I wanted to thank everyone for their input on the possibility of premium paid memberships (see link below). As discussed, if I went that route, free memberships would still be available with just posting and reading abilities.
There were some good suggestions on how to avoid the paid memberships all together. That's why I am posting this poll to get a feel from folks on this particular suggestion.
The suggestion was to hold periodic FC auctions. The goods would be donated by members. Those members would be reimbursed for shipping costs when the item(s) sell and would be responsible for shipipng the item to the winner. The winning auction amount would be contributed to FC to keep the memberships free for everyone without any restrictions. If these auctions could generate enough revenue, there would be no issues of premium meberships to worry about.
To recognize those that donate, special icons would be created to thank them and would be carried below their user title. There would be different levels of these icons as well, to indicate one time, two time, etc, donators.
Please vote and leave any comments or suggestions here! Thanks
I know there are rules against selling on this site but I am thinking there are quite a few direct sellers here so could we donate our products? Then once shipped send a card or flyer??This would not only help out FC but would also benefit us by getting our name out there (and would be a tax write off!) Just wondering. I would even be willing to donate my commission from any orders placed or shows from FC members. Just a thought.
If I overstepped the boundries feel free to delete this message.
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Actually fran, that's an excellent point, one I meant to make (I kept staring at the screen before I posted this trying to figure out what I was forgetting LOL!).
Yes, absolutely, I had mentioned in the other thread that folks that own their own businesses, whether it be an online store or a direct selling (Avon, Pampered Chef, etc) type of business, we could sell those items and I would be happy to provide those sellers with some advertising in exchange. They would be listed as a special FC sponsor. Thank you for bringing that up!
Originally posted by FamilyCorner folks that own their own businesses, whether it be an online store or a direct selling (Avon, Pampered Chef, etc) type of business, we could sell those items and I would be happy to provide those sellers with some advertising in exchange. They would be listed as a special FC sponsor. Thank you for bringing that up!
Maybe I could get "in" on Pampered Chef this way! When DH was in the Navy, I was invited to a PC party on base but DS got sick so I wasn't able to go since DH was out to sea at the time. Now, I don't know anyone in my area who sells it! But, I know about 15 women that do Mary Kay!
I love this idea! I already have a donation in mind...a brand new, never used Quesadilla Maker that I got from Bed, Bath & Beyond with a gift card that I was given.
I wish there was a way for me to do a raffle. But then you get into legalities and lottery licenses etc. Too complicated LOL Abear, your donation sounds wonderful! Thank you!
I do Ebay, so I wouldn't mind making an occassional contribition to keep the site free. How many people would have to participate to make it work, and how often?
Not quite sure I understand how this could work for all of us, I don't think anyone out there would want our circuit transducers from my job? I do run into alot of gently used items, is this sort of like our trade swap forum? And how do we all get credit? I'm not sure I'm following on this thought plan?
Anna
__________________ We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Originally posted by charlen I do Ebay, so I wouldn't mind making an occassional contribition to keep the site free. How many people would have to participate to make it work, and how often?
I'm not sure yet. That's why I am taking this poll. To see if there is an interest. I was thinking also, those who are regular sellers on ebay, I could run an ad for their ebay auctions in exchange also.
Originally posted by OSI I do run into alot of gently used items, is this sort of like our trade swap forum? And how do we all get credit? I'm not sure I'm following on this thought plan?
Basically, we would take any items that are donated (gently used is fine) and place them on eBay under FC's ebay ID and auction them off. Whatever the shipping fee is, of course it is paid by the winning bidder, would be given to the person that is mailing the item. For example, if you chose to donate an Easy Bake Oven that your kids don't use anymore, but it's in good shape, instead of selling it at a garage sale for $1.00, we could auction it for $6 or $8 maybe. The shipping is paid by the winning bidder and included in the payment to FC. Then the shipping amount would be paid to the donator (you) and you would mail out the oven to the winning bidder.
The risk here is that I wouldn't have control over the shipping, so if something doesn't get shipped out or if something isn't packed properly and arrives broken, I run the risk of getting negative feedback on eBay.
There's also the option of mailing the donated items directly to me and I would mail them from here. But then there wouldn't be the shipping reimbursement.
As far as recognition goes, I would create icons, as mentioned above, at different levels. So if someone donted something once, they would get an icon. If they donated again, they would get the next icon in line. Etc.
Don't know how many Canadians are here, but there is quite a difference in the exchange rate for our two countries...would amounts be in American funds or?
An example of the rate...I recently (2 wks ago) sent an $18 American money order to a friend for something, ended up paying just under $30 Canadian...that's a BIG difference!
If it wouldn't be too costly, I would like to participate.
Hugs, Jacquie
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When DH was in the Navy, I was invited to a PC party on base but DS got sick so I wasn't able to go since DH was out to sea at the time. Now, I don't know anyone in my area who sells it! But, I know about 15 women that do Mary Kay! 
