Motorcade Premium Membership

Topic: Motorcade Premium Membership (Read 5946 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #100 – January 01, 2015, 07:51:46 pm

I used Parliament in St. Pete last few years. Averaged 3 coach bucks a year. Parliament honors MC 10% discount, saved me $300 a year, more than pays for MC.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #101 – January 01, 2015, 08:15:46 pm

Guess I will finally add my 2 cents. To me, this forum's value far exceeds any other Foretravel resource to me, including Foretravel itself. Ever since I bought my first Foretravel (1999?) and found the old Yahoo group, this group of fine folks online have shared much BETTER information than I have ever obtained from the factory, and in a much faster and responsive way. I have gotten wrong information from the factory (expensive) in the past, seen and experienced poor workmanship in repairs, and had other issues with FOT in the past. So since my current life situation does not lend itself to attending motorcade events, I haven't been a member for many years as there doesn't seem any value to be had for any amount of dues.

Sad to say, I think a lot has changed with FT since the mid-2000s, as they made the decision to start building larger, more expensive, and FEWER motorhomes. That necessarily will force a dramatic reduction of their NEW customer base. The number of customers buying used coaches can only suffer further decline by attrition as time goes by and the older coaches (built in much greater annual numbers) eventually fall into disarray and are replaced with a fewer number of passed-down coaches annually . Lucky for us, that will take some time, as many of the coaches back to the 1980s are still very functional. That all has to take a toll on the number of folks participating in the Motorcade Club...

Frankly, if the club is surviving on 1,000 people paying $80 a year, I would think the company COULD choose to make it a nearly FREE benefit for owning a Foretravel and get a lot more members that way. Here's a little mathematic equation: When you are selling coaches at $1,300,000, one could add the cost of the entire motorcade program to a single coach in the form of a 6% surcharge to that one coach and have the entire program paid for! But to nickel and dime current members for $25 more, while also dividing their customers into a total of three groups and three "levels of service", well, that just does not seem sound to me. But I'm not in charge. They will do as they like.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #102 – January 01, 2015, 08:33:31 pm

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #103 – January 01, 2015, 08:51:10 pm

Well I am going to break my promise of silence because I am reading too much that is inaccurate for my mind.
If FT does not care about people who do not buy one of their Coach's from them then the whole business will fail fast. Every one that is bought is a potential for more business one way or another and if they give good value and service a good number of sellers will replace with another.
This quote earlier that FT does not recognize the Forum because we talk about other companies in that area is crap. FT cannot meet the demand now hence the backlog so heaven help them if no other business was able to do the necessary repairs but them. Clients would have to wait a year!!
If you live within a day of Nac then I guess you would go there for service especially if you cannot (or do not want to) do it yourself, or heavans, go to another shop!!
I live 3000+ miles away and many others also too far to have our coach flatbedded to Nac so that is a "no brainer I would hope" and after all once it is built it really is only a heck of a lot of bits that are used in many coach's that can be and are fixed quite successfully in other places.
I get the feeling that this mess is only because the profit from the building of new units is not there any more so they have to go for the service side and do not want to loose out to another outfit. I also feel that actually FT and Lyle Reed are quite happy that the Forum is around as they could not handle the telephone calls and work that is saved by us fixing things via this Forum. They would have to double the service area and double the labour to try and keep up and obviously thay do not want to throw any money at it right now.
If 23 owners were the only ones that took their coach's to FT last year and they are backlogged this far just think what it would be like if more did it. These figures cannot be a true representation of the facts along with other remarks.
I also thought that FT was a company that followed the Church but in the comments referenced to Beverly they did not show a "Love thy neighbour etc etc" if they are true quotes? I hope not.
I love my FT and as some know have bought a couple or so because of quality but as I live so far away it does not make sense to take it there so I can be one of the "GOOD " people. We also do not fit the style of conventions but like to meet people when we want and ones that will be interesting to us. That is why Q will be fun. We have met some nice people on the road who we now look upon as friends.
End of rant as some say.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #104 – January 01, 2015, 08:53:55 pm

My entire working career I always tried to foster a constructive environment and welcomed any and all constructive criticism. It made for a much more successful environment and company. What led to some companies downfall were the beancounters.
I have watched and learned from so many of the Foreforum participants and value and respect their opinions.

With the future of Foretravel in mind why can't our most qualified members put together some type of plan/proposal/suggestions for the Motorcade and the FOT to succeed and prosper. It seems in our best interest to assist the FOT organization wherever we can in order to prevent each one of ending up with "orphan" coaches.

Just a thought

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #105 – January 03, 2015, 09:51:49 pm

Quote from: ltg – January 01, 2015, 08:33:31 pm

Brad, with all due respect (that is what other members say to me),
why do you even care and comment on Motorcader changes or FOT policies when you are not a member and do not go to FOT for service?

Larry

Because, Larry, with whatever respect is due to you, I cared to comment and I do care about Foretravel enduring. That's why I commented, should you really need an explanation.

I have a LOT of history with FOT and, more importantly, this forum group. I wish FOT and the Motorcade "division" would take steps to make it better and more conducive to my (and others) returning to the Motorcader fold. I also am entitled to express my opinion that I, too, consider creating a three-tiered support system as a negative development. You don't have to agree.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #106 – January 03, 2015, 11:42:17 pm

Carol and I are MC members and have had some work done at FOT. Have not had work done at MOT or Extreme yet.

I do have mixed feelings about the way and how this increase has been established and implemented. To date I have not received notification from the MC group re: the increase. Will we pay the extra $25.00? I don't know. I must admit that I have talked to the FOT techs and mostly they have not helped us. Most of the technical support that they have provided have not been helpful so I opt to not call them now.

It must be noted that they have been quite helpful to many here and the support group derserve Kudos for that.

It again appears that the FOT management group has some challenges when it comes to communicating with it's Owners/Members. This is just the latest issue. We have no idea as to their business plan and how they wish to conduct their business nor do we have control. We can choose to support the company or not. Use their services or not. Pay the additional $25.00 or not.

Because I am a member here I have the right to my opinion and it should not be or bashed. JMO. I also happen to own a Foretravel.

We did spend a bundle in the renovation shop recently and honestly, a 10% discount is BS as the final hours charged is reviewed and adjusted. Mr Flanigans Dept. did a great job and we are glad they did the reno. work.

I guess the only question one must ask is whether or not the cost of MC membership, regardless of the level, delivers the services one believes he is entitled to.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #107 – January 04, 2015, 09:33:43 am

So, lets look at it from another side. The Motorcade club has many members who are currently active who have purchased multiple units. They also have lots of people who use the remodel shop and are FT strongest customers. I talked to Lyle about this change a couple days ago. In discussing the increase it is two fold. It is a response to the club members saying they wanted more for being a member and FT listened. Also, it will pressure the service people to provide more timely service to people who now are marked as wanting it and have paid to be plus. I know I have put on well over 370K miles on three FTs and there are owners in the club with over 500K and others who have purchased 13 coaches over the years. So, when you say that the entire club budget can be made up with one sale, you are probably right so, they just made 800 owners happy and one or two of them will buy a coach and that will increase sales by 10 percent. It is the right thing to do for the company and if it keeps them in business then that is great. We have a reprieve here with the economy and fuel prices and I hope that FT uses it to increase sales. There was also a survey in the motorcaded as well that I thought was even more important. It asked if FT built a lighter smaller coach then they are now, and Lyle mentioned it wouldn't have the big engine, would there be an interest. He need about 10 people to say yes to tool up the new coach. This is the direction I think they should go as well. In thinking if I would buy another coach from FT, I have concluded that I do not want a fancy coach that is 13 plus feet tall. I do not want all the electronics and fancy floors and slides. I would build a 38 foot non slide like my old 270 with aqauhot and a residential fridge. If they can bring that in at about 500K they could have a winner.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #108 – January 04, 2015, 10:58:22 am

Quote from: John S – January 04, 2015, 09:33:43 am

I talked to Lyle about this change a couple days ago. In discussing the increase it is two fold. It is a response to the club members saying they wanted more for being a member and FT listened. Also, it will pressure the service people to provide more timely service to people who now are marked as wanting it

and that last line just leaves me speechless

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #109 – January 04, 2015, 11:36:38 am

Well, I just reported my conversation. The part that I thought was important was they realize there is a problem. Now the solution is another issue.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #110 – January 04, 2015, 12:14:06 pm

I have a couple of thoughts to share.

One is that I have always been impressed and completely impressed that Foretravel is willing to offer free telephone support to owners who bought their coaches used. I live too far away to make use of their facilities for service and remodel, but do often use the parts department. I never thought of the phone support as a MC benefit, but making it one now makes economic sense.

I don't condsider $100/year for the club excessive. I would gladly pay that just for the club events. Until now I have only been able to make one or two a year, but see my participation as increasing now. I also look to making use of the Lady's Driving School next year. I already have an Escapee membership so I can use their co-op parks and possibly rally's, and have an FMCA membership for events and added benefits. Both are very worth the cost to me. Good Sam is another matter, I don't even know why I keep that one active.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #111 – January 04, 2015, 01:11:20 pm

I too am speechless. I gather anyone who does not pay the $25 extra according to that quote is going to be last in line and that is NOT good business sense. Whatever became of "first one first"?
Every new day brings up new revelations that do not sound good.
JohnH

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #112 – January 04, 2015, 01:54:09 pm

One returned call from James can be worth the 25.00. I don't know of any manufacturer willing to take a service question on a 90s model anything, must less for free.
While I wish the additional charge wasn't necessary, I understand.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #113 – January 04, 2015, 04:19:13 pm

As I have stated. If you want my business I am not going to beg or pay dollars to spend my money there for service. As long as they treat me right I will be there. I have seen no sign that Foretravel will not become better and better in the service department.
This may be good for a few and more power to them but if you live close then I am flexible as to time, just will not wait more than 30 to 40 days out. I can get service several places. I go to Foretravel for the parts but if necessary I can pick those up and take to other places for install. I don't see this as such a big deal at this point. I think some owners need tech calls; for me, I have the forum. So this will not change anything for me. As to 10% discount on remodel I will take estimates and look at final cost to decide where I will get the remodel done. Many on this forum have it done elsewhere and it looks great. DAN

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #114 – January 04, 2015, 04:26:28 pm

Not to digress too much -

Dan you are correct. Time spent and hours charged will determine the final cost.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #115 – January 04, 2015, 04:55:48 pm

What I think is funny is that people are complaining of a small increase in Motorcade membership fees when fuel costs $400 a tankful. Most people will have saved many times that with the recent drop in fuel costs. As far as "first goes first", I guess you have never ridden first class on the airlines to avoid the crush that occurs in coach. I personally have used email to contact tech support often. That way I can contact them in the middle of the night and get a response first thing in the morning. With new coaches costing nearly a million dollars, $100 a year is a miniscule percentage of the cost to maintain tech support. While you may own a coach the costs in the $100,000 range the current costs of new units is more reflective of personnel and facility costs and concurrently the need to increase other fees.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #116 – January 04, 2015, 05:17:19 pm

Quote from: sedelange – January 04, 2015, 04:55:48 pm

What I think is funny is that people are complaining of a small increase in Motorcade membership fees when fuel costs $400 a tankful.

The complaints I am reading have absolutely nothing to do with a dues increase because there isn't one. It has everything to do with creating different "classes" of members while telling longtime customers any past support of the business is now meaningless.

The only mention of folks upset about a dues increase was John S. saying (in several posts in this thread) that in the past too many people threatened to drop out of MC when the idea of raising dues was suggested.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #117 – January 04, 2015, 05:26:34 pm

Steve, you seem to have not read mine or others posts as we are NOT complaining of a rise in costs just the "rules that go with it"
Your question of whether I have flown first class on an airline is being very personnel but actually I used to go 2 times a year to England to visit my Parents using Executive First for many years if you must know(and it came out of my pocket too) and in fact a few weeks ago came back Business on BAirlines.
My "first one first" was maybe not worded right as I meant to say that if I made an appointment with FT on the 6th then I would expect any one booking time after me would be for the next time available AFTER me. Not the value of coach taking precedence.!!
We have no interest paying $1m+ for a coach that has more problems and does not satisfy our needs any better than the current one.
I do get what you are meaning though and that is that you have a newer model than me so therefore you are more important. What a pity and I truly feel sorry for you then.
JohnH

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #118 – January 04, 2015, 05:45:09 pm

Loyalty to customers and loyalty to companies are a thing of the past. I've had the same insurance company since I was 17. They'd drop me like a hot potato if I did not meet their criteria for a "good risk".

If you chose to buy a company's product, it's because you find value in doing so. Same goes for any service or parts we buy.

If FOT finds that creating member tier levels in the the MC Club suits their business plan and future growth for club membership, then so be it. I travel to Nac maybe once in a few years and have never gone on Motorcades. Even so, the $25 is immaterial to me. I suppose I'll be whatever MC Club tier I want to be, and so will others.

All this will not improve the current level of service, parts prices/discounts or service lead times in the long run. The FOT management has to address that issue with more attention to the customer satisfaction feedback they get from current customers.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #119 – January 04, 2015, 06:26:58 pm

Do we get an extra little "+" decal to add to the member decals on the front and rear of the coach?

Sorry, Couldn't help myself.

Nick

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #120 – January 04, 2015, 07:19:02 pm

Greetings, I am interested in "Lifetime" membersh! We, no I belong to several. My lodge, scottish right, good sams, Warrantt Officers association.. I think a couple more.

Is that possible

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #121 – January 04, 2015, 07:46:19 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – January 04, 2015, 07:19:02 pm

Greetings, I am interested in "Lifetime" membersh! We, no I belong to several. My lodge, scottish right, good sams, Warrantt Officers association.. I think a couple more.

Is that possible

Please define lifetime. Whose life? Your life, that of your 1989 GV, FOT under the current management or ownership?

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #122 – January 04, 2015, 10:27:41 pm

ok Tom, I will grant you that we have a unique perspective and your comments are valid.

As to the aforementioned memberships they all are based upon a individual's life and in my case both our names are on them, except tWarrant Officer Association.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #123 – January 04, 2015, 10:57:12 pm

That would require a bylaws change. There are only five lifetime memberships and they are awarded by the BOD for service to the club right now and they have to die to be replaced.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #124 – January 05, 2015, 08:52:40 am

John, ok a 5 year membership or 10 year membershippoint being that they wanted to generate funds and they do,time to look outside the box!

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