Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

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Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

October 24, 2014, 09:50:24 pm

So we had our final night and dinner and awards. We had one couple who got their 500,000 miles award. I have over 360K so I know how many miles that is and how much fuel that takes.

We had 37 years as the longest tenure of the club who was there to receive it.

We had lots of 100K and 200K miles and many five, ten and twenty years awards as well. The North Atlantic chapter won the traveling award for the most people and I think if the mid atlantic had one more coach, we could have won. We came in second place.

It was a great dinner and I love the people and friends, new and old who are there. It is nice to spend a few days and sit and talk with them about life, kids, grands, cameras and coaches.

Now some observations on the motorcade club. I think it is very interesting that I just came from fantasy tours a week ago for a rally there to the Motorcade rally here. It is like night and day. We have a very special group of people who are in the motorcade club and if we do not have it, we as owners will be worse for it. I think Foretravel is at a crossroads as a company and you could read that between the lines. I think the club is at a crossroads as well. They are going to have to change some of the policies allowing non Foretravel Owners to join in more things in order to help the company sell coaches as well as help the club. In the old days they used to sell 300 coaches and now they are selling double digits and I heard they have sold 36 IHs over its whole run not just this year. I know Lyle said last year they were at less then 20 coaches. The club does not have new blood coming in and we at the forum seem to be more vibrant then the club. We all like the 10 percent discount but the friendships you can form in person is very important. I met a number of forum members who were here and attending their first event. It is great to have them on the forum as well as in the club. I hope they had a great time and started making long lasting friendships. I think it is time for the Motorcade club to embrace those of us on the forum and become relevant to us as well as to the old members. The age of the people here at the GV is pretty old for an average and we will be losing a number of them as they hang up the keys. The upshot is that the board of directors has to figure out what they want to do. They have to change as the status quo or it is not going to thrive so, i think i would like to start a thread on what you would like to see from the motorcade club as Forum members and what would be valuable to you.

I heard that FT is going to poll the membership of the club to find out what kind of coaches they want them to build and if we should adjust membership rules. I guess it is finally dawning on the management of FT that the number of coaches they are building for others this year will surpass the number of coaches they will sell. They see the benefits in reduction of overhead and there has been a hue and cry for an entry level coach and a smaller one too. So watch for it.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #1 – October 24, 2014, 10:24:41 pm

Quote from: John S – October 24, 2014, 09:50:24 pm

i think i would like to start a thread on what you would like to see from the motorcade club as Forum members and what would be valuable to you.

That's great that MC Club might be interested in what Foreforums members think, but they really should join the forum and ask for themselves. They are a commercial business and should do their research as a commercial member, not through a regular forum member.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #2 – October 24, 2014, 11:07:41 pm

I do not think I posted it properly. I did not mean to say that I would post it for the club but was more interested in what benefits the club could offer our members. We get 10 percent discount on parts and service at the club but I wonder if we could see what benefit the forum members would like to see and see if we could get it for us. Kind of like the fuel discount was done for the Prevost group and we got to tag along with it to make it stronger. In this case there might be something that we could use or need that the synergies of the Motorcade Club and the Forum would make for a better experience owning our coaches.

I do feel that after being here for a few days and hearing the information that FT is at a major crossroads and that is important to all of us as owners.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #3 – October 24, 2014, 11:32:27 pm

It is funny how people perceive things. I got the impression that the Motorcader group did not want subgroups such as ForeForums showing a presence at their meetings. And, to the best of my knowledge, we accommodated them because we never had a group meeting before, during, or after any of the events at this Motorcader event. At least none that I was invited to attend.

Larry

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #4 – October 24, 2014, 11:37:35 pm

Larry, you are right. They do not want to know about the forum it seems. There are some who were hostile to it in fact but we are a large owners block and for that reason alone, I would think that the club or corporate would want to cater to us in some way. We are very vibrant and growing while they are talking of declining membership. That is why I think that the club is at a crossroads and the idea that Lyle floated that he wanted to poll what kind of coaches that the owners want them to build. I would think they would want the forum members input and we all have a vested interest in seeing FT thrive.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #5 – October 25, 2014, 01:05:06 am

John, you rock

Will post my observations latter.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #6 – October 25, 2014, 01:06:46 am

Well said John.
Raymond

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #7 – October 25, 2014, 07:58:43 am

A house together is better than divided. Foretravel needs all owners not just Forum members to push its products. Lots of competition out there. All have new tech. I have been looking for a hide-a-way bed up front not a jack bed. Larger refrigerator and a larger shower with larger door for handicapp person plus tag. Not found in Foretravel line in a medium priced coach. DAN

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #8 – October 25, 2014, 09:38:21 am

Quote from: John S – October 24, 2014, 11:37:35 pm

I would think that the club or corporate would want to cater to us in some way. We are very vibrant and growing while they are talking of declining membership. That is why I think that the club is at a crossroads and the idea that Lyle floated that he wanted to poll what kind of coaches that the owners want them to build. I would think they would want the forum members input and we all have a vested interest in seeing FT thrive.

FT (corporate) and FOT (service) have both been supportive and appreciative of what Foreforums is and does, and they've helped a couple of members out with coach information directly on the forum (look for member "Foretravel"), which we greatly appreciate. We haven't ever talked with Lyle, just Greg and Cory, but definitely welcome their "forum brain picking" to find out what folks are looking for in their next coach.

I wish we could better reassure those MC members who aren't currently fans of the forum that we aren't here to replace, compete with, or do anything else that might be perceived as negative towards the club. A number of the chapter rallies have been highlighted here and of course every "I just bought my first FT" post gets responded to with "call Beverly and get your Motorcade membership started".

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #9 – October 25, 2014, 12:01:23 pm

What i want to make sure is when they poll the members of the MC club that we have a voice in there as well. If it are just 900 MC members and do not include the members here who are not members of the MC, then they are not getting a true result from owners. They are planning on polling to see what kind of coaches we want but also what price point. I think it may be a discussion in a way that is long overdue.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #10 – October 25, 2014, 12:44:31 pm

Quote from: John S – October 25, 2014, 12:01:23 pm

What i want to make sure is when they poll the members of the MC club that we have a voice in there as well. If it are just 900 MC members and do not include the members here who are not members of the MC, then they are not getting a true result from owners.

I agree, plus the forum includes people who are interested in a Foretravel as well, we're not just limited to existing Foretravel owners. That would be good info to have if you were trying to come up with a coach that meets the needs of the marketplace. It would help determine what it would take to entice someone into buying a new Foretravel at this point, not just what does someone want as their next FT (given I suspect a portion of the MC membership may be on their last coach). Of course there are some folks who would be buyers primarily looking at used coaches, but there need to be enough NEW coaches sold to provide inventory of used units in the future.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #11 – October 25, 2014, 02:36:05 pm

As a 10 year Foretravel owner and first timer at the Motorcade, I want to say "ditto" to the previous comments. We have paid our membership dues all these years because it just seemed wise to support the brand. Our only personal experience with the club was the Ladies Driving School last year and we had a wonderful time.

As for the discussions about the forum and the club, we wouldn't be Foretravel owners (now on our 4th coach) were it not for the old Yahoo group. After looking at a Grandvilla about a dozen years ago I searched the web looking for information. The more I read the Yahoo group the more I was convinced we should only look at Foretravel. Our kids just bought Imogene Fronk's 2003 U320 and are currently on their first long trip as new Foretravel owners. They have been reading the comments on the forum for a while now. To say there is competition between the Forum and the club IMHO is just silly. They need each other. The club is stronger because of the forum. Most of us first timers were there because of the forum, not the club communication.

As a side note, I got home minus an AC cover. I went online and ordered two new ones that I would have ordered from FOT if they had a web presence. It's so easy to click and order them from one of a dozen suppliers online and be done with it. The FOT parts page is a picture of the parts guys and a phone number. That doesn't work in 2014. I know my $200 purchase isn't enough for them to invest in that but if common parts like the covers were marketed via a web presence many of us would be more loyal to them for parts.

I just want to thank all the club members who welcomed us as newbies. We look forward to the next time we can get away with you good people.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #12 – October 25, 2014, 09:21:56 pm

This post is out of pure curiosity. How many ForeForum members purchased their Foretravel from Foretravel. How many ForeForum members have had their Foretravel serviced at Foretravel. How many ForeForum members are members of the Motorcader club. How many ForeForum members have attended a Motorcader event.

Is the answer to those questions a large percentage of ForeForum members or is it a very small percentage. There are over 2,000 ForeForum members. But how many are actually a customer of Foretravel.

The larger percentage that supports Foretravel, the more recognition ForeForums will receive.

Larry

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #13 – October 25, 2014, 09:27:35 pm

Purchased at MOT (2 actually), have had remodel work done at FOT, am member of MC club and attended 1 Granvention

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #14 – October 25, 2014, 09:46:54 pm

Purchased my first coach from FOT in Nac when they were just Foretravel. I purchased my second coach from a Yahoo forum member and the last one and current one from MOT so I have purchased from all three.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #15 – October 26, 2014, 08:41:14 am

Purchased privately, MC member, attended 0 MC functions, have used FT service and will use their remodel shop.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #16 – October 26, 2014, 09:04:57 am

First Foretravel was a private purchase, but found it on the Foreforums.
Had service on that coach at FOT couple of times. And have visited a couple as well to see friends.
Found the second Foretravel on a trip, it was sold to me, thru FOT, who handled it as a trade in on a newer coach. I had a buyer for my first one, and FOT worked the deal as another trade in, saving me tax on the difference. My buyer bought my old coach from FOT, as the timing worked out perfectly, (very lucky for me).
We are Motorcade members from day one.
Timing has kept us from yet attending a Motorcade event. We were still trying to work, motorcycle and RV, just too little time to do all. And the regional and Granvention have conflicted with a major fun fall club ride to NW AR. Solution was to sell the bike, and we almost got to go this year.

And Mike now has Michelle and Steve's old rock guard, that I salvaged and modified to fit the U225 Mike bought.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #17 – October 26, 2014, 09:07:15 am

Quote from: LTG – October 25, 2014, 09:21:56 pm

How many ForeForum members have had their Foretravel serviced at Foretravel. How many ForeForum members are members of the Motorcader club. How many ForeForum members have attended a Motorcader event.
Larry

Purchased locally in CA, 11 years MC member, attended several Motorcades, Chapter Rallys & grandventions, have used FT service and their remodel shop

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #18 – October 26, 2014, 09:12:48 am

Bought ours from a private source (thank to Dave Cobb). We have used MOT for some work and FOT for remodel. Went to our first and only event at the 2014 Grandvention. Looking forward for more. MC member only a couple of months now.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #19 – October 26, 2014, 09:17:05 am

Purchased locally in CA, 7 years MC member, attended a bunch of Motorcades, Chapter Rallys & grandventions, have used FT service and their remodel shop.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #20 – October 26, 2014, 09:42:41 am

Bought our first one private, second one at Transwest, MC member from the start, have attended chapter rallys and now two grandventions and have had work done at FOT.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #21 – October 26, 2014, 10:27:51 am

Bought my coach at FOT, have used FOT for remodel and service, attended several chapter rallies, Â three motorcades and two GrandVentions. Been a MC member for 8 years.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #22 – October 26, 2014, 10:36:23 am

Bought our coach used through MOT during the 2004-era when FT was no longer taking consignments. Have been MC members since buying the coach. Have attended 2 Grandventions but no other MC events or chapter rallies (the former because they're not our travel style/cost, the latter because of timing/schedule conflicts). We have used FT/now FOT and a number of other shops including MOT, Xtreme, and some local ones depending on what needs to be done that we can't do ourselves, where we can get a timely appointment, and who is running the best pricing at the time.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #23 – October 26, 2014, 10:48:31 am

Quote from: Johnstons – October 25, 2014, 02:36:05 pm

........ The FOT parts page is a picture of the parts guys and a phone number. That doesn't work in 2014. I know my $200 purchase isn't enough for them to invest in that but if common parts like the covers were marketed via a web presence many of us would be more loyal to them for parts. ......

I was a longtime FT wannabe from 1993 till 2007 when I finally was able purchase my coach,"Clyde", from a private seller in AZ. I have used MOT for a small punch list in '08, FT for some work and interior modification, a plus private engine shop.

I totally agree with the Johnson's quote I inserted above about FT parts department lack of a web presence, I think they hold on believing in the personal service concept but they should update to a commercial website for those who just know what they want to buy and those who need help can use the telephone for assistance and to ordering.

I agree with John S. that FT should listen to our foreforum ideas and I certainly would like to be a part/voice in that process, however, I am having trouble understanding how we can do that on an organized basis? I want the Mother Ship and Foretravel legacy to continue so much and these are some of the things swirling around in my head on how to we can help.
Please help me on this: I am listing some of my thoughts below on what I am thinking. Please let me know your thoughts or if I am off base here and it is not necessary.

1-Is there a way to create a forum questionnaire/survey or possibly multiple ones that contain questions on particular build features which can be checked off or preference rated and include write in areas for participants to list features wanted not identified. This should be created by the forum moderators possibly by offering multiple surveys of feature for particular coach areas; Chassis, number of slides, interior features, etc., then creating one final online questionnaire for all to answer and submit to FT.
I believe this would help in focusing all participants and give a coordinated preference from the forum to the company. Suggestions solicited
2-We submit all of the participants recommendations either anonymously or identify MC #'s, as a current FT owner non MC member and Wannabee. Suggestions solicited
3-Just tally up the suggestions and submit as a total noting responses by percentages. Suggestions solicited

Tony

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #24 – October 26, 2014, 10:53:41 am

Bought ours privately and then spent a crap load of money at FOT fixing it. At FOT have used the fiberglass shop (new half roof), paint (FBP), service (you name it) and have attended one MC event (Ladies Driving School). Became a MC member as soon as we found out about it. Have used several other shops for engine work.

see ya
ken

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