Member Comment-
I have just received notification of the 3% “handling charge” for monthly bills paid in cash and other means other than direct debit, effective 1/11.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I have never been charged a handling fee for paying by cash. On the contrary, cash is free, credit cards sometimes x% plus.
I wonder if this is related to the President’s pre-TH meeting email to members telling us basically that there was nothing to worry about, all was well and good, and we could all relax because our Board had found ingenious ways to solve all financial problems?
What else is coming down the pike to squeeze us by the proverbials? 100 yen for butter we have already had, next perhaps a cover charge in Traders?
I wonder why this decision was not raised by those responsible for it at the meeting last week. This secretive, dictatorial approach is repeated time and again by the so-called leaders of the Club.
I recommend that this topic – both the surcharge itself and the manner in which it has been introduced – be on the list of questions for candidates at the upcoming TH meeting with BOG candidates (as promised by the President last week).
Quoted from P.Cove
I have asked TAC for an explanation for the new policy, but Lance Lee’s box bounces mail back and I’ve received no comment from the finance committee. As members and ultimate beneficiaries of the club, I’m not certain we should be subsidizing those who pay by credit card — all of which charge between 2 and 4% for the privilege of accepting cards. If credit cards are to be accepted for the convenience of the members, why can those of us who find bank transfer convenient not continue to be accommodated without charge? If the wish is regular cash flow and there are some of us who are not always on time, I’m fine with an appropriate late fee. But a flat 3% to make a normal transfer payment is silly. What am I missing?
I guess cash is no longer king.
It would be reasonable not to grandfather this but make it a part of new members` application, the same as when applying for a credit card or joinng a sports club in Tokyo.
The direct debit system is efficient and less costly for the vendor.
In an case, make it a requirement of all new members. Allow them and (current members if they choose this option) to use their bank or credit card; and do not add any charge to the credit card such as the 3% planned. The members will get points and miles and maybe even spend a little more at TAC, but the latter might be a stretch. Greg