MY COMPLAINT LETTER FOR BREAKFAST AMMOUNT INCREASE

I might need it on Friday  Mike

Along with his spell checker

As an AL it has been difficult working with the venues at the old prices; that has now been freed up somewhat, and will see the standard of venues we visit improve.

If you take into account the extra VAT the average annual increase is pretty small; as a member that does not worry me.

I've noticed that alot of people that are critising Richard's post have been very dedicated members of 4N for some time.

As for me, as a new member, I would argue that the increase is valid if it makes economic sense, but as 4N is all about engaging it's members it would of been nice to be given an heads up at a meet prior to the change. After all, after joining as a member and being told that I would pay for my membership fee then a only tenner to attend a meet was great, but several months down the line it has changed it's not great, afterall I thought 4N is all about:

meet, like, know, TRUST.

Well I don't know how much trust is there in the future. I don't think trust can be built on one way communication.

Keep smiling!

All groups will have a meet before the change, except those that have met today.

The change happens on May 1st so that is exactly what has happened.

I understand that change is happening on the 1st May, what I meant to imply was it would of been great to let members know of an increase at a meet, then they could of gave feedback to Area Leaders who could of gave feedback to 4N HQ.

I did hear through the grapefine of an increase at a meet recently, but was told I cant be told how much. It was hush hush.

Like I said, where is the trust. Personal communication is better than an email.

its cost me more than £2 by reading this lot....  seriously, don't go if £2 is an issue...   cant be getting any value out of 4N if it is an issue...

I've litterally just come back from a potential new venue for one of our Essex groups.  The venue was perfect, but they wanted signifcantly more than £10 per breakfast.  The last group I was involved in launching charges just shy of £10.00 for breakfast. 

From a practical point of view, yes, a tenner cash is easier than £12, but as far the price increase goes, in view of the costs involved (not just the venue cost) and the time put in by 4N from the top down to the team members, I think this is more than fair. 

...and let me assure you, there is next to NO cut for 4N in the breakfast cost, be it at a tenner or £12.

This is no surprise - talking to several other team members I know what a struggle it can be to get a decent venue at the current rate. We're a long way from the M25 too.

And don't we all moan when the sausages are not up to scratch!

I've just been on the hunt for venues - getting a venue, that will provide a hot meal, with two rounds of drinks, where the venue holds the risk if an attendee doesn't turn up even if they've confirmed, all for under £10.  Next to impossible.

The margin for running the meetings is wafer thin. The price rise was inevitable.  

Does the cost of annual membership not cover any venue fees then?

:)

Sorry Richard, having followed the comments on the Forum it seems you do not have a lot of support I am afraid, in fact, none on the first page at all.

I am also afraid that whilst I am not over the moon at additional expense, it is a fact of life.
I have been a member almost 3 years, so can testify there has been no increase during that time.

A couple of points that I did not see made in the replies I looked at:

1. it is not about the money, it is about ROI and in that I am more than happy
2. both membership and meeting costs are tax deductible
3. when I launched Buxton two years ago, one hotel wanted to charge us £13 per head for bacon baps

My main concern is my poor old Ops people who will have to deal with change, but sooner that than pay £15

All your other points have been dealt with on the Forum I believe.

There appears to be alot of people concerned about having to carry the change etc for the event. Is there no way that the website can be setup so that payment can be taken online when you book into an event?

I was thinking about that too, but I imagine the processing of refunds when people have to pull out at the last minute could be horrendous!?