JOMS MEMBERSHIP DUES CHANGES

Post by **Michael** » Mon Dec 27, 2021 4:24 pm

Gentlemen this year (soon as we get a book keeping system setup) we will change our membership dues we collect to cover the operating expenses, at that time we will suspend using the Paypal ANNUAL subscription system, you will receive an email from PayPal notifying you we have suspended your annual subscription when we have switched to a new accounting
You do not have to do anything at this time we will take care of everything, you will receive an email from us when your membership dues are expiring and mailing instructions for your membership dues payment.

we used this PayPal for the convenience for you members and that it eliminated a part time job of bookkeeping, however seems too many members dont like it and cancel their subscription the moment their dues are paid...then we have to keep a bookkeeping calendar on those members each year they do this over & over....approx 1/4 of the membership.....this means we are paying PayPal to take care of the billing and bookkeeping and yet we are Forced do the bookkeeping work.

Worse... every year we have members that have WEAPONIZED THIS CONVENIENCE & filed "FRAUD" charges against my account when they decide they no longer wish to be a member....one particular instance recently the member that filed fraud charges against me had been a member here for 7 years....he knows how it all works of course and was fine with it .....when I asked why he filed fraud charges he said he didnt know how to contact me...WELL THATS JUST WRONG he could contact Tom or I on the board or he could have used the PayPal subscription to contact me....he was lazy and found it easier to just file fraud with a one button click, while he was already in PayPal and we dont deserve this treatment period!

over the years we had MANY members that forget their password and go to the registration page to join again! for quicker access
...now they have 2 PAYPAL SUBSCRIPTIONS on different join dates and then accuse us of double charging them...this was YOUR doing.....WE CANT OPEN A SECOND SUBSCRIPTION TO YOUR PayPal ACCOUNTS... YOU'RE THE ONLY ONES WITH YOUR PayPal PASSWORD....we simply cant open an account

some members have used girlfriends Paypal account to register...they break up and next years annual subscription billing I get another Fraud charge against me in PayPal and the girlfriend that hates him now reads ME the riot act.
there are several other reasons I have been given from members but no point wasting time on that crap, Im sure you see the problems

we will now accept your dues by standard mail thru USPS....I am eliminating any reason for people to be angry with us and with the way the world is going these fraud charges may affect my standing in the future and that's unacceptable and can not continue.

You do not have to do anything at this time we will take care of everything, you will receive an email from us when your membership dues are expiring and mailing instructions for your membership dues payment.

we are going to offer an opportunity to pay your dues for 1 year or 3 years so that you dont have to deal with usps and addressing an envelope each year.....and that 3 year option WE TRULY WOULD APPRECIATE, it would simplify bookkeeping immensely

I expect our membership will drop off, your not boating again till next year and you will rejoin and mail a payment at that time....but please keep in mind we are a small group and it requires EVERYONES annuals dues as small as each members share is to pay the dedicated server bills and other operating expenses, So please be diligent about supporting our club

Please go to your user control panel and make sure the email address you have entered is current so you dont miss notification

That is all...Thanks for your Patronage & Understanding

Post by **dave bernard** » Mon Dec 27, 2021 9:53 pm

That is fine with me.

Post by **Tom Brockmeyer** » Mon Dec 27, 2021 10:15 pm

Having been involved in some of the craziness, I'm totally on board with Michael's move here... If our Mercs can run on carbs & magnetos, then the site can run on person-to-person transactions.

Post by **RVRDRGN** » Mon Dec 27, 2021 11:05 pm

Fine with me. This is the cheapest thing in boating I enjoy

Post by **Michael** » Mon Dec 27, 2021 11:19 pm

RVRDRGN wrote: ↑Mon Dec 27, 2021 11:05 pm Fine with me. This is the cheapest thing in boating I enjoy

Agreed the increased cost of a postage stamp and envelope wont hurt any of us playing with these toys, and the unforeseen circumstances it will eliminate will be immense

Post by **Tom Murray** » Tue Dec 28, 2021 12:59 am

I like the three-year option!

Post by **Fingerlakeskid** » Tue Dec 28, 2021 3:09 am

100 % support this move. Remember guys - Michael is a VOLUNTEER. His personal reputation and credit rating should not be jeopardized in any way. We should be doing everything we can to make his job easier. If this move helps him, I'm all for it. Personally I like the 3 year subscription idea. Now - everybody go check your email address in your user control panel like he asked!

Post by **Cottage Racer** » Tue Dec 28, 2021 1:02 pm

I don't blame you, I hate the check writing thing but some people screw things up for everyone. I hope who ever cried FRAUD is off the site for life.
Thanks for all the work you and Tom do.

Post by **MercuryMarc** » Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:29 am

Email up to date... 3 year option will work for me. Thanks for a great site.

Post by **mrgreentank** » Wed Dec 29, 2021 1:28 pm

We in Canada will probably want to buy a U.S. Dollar bank draft to mail as most will probably not have a U.S. denominated account that a cheque can be written on. Any thoughts?

Post by **mercaholic** » Wed Dec 29, 2021 2:08 pm

mrgreentank wrote: ↑Wed Dec 29, 2021 1:28 pm We in Canada will probably want to buy a U.S. Dollar bank draft to mail as most will probably not have a U.S. denominated account that a cheque can be written on. Any thoughts?

You are probably correct John.

Post by **Michael** » Wed Dec 29, 2021 4:29 pm

mrgreentank wrote: ↑Wed Dec 29, 2021 1:28 pm We in Canada will probably want to buy a U.S. Dollar bank draft to mail as most will probably not have a U.S. denominated account that a cheque can be written on. Any thoughts?

MONEY ORDERS in US currency or I have previously received Canadian checks ..... just need to work out the current currency rate of exchange

Post by **Cottage Racer** » Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:22 pm

mrgreentank wrote: ↑Wed Dec 29, 2021 1:28 pm We in Canada will probably want to buy a U.S. Dollar bank draft to mail as most will probably not have a U.S. denominated account that a cheque can be written on. Any thoughts?

We're going old school. It's only $15 so put a $10 and a $5 in an envelope.

Post by **Michael** » Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:47 pm

Cottage Racer wrote: ↑Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:22 pm
mrgreentank wrote: ↑Wed Dec 29, 2021 1:28 pm We in Canada will probably want to buy a U.S. Dollar bank draft to mail as most will probably not have a U.S. denominated account that a cheque can be written on. Any thoughts?
We're going old school. It's only $15 so put a $10 and a $5 in an envelope.

that certainly will work too.... $15 isnt anything these days, and will make my life easier, they closed down my very small banks branch it was in the local grocery store( closed down DUE TO COVID was the excuse I think it wasnt profitable way out here in the sticks ) and now my bank is 60 miles round trip for $15 checks

we will work the details out so there is an option for everyone ....no worries

Post by **DaytonaJohn** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 2:55 am

I'll be a 3 year man ! This site is the ONLY Mercury Service Manual.

I couldn't do what I do without this site !

DaytonaJohn

Post by **john bennig** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 2:30 pm

Hey guys, if you are going to do the 3 year option, why not make it an even $50. The extra $5 is not going to break anyone, and I'm sure it will help to keep the site operating.

Post by **Toby Hall** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 10:42 pm

Worth every penny!

Post by **pugsmanias** » Sat Jan 01, 2022 8:56 pm

Cool! I'm in for the three year.

Post by **AllanF** » Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:20 pm

I will send cash. I believe the banks charge a fee to cash "foreign money orders" or is a bank draft different???

My credit card was blocked recently - so at first, I thought JOMS was kicking me out

.
Good to know I am still in.

Allan

Post by **inlinemerc** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 5:16 am

Thanks for all your hard work on this very helpful site. I really appreciate it and look forward to the three year option.

Post by **Cottage Racer** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 1:15 pm

AllanF wrote: ↑Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:20 pm I will send cash. I believe the banks charge a fee to cash "foreign money orders" or is a bank draft different???

My credit card was blocked recently - so at first, I thought JOMS was kicking me out .
Good to know I am still in.

Allan

I got an USPS international money order from someone in Canada once, I deposited in my Capital One account and they charged me $12. Wouldn't leave much out of the $15

Post by **Michael** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 4:43 pm

Cottage Racer wrote: ↑Mon Jan 03, 2022 1:15 pm
AllanF wrote: ↑Sun Jan 02, 2022 2:20 pm I will send cash. I believe the banks charge a fee to cash "foreign money orders" or is a bank draft different???

My credit card was blocked recently - so at first, I thought JOMS was kicking me out .
Good to know I am still in.

Allan
I got an USPS international money order from someone in Canada once, I deposited in my Capital One account and they charged me $12. Wouldn't leave much out of the $15

YIKES that wont work...and correct, I have received checks from Canada before but they were very large amounts and I didnt care at the time but do recall there were charges for international checks

Post by **mrgreentank** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 6:54 pm

Being a retired banker I would suggest that Michael contact his bank (if anyone live will answer) and ask what charges would be incurred for depositing Drafts/Money Orders drawn on a Canadian bank and denominated in U.S. currency. Or, would his bank offer any alternatives such as sending funds via Western Union? It may come down to we Canadians obtaining U.S. cash at our Canadian banks and sending it to Michael via snail mail.

Post by **Kiekhaefer** » Tue Jan 04, 2022 12:36 am

How about eTransfer?

Post by **Michael** » Tue Jan 04, 2022 3:53 am

mrgreentank wrote: ↑Mon Jan 03, 2022 6:54 pm Being a retired banker I would suggest that Michael contact his bank (if anyone live will answer) and ask what charges would be incurred for depositing Drafts/Money Orders drawn on a Canadian bank and denominated in U.S. currency. Or, would his bank offer any alternatives such as sending funds via Western Union? It may come down to we Canadians obtaining U.S. cash at our Canadian banks and sending it to Michael via snail mail.

this is what Im going to look into thanks

Post by **chuckw** » Tue Jan 04, 2022 1:06 pm

What is the address to send money?

Post by **Cottage Racer** » Tue Jan 04, 2022 1:19 pm

mrgreentank wrote: ↑Mon Jan 03, 2022 6:54 pm Being a retired banker I would suggest that Michael contact his bank (if anyone live will answer) and ask what charges would be incurred for depositing Drafts/Money Orders drawn on a Canadian bank and denominated in U.S. currency. Or, would his bank offer any alternatives such as sending funds via Western Union? It may come down to we Canadians obtaining U.S. cash at our Canadian banks and sending it to Michael via snail mail.

I did ask the manager before I deposited the USPS international money order if there would be a fee and I was told only if it does not clear, but the manager didn't own Capital One Bank. So I was charge $12 for an international deposit.

Time is money. If Michael has to spend 6 minutes processing a $15 payment at $50 per hour =$5 or $500 worth of Michaels time for every 100 people that "CAN'T" come up with 15 USD.

Post by **Michael** » Sat Jan 08, 2022 4:05 pm

chuckw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 04, 2022 1:06 pm What is the address to send money?

Chuck you will get an email when your membership is expiring

Post by **Cottage Racer** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 2:01 pm

Michael wrote: ↑Sat Jan 08, 2022 4:05 pm
chuckw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 04, 2022 1:06 pm What is the address to send money?
Chuck you will get an email when your membership is expiring

I got the Email and forwarded it to Chuck. His membership expires 3 week before mine.

Post by **Michael** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 3:15 pm

Cottage Racer wrote: ↑Sun Jan 09, 2022 2:01 pm
Michael wrote: ↑Sat Jan 08, 2022 4:05 pm
chuckw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 04, 2022 1:06 pm What is the address to send money?
Chuck you will get an email when your membership is expiring
I got the Email and forwarded it to Chuck. His membership expires 3 week before mine.

you guys are 3 days apart and Chuck didnt get his email with payment instructions as I sent it to his PayPal registered email address @comcast.net just checked and Chuck has a different email registered for the board
I am working off the PayPal join dates & emails address's as so many of our members emails aren't currentand Im thinking they are more diligent about updating their emails with their banking

Etched Panels & Plates · Post by **RickG** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 6:23 pm

3 year option is a great idea. Sent, Thanks!

Post by **AllanF** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 10:04 pm

I mailed mine yesterday... Went for the 3 year option.
Thanks Michael for all your hard work.

Allan

Post by **chuckw** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 1:17 pm

Money is in the mail.

Post by **Fitz73222** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 1:41 pm

3 year subscription going out in the mail today!

Post by **mrgreentank** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:26 pm

Went to our bank (in Canada) last Fri where I have a U.S. Account . Sign on door "Temporarily Closed". Called there today but found out it's still closed as someone tested "Positive". So, I dipped into some U.S. $1 bills that we have at home and $15 is on the way via the post office. Had planned on sending $45 in larger bills but.......

Post by **Michael** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 7:32 pm

mrgreentank wrote: ↑Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:26 pm Went to our bank (in Canada) last Fri where I have a U.S. Account . Sign on door "Temporarily Closed". Called there today but found out it's still closed as someone tested "Positive". So, I dipped into some U.S. $1 bills that we have at home and $15 is on the way via the post office. Had planned on sending $45 in larger bills but.......

they closed my local branch .....cause covid...( Im certain the branch was loosing money it was tiny and in a safeway....2 employees).....now its 60 miles round trip

Post by **bayoumerc** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 8:39 pm

On the way. Thanks

Post by **Michael** » Tue Jan 11, 2022 2:50 pm

I cant email everyone your payment was received....so here is how you know your membership has been credited for your dues payment

click on your name any where on the forum....if the group your in says "Current Member" you are good to go

and I really want to thankyou guys for sending cash dollars, eliminating the processing of $15 checks is a big thing

Post by **twobangermercs** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:19 am

Sounds good because I don't like auto-renewals even though they are a convenience.

Thanks for your efforts.

Post by **Tom Murray** » Thu Feb 10, 2022 12:25 am

Mailed my 3-year subscription this morning.
Thank you.

Post by **pugsmanias** » Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:01 am

Where? How? Do I get my dues to the site?
Thanks!
Paul

Post by **Michael** » Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:28 am

pugsmanias wrote: ↑Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:01 am Where? How? Do I get my dues to the site?
Thanks!
Paul

email instructions were sent to your hotmail email yesterday

Post by **SteveC** » Thu Feb 10, 2022 5:36 am

I just realized that I had an old e-mail address listed in my profile. I did update it, but if you are like me, you may not have a current one in the database.

Steve

Post by **Michael** » Thu Feb 10, 2022 6:06 pm

SteveC wrote: ↑Thu Feb 10, 2022 5:36 am I just realized that I had an old e-mail address listed in my profile. I did update it, but if you are like me, you may not have a current one in the database.

Steve

there are so many out of date emails it was a waste of time, I had to go thru the paypal receipts for the paypal email address's used. I felt I had a better chance of current emails using paypal emails and we are using the same PayPal expiration dates you are accustomed to....

if your paypal email address isnt up to date you wont get your dues instructions when your dues expire....

Post by **Toby Hall** » Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:25 pm

Money sent - I’m in for three! Thanks!

Post by **Peter** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 4:20 am

Happy to send a check should I have received and email already?
Let me know, sometime the spam folder or filters block stuff