Runamuck registration cut-off update

[griffin]

For those yet to register or renew as a member to get the Runamuck toy, the deadline is March 16th (American time).

Unfortunately, while they are fixing up their credit card security issues, the Club Store is offline right now, so registering is not currently possible.

I emailed them 2 days ago to ask if the deadline is going to be extended, or if they would be asking people to just phone in their registrations/renewals.
As a response, they have sent out an email to members to say that they will have on their site soon, a PDF registration form for people to POST IN with a cheque or Money Order. (which may not help us, as posting from here to there may not get there in time anyway)

So unless they get a new credit card processing system instigated before the 16th of March, I think they may have a lot of angry foreign fans who are going to miss out.

I just logged into the Collector Club Forums, to see if they had an option for foreign fans to renew - and it seems that a lot of foreign (and American) fans are either not renewing this year, or are upset that they can't before the cut-off. (it's amazing to see people openly abusing the Club Administration, over just about everything they have done, even in siggie files - I know I'm unorganised, so would feel hypocritical to complain, but they are a money-making business with over a dozen staff, and should be able to afford more if they need it with all the money they rake in)

I'll have to make a phone call now, to get the answers I need (for us foreign fans to be able to renew... and emphasise the repeated calls for them to add or just use Paypal as a secure and reliable payment option - really, how long would it take for them to sign up to that as a business?).

I'll post back tomorrow if I get a verbal answer... as they were at least responding to my query about people not able to renew/register at all.


On the plus side, at least if there is a lot of people missing out or not renewing this year, it should make it easier to get a Runamuck toy later as they will have a lot of spares.

[UltraMagnus]

For those yet to register or renew as a member to get the Runamuck toy, the deadline is March 16th (American time).

Unfortunately, while they are fixing up their credit card security issues, the Club Store is offline right now, so registering is not currently possible.

I emailed them 2 days ago to ask if the deadline is going to be extended, or if they would be asking people to just phone in their registrations/renewals.
As a response, they have sent out an email to members to say that they will have on their site soon, a PDF registration form for people to POST IN with a cheque or Money Order. (which may not help us, as posting from here to there may not get there in time anyway)

So unless they get a new credit card processing system instigated before the 16th of March, I think they may have a lot of angry foreign fans who are going to miss out.

I just logged into the Collector Club Forums, to see if they had an option for foreign fans to renew - and it seems that a lot of foreign (and American) fans are either not renewing this year, or are upset that they can't before the cut-off. (it's amazing to see people openly abusing the Club Administration, over just about everything they have done, even in siggie files - I know I'm unorganised, so would feel hypocritical to complain, but they are a money-making business with over a dozen staff, and should be able to afford more if they need it with all the money they rake in)

I'll have to make a phone call now, to get the answers I need (for us foreign fans to be able to renew... and emphasise the repeated calls for them to add or just use Paypal as a secure and reliable payment option - really, how long would it take for them to sign up to that as a business?).

I'll post back tomorrow if I get a verbal answer... as they were at least responding to my query about people not able to renew/register at all.


On the plus side, at least if there is a lot of people missing out or not renewing this year, it should make it easier to get a Runamuck toy later as they will have a lot of spares.

I am currently a member and will not renew. I have contacted them a number of times and I never recieved sideburn. Its a joke, and in form one of the many reasons I have started spacepet.

A collectors club should be accountable to its fans.

i.e.
- credit card issues for a team of over 12 is unacceptable - especially when turn over would be in excess of 500k USD a year.
- a website created in 2002 doesn't cut it for today's devices and today's technology.

If Spacepet does the above, you have every right to abuse us and demand an answer. Customer service is and will always be #1.

[Paulbot]

For a time I thought I was going to get Runamuck!

Then I realised the "membership expires date" on my email was in the American format.

So instead of being a member until 3 April 2012, I'm only a member until 4 March 2012.

Oh well. Not renewing my membership this year.

[reillyd]

If Spacepet does the above, you have every right to abuse us and demand an answer. Customer service is and will always be #1.

Speaking of which........ any closer to public news?

I now we'd all like to know when (no abuse though, lol!)

Cancel that, I just noticed your website has a count down timer now! Yay. One month to go

[UltraMagnus]

Speaking of which........ any closer to public news?

I now we'd all like to know when (no abuse though, lol!)

Cancel that, I just noticed your website has a count down timer now! Yay. One month to go

Hey RD,

Good news is that alot of OTCA members will get beta access in the coming weeks. We have so many great things to show you all, but we have to be quiet.

In 1 month expect to be launched into space.

[liegeprime]

Hey RD,

Good news is that alot of OTCA members will get beta access in the coming weeks. We have so many great things to show you all, but we have to be quiet.

In 1 month expect to be launched into space.

Sweet!!


Back on topic though, well from what Ive read in TFW they expect people to "call" them for the registration, but from my undestanding they would still need your card details and then what? enter it in a database that is as per previous demonstaration quite antiquated and so open to hacking..... I can see why a lot of people aint renewing their membership especially overseas fans - they don't deserve such abuse from supposedly an "official" fan club.

[griffin]

If I had a choice I wouldn't renew either... but I need the membership for BotCon, and for group orders (as well as the magazine and annual toy).

[Hursticon]

If I had a choice I wouldn't renew either... but I need the membership for BotCon, and for group orders (as well as the magazine and annual toy).

Which such burdens would be lightened for you mate if they'd simply introduce something as simple and far reaching, not to mention secure, as PayPal. ;)

But you know what they say; "De Nile is in Egypt". :rolleyes:
(I don't buy the 'Too Expensive' excuse myself)

[griffin]

Poor Angie at FunPub, who is getting a lot of phonecalls today (it's just Monday Morning there as I type this).
I asked...
(answers are paraphrasing - they aren't exactly what was said, so don't quote these to them)

Q - How can I renew (register) right now, as a non-US member?
A - The only option is to post in a cheque or Money Order in US$, using the renewal form posted out about a month ago.

(not exactly easy to do for non-Americans, without a hefty fee, or sending a Money Order carrier that they may not accept)

Q - If you don't have a renewal form (which was posted out to existing members about a month ago), what do I post in with the money?
A - Just write down on a piece of paper, the membership option and your details (name, postal address, email address) and we can sort it out later.

Q - Will this affect my membership and access to the Club Website if I miss my renewal date (as it is 2 weeks before the 16th)?
A - It shouldn't. The only thing to worry about is renewing by the 16th, as that would affect getting the membership toy.

Q - Any idea when the Club Store will be back online, for those who can wait until the 16th?
A - As soon as possible, as we need to make sure everything is safe and secure before re-opening the site.

Q - Will they extend the 16th March cut-off if they don't have the Club Store back online by then?
A - We can't, because we need to get the orders into Hasbro by a certain date.

(that seems odd, as they have had heaps of extras in every year except 2009 & 2011, suggesting that they ordered an estimated number or a rounded-up number that was significantly more than what they needed - they had heaps of 2010's figure, which is still available, as if their ordering is a bit hit & miss)

Q - Any talk at the office about adding Paypal to the system, as a secure and safe option?
A - It is something long-term, but for now we are working with the current system in place, as it is easier to keep track of payments and orders.

So I suggested...
BigBadToyStore have a Paypal system in place that seems to keep track of orders quite reliably, perhaps you could approach them for ideas on how to set it up, as it would make you more reliable and convenient to fans, especially those outside of America.

But I've found that suggestions in the past take forever to be implemented, if someone high up there doesn't think of it, or made to realise it's value (like online registration for BotCon).
Since they are keen to "fix" their current system, we aren't likely to see Paypal added any time soon... and I'd be surprised if they "fix" it enough to have the Store back online before the cut-off. At least they have an incentive of lost revenue for this year, as past membership drives at this time of year have resulted in a lot of people joining in time for the cut-off (of both Clubs - TFs & GIJoe). Being offline for a month before that date could well affect a quarter or more members, many of whom won't renew if it requires more effort... and won't renew until the following year's cut-off.

If they don't have the Store online before the cut-off, I'll register soon after it is, and chase up the Runamuck toys (for me and others) later.

[UltraMagnus]

If I am mistaken crave.com is also fun pub which has been sold. The company seems to be in deep trouble due to this credit card situation. To me it screams opportunity :)

[kup]

If I am mistaken crave.com is also fun pub which has been sold. The company seems to be in deep trouble due to this credit card situation. To me it screams opportunity :)

You want to see if we can take over it ;)

[UltraMagnus]

You want to see if we can take over it ;)

Exactly - the domain name is great, and I'm really surprised it has not taken off as fast as it should have. My guess is they got funding, spent heaps, didn't make the desired return and are selling it.

[griffin]

They've just put up the PDF form (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-collectors-club-renewal-form-now-online/24136/), and again stressed that people should mail in their registration and cash if they want to make the deadline (as there is no hint or reassurance by them that they are going to have the system back online in time for March 16th).

For those keen here, that should be enough time for airmail postage... but make sure you make out the Cheque or Money Order in US$.
Otherwise, wait and see if and when the Store Site goes back online.

[UltraMarginal]

For those keen here, that should be enough time for airmail postage... but make sure you make out the Cheque or Money Order in US$.
Otherwise, wait and see if and when the Store Site goes back online.

Risky, I'm glad I renewed back in January.

I am lucky not to have any isues with my card yet.
knock on wood.

hopefully the new credit card company they are emplying is more secure than the older one.

[Hursticon]

hopefully the new credit card company they are emplying is more secure than the older one.

That, and FunPub's website being brought out of the Internet Dark ages. ;):cool:

[kup]

Exactly - the domain name is great, and I'm really surprised it has not taken off as fast as it should have. My guess is they got funding, spent heaps, didn't make the desired return and are selling it.

I didn't even know it existed and I have been collecting for some years now. I would be surprise if more than a few people know that it exists so there is the problem.

[Zippo]

I noticed a difference in prices

Website

Third Class Mail Transformers Collectors Club $40.00 Per Year (6) Bi-Monthly Colored Magazines (Feb April June August October December) Free figure ships late spring 2012 $40.00 (US)
First Class Mail Transformers Collectors Club $62.00 Per Year (6) Bi-Monthly Colored Magazines (Feb April June August October December) Free figure ships late spring 2012 $62.00 (US)
Canadian First Class Mail Transformers Collectors Club $58.00 Per Year (6) Bi-Monthly Colored Magazines (Feb April June August October December) Free figure ships late spring 2012 $58.00 (US)
Foreign/Other Countries Air Mail Transformers Collectors Club $78.00 Per Year (6) Bi-Monthly Colored Magazines (Feb April June August October December) Free figure ships late spring 2012 $78.00 (US)

PDF

United States
( ) Transformers Collectors’ Club (3rd Class Mail)........................................$42.0 0
( ) Transformers Club (1st Class Mail)............................................. .....................$65.00
Outside the U.S.A.
( ) Canadian Membership (1st Class Mail)..........................................$61 .00
( ) Foreign Membership (1st Class Mail)............................................. $82.00

[dirge]

For those keen here, that should be enough time for airmail postage... but make sure you make out the Cheque or Money Order in US$.
Otherwise, wait and see if and when the Store Site goes back online.

Air Mail is a crapshoot - there's probably a 50% chance that it'd arrive in time. And if it doesn't... we're basically paying $82 to NOT get Runamuck.

What's even worse, you _can't_ get a US money order here. Which leaves a USD cheque. Which will cost $20-30 to organise and a similar amount to cancel if it goes missing in the mail.

I've emailed them through their website asking if I can join via email at all. I'll post the response (if any!) here.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

United States
( ) Transformers Collectors’ Club (3rd Class Mail)........................................$42.0 0
( ) Transformers Club (1st Class Mail)............................................. .....................$65.00
Outside the U.S.A.
( ) Canadian Membership (1st Class Mail)..........................................$61 .00
( ) Foreign Membership (1st Class Mail)............................................. $82.00

lol, I see that as a tacked on manual processing fee. TBH, not surprised in the slightest, making their customers pay for their sloppy business practices.

Oh so much failure TFCC... It's so embarrassing, I am ashamed to be a member.

[1orion2many]

Air Mail is a crapshoot - there's probably a 50% chance that it'd arrive in time. And if it doesn't... we're basically paying $82 to NOT get Runamuck.

What's even worse, you _can't_ get a US money order here. Which leaves a USD cheque. Which will cost $20-30 to organise and a similar amount to cancel if it goes missing in the mail.

I've emailed them through their website asking if I can join via email at all. I'll post the response (if any!) here.

I thought there was Western Union outlets around, I know there used to be one at the newsagent near me but it's been so long since I needed one they may have closed.:confused:

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I thought there was Western Union outlets around, I know there used to be one at the newsagent near me but it's been so long since I needed one they may have closed.:confused:

Most places I have come across don't accept Western Union transfer doohickies anymore...

[griffin]

I heard something like that too, as they were easily forged I think. That's why I wasn't sure we had an easy, affordable option, because we could send them a Money Order that they can't cash, and end up out of pocket and with not time to try another option.

Since they can't process credit cards at all, even by phone or email, this Cheque/Money-Order option is all we have until they set up a new Credit Card processor.

[dirge]

I've emailed them through their website asking if I can join via email at all. I'll post the response (if any!) here.

I've received a response.

I was told I can email though my application form along with my credit card details for manual processing. I was advised to send my CC details in separate emails (since they're not encrypted). I split it amongst threee replies, originating from two different addresses. I've done that tonight. It's a hassle, but nowhere near as much as trying to hope a USD cheque gets there in time.

...I plan to stop the CC once the payment has gone through. Just in case :rolleyes:

[griffin]

If they can still manually process credit cards, why on earth don't they mention that as an option, instead of this posting in a cheque/MO business. They should be able to phone in their CC details as well... but none of that has been mentioned in their emails, or when I called them.
Sigh... I'll make another phonecall tonight.

[valkyrie_76]

I hope they do open up before the 16th as I just bought a Auspost pre-paid credit card yesterday just for this.

[griffin]

I was able to phone in my credit card details, but they said they weren't taking credit card details over the phone (because of security reasons) but were only making the exception because of where I was from (she probably remembered me from the phonecalls and emails).

[valkyrie_76]

I was able to phone in my credit card details, but they said they weren't taking credit card details over the phone (because of security reasons) but were only making the exception because of where I was from (she probably remembered me from the phonecalls and emails).

I might email them and give it a go.

[1AZRAEL1]

So glad I got in right before they cut off the online registration, and so far am yet to have any problems on my card *knock on wood*

Just have to wait and see what happens.

[kup]

I am also feeling glad that I got in before they stopped their CC service (although I was one of the people who's CC details were stolen).

So far I have received one magazine issue (which was really crap and boring) and I am hoping that I will receive the member toy as I don't trust their ability to deliver until I have it in hand.

[ispayks]

TFCC accepted my new membership application and CC payment through email. I used a prepaid mastercard just in case. It took 2 days to complete the transaction. As mentioned before they will advise customers about the risk of sending your credit card details through email and recommended to split the CC numbers in three emails. I sent 8 digits for the first email, the last 8 digits on the second, name and expiry date on the third.

[dirge]

Glad it worked for you as well, ispayks. My CC got charged today, so it looks like we both got in before the cut off.

I'll still be watching the CC like a hawk for any frauds... just in case.

[valkyrie_76]

Whats the email to enquire with them?

[ispayks]

Glad it worked for you as well, ispayks. My CC got charged today, so it looks like we both got in before the cut off.

I'll still be watching the CC like a hawk for any frauds... just in case.

Thanks! Hopefully they will restock Over-run otherwise I'm stuck paying premium for him.


Whats the email to enquire with them?

I just used the feedback page. Hope this helps http://www.transformersclub.com/feedback_tf.cfm.

[dirge]

I also used the feedback page. It took them about 2 days to get back to me, but the next email was responded to very quickly after that.

[1AZRAEL1]

I am also feeling glad that I got in before they stopped their CC service (although I was one of the people who's CC details were stolen).

So far I have received one magazine issue (which was really crap and boring) and I am hoping that I will receive the member toy as I don't trust their ability to deliver until I have it in hand.

I haven't had any unusual payments yet, so I am happy.

I haven't received any magazines yet, but i think I missed out on that one by a little bit. As for the figure, I hope they deliver on that soon. If the other orders have gone out, wonder how long before they club figures will go out, thought they woulda have been the same time.

[griffin]

Looks like the second attempt to manually charge my card worked, so I've been renewed for this year. That should reassure those depending on me for a Runamuck...

[Ultra Streak]

I got in last week and had mine renewed too. Thank goodness, it would have been totally pointless getting overrun and not runamuck.