Fines

[Sylvia]

Does anyone else feel irritated by DCS threats to fine you if you don't renew membership by 31st January? For heavens sake, what is the matter with a polite request?

[Duncan MacIntyre]

I think that there has been a lot of late payment in the past, and even non payment for registrations, it would surprise you. Methods used to jolt those who are perpetually late or absent from the payment list are always difficult to keep from being offensive to the good customers who pay up readily, as we find with our Vet practice. We sent 34 accounts to a debt collector this week..

It did worry me a bit that DCS was going to collect some payments intended for subscriptions which in the past were paid by standing order, as acceptance of standing order has been discontinued (see notice in last Bulletin) I asked the office about it, but apparently all those paying by standing order have already been mailed and should already have stopped the order. They are not easy for an organisation to cope with if rates change, I presume that is the reason for discontinuing using them.

Duncan

[Peter thornton]

Presumably the DCS is looking into payment by Direct Debit? Most clubs/societies of any size now use this method. It solves the problems of late payment at a stroke. After a few years well over 50% of members will be using this method if it is made available.

[ann]

Just as a point of intrest, how is the DCS going to collect the fines, as unless someone wishes to register a calf, if the fine is to much they will probably become another breeder of non registered cattle. I can understand requesting payment as early as possible other wise all sorts of complications do arise and I make a policy of paying my subscription when I return my herd returns, but sometimes money can be in very short supply just after christmas for some families and I do think end of Feb might have been a bit more considerate, especilly as we did have only recently had our herd returns and membeship renewal forms.