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".
(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