This thread was brought to my attention (along with a related thread on the PDGA Discussion board). This seems a more appropriate place to answer questions. Why people post some of the things they do on an Association message board, I will never understand. Seems counter productive in many instances.
While we are limited in what we can do on
www.pdga.com, I think you would be hard pressed to find many that would question the level of service, for the services and sites 'we' actually control / run.
I think if you look back through messages in **this** forum, you will find a record of incredibly good service. This is actually the only club related message board that I have ever posted on. I have personally provided instant feedback, stats, and answered questions -- when appropriate -- to help streamline some of your biggest and fastest filling events.
Most clubs and events will never even come close to requiring the level of service that some of your events require... which should read as a complement in many ways.
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I and we are both used below. I is me [Breiner], and we is my company.
In response to ryangwillim (Portland, OR) regarding the following post (found in the PDGA thread) :
"I will never use the PDGA signup process. It charges the players too much money (I was told that signing up for the Memorial was a $7 service fee this year?!), and I've heard nightmares from other TDs trying to get player's lists and other info from whomever runs it (I think Breiner?)."
1. "I will never use... It charges the players too much" -- While yourself and Peter Shive keep quoting the events with the HIGHEST ENTRY FEES, do you bother to notice that events like Ice Bowls, C-Tiers, and many B-Tiers average $2.50-4.00 [handling]. The handling fee is directly related to the average entry fee amount [for each event] (w/ a minimum of $2.00).
Working for FREE is not sustainable over time. I think 99.9% of people realize this. We (and other sign up services) loose money on almost all of the smaller events. It takes time to set them up, process entries, write checks, etc.. If you actually take the time to think about it closely, I think the question you are more likely to ask is HOW CAN WE PROVIDE THE SERVICE AT ALL / WHY WOULD WE WANT TO.
-- Answer: Because I saw a need, and WANTED to build a better system. I won't come close to breaking even for years. Don't really ever care if I do. That's my risk, and one I am willing to take -- largely b/c I just felt like doing it.
-- The vast majority of the 'handling fee' goes straight to the credit card companies. I paid VISA, MC, AMEX and DISCOVER almost $200,000.00 last year for the "right" to accept credit cards (company wide). Yep, that would all be PROFIT if everyone paid in cash or by check. Cash used to be king. Not any more. Credit rules the world.
2. Quit speculating, and simply go look up the information. "I was told... Memorial... $7.00..." -- It's not hard to look up
- PRO side $8.75
- AM side $4.75
They differ b/c the events have VERY DIFFERENT ENTRY FEES.
3. "I've heard nightmares" -- Send me the names of the Tournament Directors or have them call me. I find this incredibly hard to believe, but will gladly apologize to them if that's the way they feel. If they truly feel the way you have described, then I WANT THE FEEDBACK.
- This is the type of statement best avoided when trying to make a point. If the person(s) who supposedly feel slighted don't bring it to our attention, then effectively they (and those on their behalf [who have 'heard something through the grapevine'] have no legitimate right to complain.
- One of two things happens with this type of statement:
-- Either it never happened or simply was not big enough to mention [to me]
OR
-- It did happen, and the person complaining did NOTHING to help improve the system, service, situation [in/for the future].
I think you will find we are exceptionally good at meeting specific requests, fixing something that needs fixing (it could be something we have never even thought about fixing), and building in features that make everyones life easier.
BOTTOM LINE: If 'you [the collective]' don't / won't call me directly (I'm pretty easy to reach), then you give up your right to complain [IMO].
I think in reality, most [most means NOT 100% -- We will NEVER be able to please everyone] Tournament Directors will report service above and beyond -- at all hours (damn near 24 hours a day / 365 -- since 1998).
EXAMPLE: While we are on the East Coast, will still close WEST COAST events at or after 8pm PST (and most times after 11-12pm PST)... allowing players to sign up after work, etc.
Find anyone else working for the PDGA or YOU at 1-4am PST.
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From another post by Rideout...
"Northwest Sign-Ups is a small-time/regional business looking to support players, courses, events, and the general growth of disc golf in the northwest. I’m not mad about the PDGA’s move to make other online registration outfits less desirable, but I am calling out to the TD’s in the northwest to seek me out and support Northwest Sign-Ups and you will see Northwest Sign-Ups support northwest disc golf."
In general this is a productive statement (as opposed to the other example above). It's clear, and has a specific call to action.
"... they can feel comforted by the fact (in most cases) that they know the person on the other end of the phone or email."
- While I don't know every TD personally, I have certainly met a good majority of them (across the country) over the years. Comfort certainly helps with trust... an example of why LOCAL is sometimes better for some people.
"Northwest Sign-Ups has not missed a payment."
- I would expect no less. Reality is, this has not always been the case across other services (most of which effectively no longer exist). Large reason I chose to 'build a better service'.
"Northwest Sign-Ups also donated to several events in 2010 with either cash or tourney supplies."
- Very cool.
"...by keeping registration open until Friday evening and then hand delivering the event’s cash to the TD in the morning..."
- Great example of why LOCAL is sometimes better. Have done so locally myself. Not always feasible.
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Complaining is largely unproductive. Help build a BETTER system instead(regardless of which sign up system you use).
Anyone is welcome to give me a call anytime at 1-888-596-9347.
Breiner
1-888-596-9347