MY COMPLAINT LETTER FOR BREAKFAST AMMOUNT INCREASE

 

Not to mention processing fees?

Of course it is possible but logistically isn't something we want to do, that might change in future. For every benefit in doing so there are a heap of other challenges, just like the above.

Like I say, technically yes of course it is a possibility but right now it isn't going to happen and people will have to carry a slightly different amount of money than they did before.

I learned, rather painfully, to use the three draft rule when I feel strongly about a subject. Usually by the third attempt its fit for public reading.

I dont understand why you would regard this increase as a stealth tax, its been in discussion for months. I've never been consulted by supermarkets, petrol stations, ultility companies or the government when they introduce increases, nor have I involved clients with price structuring in my business. Do you discuss costs with your clients Richard?

Well done on finding a venue so quickly, Perhaps you'd like to give us your words of wisdom and vast experience on sourcing 4N venues as I seem to be having many challenges finding venues in Nottingham.

Cash payments are the simplest form of payment, it doesnt bounce, nor get declined. You cant repossess a breakfast meeting, nor do you have to refund if you dont attend.

Neil: an email directly to each member is a personal communication. Imagine the response if the increase was only announced at meetings, especially from those who didnt attend the meetings when it was announced. Plus you're giving your feedback directly here on the forum rather than going through group leader, area leader then regional leader.

phewww going to sit back and finish my hot chocolate now :-)

Personally I'd rather the cost was kept at £10 and we just had bacon butties than a full English but I know I'll be in the minority there! 

In all seriousnes it isn't OUR (as members) decision to make - it is 4N the BUSINESS decision to take and why anyone would think the members should be consulted is beyond me - not sure my local Chinese takeaway consulted with me last time they changed their prices! 

Whether 4N have made the right move or not with this increase is their concern & we have control over our decision about whether or not we still see a value in attending.  For me - the answer to that is a very definite yes so I'll still be enjoying my 4N brekkies.

"Whether 4N have made the right move or not with this increase is their concern & we have control over our decision about whether or not we still see a value in attending. For me - the answer to that is a very definite yes so I'll still be enjoying my 4N brekkies" 

Sam - I think you have summed it up perfectly!

I think that there are a number of factors relevant here and the outcome will be one of the ones listed below:

It will make no difference and people will just accept the increase and attendance figures will remain the same.

The existing  members will attend less often and it will be harder to get new visitors to attend.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating as they say so it will be interesting to see what happens. I agree with Dan Smale to have put this increase off would have been better. As Area Leaders the increase in costs will make sourcing the right venue easier but will the outcome be we have smaller meetings with less attendees ?

Perhaps another solution to have considered would be for an increase from members to £ 11.00 with the other £ 1.00 to be absorbed from the 4Networking membership fees if it were needed ?

As we have 300 groups not every venue in the country is champing at the bit to increase their prices so the need for a universal increase is by no means certain. Therefore the maths is not however many members times however many meetings they attend. The increase in cost to 4Networking is only in the areas they need to make this additional subsidy.

In times of economic uncertainty which we are clearly in the burden of increased costs should be shared and not all supported by one party.

I seem to be getting critism here for my posts.

To clarify, I don't have an issue with the cost, it's only £2 quid. 4N gives far more value than a £12 quid meet/breakfast anyway. I understand a business does not need to give advance warning of a price change. But just wanted to debate if it could have been done with more open engagement with its members, which I thought was the 4N way. Truth is, everyone knows getting a venue for a tenner is great these days, but I thought membership supplemented these costs also. Also, you can understand since 4N is national, there is a difference in cost to London to the North East.

I will give feedback to the group, area and regional leader.

Smile

I have no issue with the price increases; however, I do find it amazing that the venues are looking to charge more than £10.00 for their breakfast. Particularly venues where they serve breakfast/ meals already, do they really charge their customers that much?

A Premier Inn breakfast for example is £7.50 I think so why would they charge more when they are guaranteed 15 or so people (although I understand there may be a risk if people don't turn up).

With the advanced payments etc. the way to deal with it is to say no refunds unless notice is given by 3 o'clock the day before the meeting i.e. you can give a guaranteed, paid number to the venue. Although on a much smaller scale we use this method at the Wiltshire Business Club and it works very well.

Price rises are never easy for any business, worse for ones where they've had a price freeze for over half a decade.

The extra £2 will be fun for ops assistants like me for the first few meetings whilst people get used to carrying small change as well as a tenner but that's not exactly going to be a big issue.

£10 vs £12 isn't a major rise given the time frame and I know that locally Chris has had fun and games trying to find places within budget.

Remember the price isn't just breakfast - it's venue hire, coffee, etc. Usually for rather more than 2 hours as we need time to set up and dismantle the meeting.

Oh and don't forget that you get the opportunity to network with lots of other local businesses and - who knows - maybe make more than £12 from a sale to one of them

P.S. Phil => the Premier Inn breakfast cost looks like it varies. Certainly their site isn't sure whether it's "from" £7.99 or "from" £8.25.

 

I can't believe people are whinging over a £2 increase! I'm Ops at Chepstow, and no I'm not looking forward to the change, but who cares!! 

The reason you're worrying about 2 quid, is because you're spending time composing ridiculous threads on the forum instead of working on your business.

Must get back to work! Need to earn my £2! 

xxx

Nice one

 

I have never heard of there being a charge for venue hire, it is just normally a fixed price for the number of people attending. In other words so much a head etc.

 

I have before now been called the Voice Of Reason - a reputation I try to maintain

 

Yet another person missing the point!

 

John => there will be an element of venue hire in the price whether it's explicit or not. That was all I meant. A bit like paying a delegate rate to a hotel.