Sales of Revision 4 to R.G. & J.S.

[mhsprecher]

Originally Posted by wrndln

I don't know why MARC and MAFCA can't mail the JS's Media Mail, which is very cheap for printed material. I suspect shipping Media Mail would be about $4 to $5 for most addresses. I guess they want to make some money on shipping as well as the JG's.
Rusty Nelson

Media Mail is slow. Maybe they could give buyers a choice, but many commenters here were anxious to get theirs and happy for the quick shipping. A choice of shipping options is probably a good idea. Many vendors give you a choice, but many don't.

Shipping is more than just the cost of postage, too. You have to package and label. I doubt either of the clubs have an automated process like many publishers do, so there is a lot of hand labor involved. The post office may pick up items, but if you are shipping hundreds, maybe they have to be delivered. After the initial rush, they may ship one or two a week.

If you think the clubs are making too much money, take a look at their financial statements and see what is really going on

[SteveB31]

We bought quite a few sets, and were surprised when we got the bill and they were charged at the $30 price. I sent them a note and they have not yet replied (MAFCA). We sell a LOT of their books, and they give us a wholesale price on them ( we buy 20 of each at a time), and we make a couple bucks on them, but for now I guess we pay retail ($30) for the revisions, and are selling them for $30 (no profit). We generally have been sending them with other parts, so the shipping is kind of free, since they are included with other parts orders. I personally feel that if we (a vendor) buy them in quanities , we should get a little price break. We use the sales of these books to help gain new members, as most Model A owners do not belong , and in many cases, don't want or need to belong to the national club. Often, when they see what they do, in the form of their publications, these folks WILL join a national club, as they see that those clubs are providing good information that is helpful in restoring the cars.

Steve @ Bert's

[Doug Clayton]

Just a quick update. The contract between MARC and MAFCA states sales to the various vendors would not take place for a year after the publication of Revision 4 and the policy would be reviewed after 6 months. The sale to Bert's was an error, however, the two clubs are now reconsidering that part of the contract. We will work this out in a couple of days and are dedicated to an even playing field for the sales of Revision 4.

As a second note, I never imagined we could print a Guideline of this size without making an error or an omission. It would be nice to be perfect, but that is certainly not a reasonable expectation. So, for those of you that find something you think is incorrect or missing, I invite you to contact the Judging Standards Committee for either club and let them know your findings.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

Media Mail is slow.

It is the slowest of all methods. Only if it will not take the place of another higher class package does it ship. Just ask anyone that has had to wait for a magazine.

[Fordors]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

It is the slowest of all methods. Only if it will not take the place of another higher class package does it ship. Just ask anyone that has had to wait for a magazine.

If you check the USPS standards you will see that magazines, or for that matter anything that has advertising content cannot legally be sent Media Mail. Magazines are sent at a favorable rate by publishers because they are sorted by Zip Code and go via a form of bulk mail. It is true that some areas will get their magazines sooner than others and I imagine that is because they initially go to a regional bulk distribution area, then a general Zip area and lastly the individual zip code. Lots of steps involved, it does not come direct to you from the publisher.
I sell on eBay and do ship books Media Mail with excellent results as daveymc29 has said, never had a complaint or damaged item as long as things are well packed. I never send magazines by MM, even though they might be 40 year old back issues. The regs say no advertising, no mention of whether or not it is old so I abide by the rules, I don't need a hassle. MM regs also state openly that it is subject to opening for inspection.