Motorcade Premium Membership

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

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #50 – December 31, 2014, 02:13:08 pm

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #51 – December 31, 2014, 02:18:53 pm

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #52 – December 31, 2014, 02:32:54 pm

How about a crazy idea? What if there was an associate motorcade? If you raise the motorcade to $100 per year and an associate club member for $ 50 - 60 per year. That will let you get a motorcade number on coach so that you can attend motorcade functions and grandventions and rallies. One night stop over per year at FOT , if not getting service.And 5% at parts. Maybe this would keep the number levels if not grow a little bit . So if reg. motorcade people that don't perceive it as a good value might join and want to be an associate.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #53 – December 31, 2014, 03:46:31 pm

Well, there was a stink when they raised dues before and many people dropped out. That is ok as that is their right. The issue seems to be an dues increase and a service benefit. They used to try to fit us in when we had a problem but for some reason that is no longer the case. So they are starting with the Motorcade members and will add that benefit back. I think you are right Michelle in that they are putting back what we used to have but we do not have the production to support that so there is changes. They do not have the service shop they had before either so there are changes. I know I can call MOT and say I will be in texas on such and such a day and can you fit me in for this issue I have. They have always said yes and I appreciate it and do not abuse it. I tried to get something looked at over at FOT and they said no so I was at MOT at 9 that morning and they fixed it by 11 and I was on my way the next day. Does that mean I will not pay the extra, no. Do I think that James talking to you on the phone like he used to is a benefit, yes and we used to have it but we have not had it in a while. It was a complaint at the GV. So they are listening to the members who support the brand and take the trips and use the resources they have available to provide for them. Is it perfect, not in the least but it is a start.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #54 – December 31, 2014, 04:04:44 pm

Seems to me paying $25 extra for the "opportunity" for more timely service is just not worth it when I can get more timely service down the street at MOT for no extra charge. I have always had my service performed at FOT but this just irks me to no end. I know it is only $25 but it just feels wrong. So much so that on my next trip to Nac I think I'll try MOT given all the good reviews.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #55 – December 31, 2014, 05:07:34 pm

Sounds like the $25 is supposed to act like the original purpose of a TIP. T.I.P means To Insure Promptness and was usually given to the Maitre De for fast service.

Turns out it didn't work so the T.I.P. was withheld until after the service.

Kinda wonder how it is going to work at FOT when they are too busy T.I.P.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #56 – December 31, 2014, 07:53:15 pm

So what happens if I call FOT to talk to James T about a problem? They note that i paid my dues on time for next year, before hearing about the premium service, so i cannot talk to James like I have so many time in the past. Do I get turned away, or allowed to pay for the call on the spot? Dos this lead to $1/minute to talk to James on a call back, and $10/minutes to get him right away? The meter's running.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #57 – December 31, 2014, 08:08:03 pm

Tom, I think you got it right.
Too Many companies now have that T. H... W... Customers attitude anymore and I really hate to see FT go this route, but.... Money talks, I can imagine discussions in the boardroom as to how can revenue be increased, regardless of the consequences.
Gary B

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #58 – December 31, 2014, 08:58:01 pm

This all boils down to who is a die hard Foretraveler or not. I for one am a die hard who will never buy a class A motorhome other than a Foretravel. So, I don't mind minor indiscretions on the part of management. Remember that if you are not a pert of the solution, you are a part of the problem. So...the folks who have management's ear should kindly give constructive input.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #59 – December 31, 2014, 09:11:33 pm

Quote from: Peter & Beth – December 31, 2014, 08:58:01 pm

Remember that if you are not a pert of the solution, you are a part of the problem. So...the folks who have management's ear should kindly give constructive input.

If that was directed at Steve and me, we by far do not "have management's ear". I don't think Lyle Reed even knows who we are.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #60 – December 31, 2014, 10:22:59 pm

I have not been shy is saying that FT is not always correct. Tom brings up a good point. You have a 26 month old new IH and you are not a MC member so you do not get to talk to James. That will be an issue so I think that they did not think that thru properly. Maybe instead of saying no talking they could have said faster return call instead.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #61 – December 31, 2014, 10:49:22 pm

This whole issue is so sad really. I know many companies do not like to talk or be contacted by people who buy their product and "push" the problems with the product to a list of questions already set up to hopefully pacify the buyers, BUT, we are not talking about a $10 or $1000 product here as this involves a hell of a lot of money that some people have to take out a mortgage/loan to buy. This in itself to me deserves a "direct line" to service/parts etc when something goes wrong.
Think about it, Mr and Mrs X decide to trust this company with a life savings purchase to try and enjoy some free time or be their home for however long they decide and going down the road it fails!! Panic sets in normally and then suddenly they say" lets give FT a call and get us help"
The answer comes back " sorry but we are busy for 3 months and Mr J T will get back to you when he can, which may be tomorrow or the next day"
This to me would be a kick in the ass.
But wait, there is this thing called Forum online, maybe we try that and you know what, within an hour if the problem is not solved there are numerous suggestions of what to try and where help can be found. This to me is service.
I would suggest that FT spend the Motorcade money (around $95,000 a year) and hire a tech that is there to answer these problems!! Forget the Grandventions etc etc as all that is trying to do is sell more coaches but if the help is not there when needed the rest is mute to me.
I still say make it one price for all without any cuts or additions to membership and maybe $100.
JohnH

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #62 – January 01, 2015, 07:09:12 am

I have owned my Foretravel for 8 plus years, Got my free membership into the "Club" for the first year, then bought into the next year. After that I did not see the "Value" in the "Club" membership and I dropped out. I have been out for five plus years now, The Membership fee did not provide the value for me. I have a full set of "as built prints" and "wiring diagrams", that came with my coach, to facilitate many of the issues I have had to address. If that does not solve my problem I turn to "Foreforums".
That being said This, "FOREFORUMS" membership, would be worth every penny of the dues Foretravel thinks their "Club" is worth. With the exception of a few custom parts I can find almost all components needed to maintain my coach online, from the original manufacture.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #63 – January 01, 2015, 08:17:52 am

OK Why should we pay extra for service time. If this drives one customer down the road Foretravel looses. Even if only $25.00 it sounds like a nickle and dime on Foretravel owners. They indicate that the membership in the motorcade club is less every year and why? When you only allow Foretravel owners to be in the club and only produce about 30 units a year then where are new members coming from. Resale units mean new member in and old member out//even nr. There is no path for growth for the motorcade club unless the old base is increased from existing owners who have for some reason chosen not to join. As motorhome owners we join many clubs and organizations, so at some point you have to choose which ones actually benefit your motorhome use. Foretravel if you follow this forum you need to use it and embrace it to help grow your product and club. DAN

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #64 – January 01, 2015, 08:35:27 am

Lets think of it from FT point of view. They want toe club to grow to sell more coaches. They sell a bunch in the past to the members and the new owners have not been joining up so this might be the tool to get them to join as well. The club is a group of people that hopefully will buy another coach. I have always been a supporter of the MC as I find that I got value from it. The friendships I made thru the club is the main thing and the ability to meet once a year at least and see people and to know I am welcome at the other chapter rallies and know that I know people there too as I travel the country. This forum does the same thing in a way as the MC club does and FT does know what they read on this. In this case, from FT perspective they have been using James on the new deliveries and trouble shooting them more and more as well as the installed base is getting older and requiring more work. This has already changed the call going to James directly to a message and a call back. I know in talking with him that they prioritize the calls based on where you are. The side of the road gets first call back while i can not turn only TV gets last. Maybe this could have been better handled but they are trying to address the issue that you get nothing for your membership. The fact is that the bulk of us did not buy our coaches from FT directly so they make only service and remodel on our ownership. They hope to make a new sale but that seems to be in question as they are making coaches that do not match up with what we own. I for one think maybe it could have been handled a bit differently in its roll out but the concept seems sound from their side.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #65 – January 01, 2015, 08:47:27 am

Quote from: John S – January 01, 2015, 08:35:27 am

Lets think of it from FT point of view. They want toe club to grow to sell more coaches. They sell a bunch in the past to the members and the new owners have not been joining up so this might be the tool to get them to join as well. The club is a group of people that hopefully will buy another coach. I have always been a supporter of the MC as I find that I got value from it. The friendships I made thru the club is the main thing and the ability to meet once a year at least and see people and to know I am welcome at the other chapter rallies and know that I know people there too as I travel the country. This forum does the same thing in a way as the MC club does and FT does know what they read on this. In this case, from FT perspective they have been using James on the new deliveries and trouble shooting them more and more as well as the installed base is getting older and requiring more work. This has already changed the call going to James directly to a message and a call back. I know in talking with him that they prioritize the calls based on where you are. The side of the road gets first call back while i can not turn only TV gets last. Maybe this could have been better handled but they are trying to address the issue that you get nothing for your membership. The fact is that the bulk of us did not buy our coaches from FT directly so they make only service and remodel on our ownership. They hope to make a new sale but that seems to be in question as they are making coaches that do not match up with what we own. I for one think maybe it could have been handled a bit differently in its roll out but the concept seems sound from their side.

I personally would say that Foretravel does not consider the club as a source for new owners. Time has proven itself that members of this forum as well as the members in the club have no intentions of purchasing a newer rig. The club was formed many years before the current owners took control and it is a courtesy it still exists today. As for James, he is a source of knowledge but his time is limited. To consider that the company should out of the goodness of their hearts make his service free is not good business sense. Time will come when James retires as well as the few remaining old timers at Foretravel.
Bob

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #66 – January 01, 2015, 09:05:49 am

Quote

SUPPLEMENT YOUR MOTORCADE CLUB MEMBERSHIP WITH THE
NEW "CLUB PLUS" OPTION

In an effort to enhance your membership and provide you with greater service, we are giving you an option of supplementing your regular Motorcade Club Membership by subscribing to 'Club Plus' for an additional $25 per year.

In addition to receiving the standard Club membership benefits of:
• Access to Club events & exclusive travel opportunities accompanied by experienced tour directors and a service tech
• 10% discount on Parts & Service (some exclusion, i.e. paint-fiberglass-remod emphasis added)
• 2-day complimentary campground privileges
• Motorcader magazine and membership Directory
• Access to 'member's only' section of our website
...snip...

I can see a more significant (I would say 'sinister' but that is probably being overly dramatic) issue to us than a $25 fee increase.
Two years ago I had almost $12,000 worth of remodeling done and received a $1,190 Motorcade discount. Seems not so under the "current?" policy.

A couple of questions:
How long ago did the above exclusion go into effect? (any recent remod bills reflect the lose of the discount?)
Is a change in Motorcade fee structure just a handy way to realign significant services?

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #67 – January 01, 2015, 09:07:07 am

John S,

Well said my friend, and it was great to meet you in person at the GV in TN.!

I don't know - maybe it's just me, but seems like a lot of energy over $25 additional charge for a wonderful service.

Every time I fly Southwest Airlines, I buy the best value ticket I can find (Sometimes as low as $69 each way!Â Then I pay the $10 each way to get on after the folks that paid full price, but before anyone else that wouldn't pay the $10.Â In that way I get the most affordable transportation and the best transportation experience I elect to pay for.

Same deal here - Southwest, United and Foretravel are all in the business of making profit, and if they don't there is no James Triana at FT.Â If you don't need access on a faster basis to James, don't join MC and don't pay the premium price. If it weren't foe this forum, FT would probably have to charge us older model owners a "subscription" fee to access James a long time ago, but lots of questions get answered here that would have otherwise gone to James.

And I suspect that if buy a new IH, you probably get more than a year free in MC club at the premium level.Â If you didn't in the past, it would surprise me if they didn't going forward.

Happy 2015 Everyone!!!

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #68 – January 01, 2015, 09:18:38 am

Definitely two major changes, but again, they (FT) are allowed to maximize their return on investment (profit) any way they wish. The remod shop is VERY busy (as is I suspect the Paint shop) and is booked out for many months.Â FT is obviously trying to make more $$$$ profit.Â FT is trying to maximize profit, and as long as supply is fixed and there is more demand than supply, why discount? If this were a public company, most shareholders (Dane Miller) would be pushing for and applauding all of FT's recent decisions.

Truth is, the only way FT can make money on the used coaches is resale, remod, Paint, and parts.Â Yes, we feed the ecosystem and support the brand, but the average value (profit per unit) declines steadily as the units age, sinceÂ on average we spend less and less at FT as these units age.

That being said, we can all choose to respond in any way that we like.Â Pay the "higher" rate, or find alternatives for the work (MOT, Insight, Bernd, Xtreme) in NAC and other quality shops around the country.

Business owners make policy and strategy decisions that we get to vote on with our wallets.Â Capitalism at work!

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #69 – January 01, 2015, 09:21:27 am

Quote from: John S – January 01, 2015, 08:35:27 am

The club is a group of people that hopefully will buy another coach. I have always been a supporter of the MC as I find that I got value from it. The friendships I made thru the club is the main thing and the ability to meet once a year at least and see people and to know I am welcome at the other chapter rallies and know that I know people there too as I travel the country.

John, well put...from a (relatively) new MC member's perspective, the rallies have afforded me the chance to connect with other like-minded FT lovers, learn a ton of new info about the workings of this amazing machine, & meet some of the most "first class" people on the planet! In less than a year I've attended 3 MC rallies (with at least 3-4 more planned for this year) & the ladies' driving school, had some repairs done at FOT, & I feel every bit of it well worth the effort & expense.

The MC club may not be for everyone but I can say it is a bargain to me, & this fantastic forum of course is the icing on the cake! $25 seems a small price to pay for the extra features that this premium membership would bring, I plan to update mine.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #70 – January 01, 2015, 09:35:02 am

Folks, I see it differently. A hundred bucks a year for fast tech service, the social organization, it's not nickle and diming, it's the DEAL OF THE CENTURY! Give Ford or GM a call and see if their engineering staff will agree to a similar arrangement to support your Chevy Chevette, along with stocking parts for your 20 year old car, providing drawings when needed, and disregarding liability issues of support. Oh yeah, throw a get together once a year also...

This is a tough crowd, and I'd be willing to wager largely composed of free market capitalists. Bet some of you even have a copy of Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead tucked away. Foretravel is a business, and the part of that business that supports these near antique vehicles is, in my opinion, very close to a charitable endeavor. I am happy they are willing to not only maintain but enhance this support, even if a token amount of $ is involved. The alternative, from a bottom line perspective, is not at all attractive for the owners of these mature coaches.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the people who buy a new IH45. I suspect they will have good access to tech support whether they join or not.

Moderation in all things, throwing around statements like "rammed down our throats", "dictatorial" and other confrontational statements regarding this minor policy change could possibly toggle an entirely different outlook on the value of factory support, and community building.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #71 – January 01, 2015, 09:42:50 am

AMEN!

Have been trying to transmit the same message in my posts, but you have summed it up much better than I.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #72 – January 01, 2015, 10:27:04 am

Just like out Forum community which attracts people because of their common interests and because they see value I hope FT is trying to build a stronger community of owners. Maybe they buy parts, come for service or remodels or paint, maybe they will buy a newer coach or a brand new coach. Customer loyalty is strongest in their own community. How many of us bought a FT because of what we found out about them from other FT owners? I did.

The MC club is a good way to help build that community and an extra $25 is not a big deal. I would like to see FT try to be more inclusive, get more to join, offer more to all, communicate better with everyone even if they are not in the MC Club rather than create a divided exclusive segment.

It is nice to see the range of opinions here to consider Our Forum is a great place. A very wonderful New Year to everyone!

Roger

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #73 – January 01, 2015, 11:10:40 am

I can't recall how many times I've called Nac for tech advice and information. We have only had our Ft a couple of years and are very pleased with the service we receive there. Being a farmer, I have a number of tractors, trucks, and farm equipment that does not receive the technical help or advice that can be acquired from fot or mot on a ft. I believe most of us on this forum earned a living the old fashioned way, we had to work for it. Therefore we recognize good service when we see it. The additional $25 is a world class bargain in my opinion, I will pay it and say thank you. Nac for me is like a kid in a candy store, it's a fun place to go. Without it a lot will be lost, so be supportive and understanding.

Re: Motorcade Premium Membership

Reply #74 – January 01, 2015, 11:38:56 am

I just noticed this in the list of benefits.

Quote

Access to 'member's only' section of our website

Went to the FOT website -> Owners Club. There is a Username/Password input field but I have no idea what my username/password is. Look around the page and don't see anywhere to register or have my password emailed to me. I assume my MC number is the username but still don't know the password.

Foretravel Motorcoach : Motorcade Club

Does anyone have a username/password? What's behind this mysterious 'member's only' section? Anything worth bothering with? Who designs a website membership page with no way to register or get your password?

see ya
ken

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