the year, the sub also include a berth and sailing rights). Edited by Sam.Spoons - 01 Oct 16 at 2:50pm

maxibuddah Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 06 Mar 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1760	Post Options Post Reply Quote maxibuddah Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 16 at 2:40pm
	I'm just supposing here but is some of it to keep the riff raff out and keep the club exclusive? I have been out off by it at two clubs in my nearby area. I simply cannot afford the £300+ joining fee on top of the other expenditures for sailing. I'll stick to my small cheap club and do opens
	Everything I say is my opinion, honest

zippyRN Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 14 Sep 06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Post Options Post Reply Quote zippyRN Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 16 at 1:50pm
	The issue is primarily about demonstrating value for the joining fee - what does it actually mean is it purely a another source of general income or does it have a specific purpose in developing the club as an organisation and /or the facilities ...

RS400atC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 04 Dec 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3011	Post Options Post Reply Quote RS400atC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 16 at 12:42pm
	Many clubs have built up wealth over the years, it's not unreasonable to be expected to buy into that. Money has to come from somewhere, clubs have to strike a balance between loyal members and newcomers. The right balance probably varies case by case. I've never seen a joining fee that would put me off, except perhaps the odd club where yacht mooring rights are involved.

Poole Pirate Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 01 Oct 16 Online Status: Offline Posts: 15	Post Options Post Reply Quote Poole Pirate Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 16 at 12:03pm
	With the numbers of people joining in on our sport, do you think it makes sense to have a joining fee as well as a membership fee. If your starting out in sailing and you have spent out on a boat and gear, is it just to much to be asked for a joining fee as well. A big club I know of has done away with its joining fee as the number of people wanting to join was a lot less than the number who were leaving or passing away?