Ferrari Club of America Membership Increase

Just received this email from National Ferrari Club of America ( USA ) :


Dear Member,

The past two years have been a tumultuous time for all of us. We have been frugal and fiscally responsible by continuously monitoring expenses and cutting costs whenever and wherever possible, and we have held or eliminated project spending whenever and wherever possible, even putting some projects on hold. We have gone through each line item in the budget and attempted to find ways to reduce or eliminate expenses and we have successfully reduced many items significantly. However, you can only cut expenses and trim programs so much before it becomes impossible to reduce them further.

In addition to providing adequate funding for various projects we have had to postpone, we need to build a reserve fund which is appropriate for protecting the Club in the event of future unforeseen challenges, such as those we experienced in the past 18 months.

Our last dues increase was just over 4 years ago, and this is only our second increase in 21 years. However, even with our best efforts, we have seen expenses creep up. The Consumer Price Index has increased 11.5% since our last increase, which has eaten up a large portion of the prior $15 increase.

Your Board of Directors has a legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interests of the Club and a dues increase has become necessary to maintain our financial stability. So, to meet the future needs of our Club, member dues will increase by $25 USD effective October 1st.

We understand that there is never a good time for a dues increase. However, we feel that we need this additional funding to continue to provide you with the membership experience that you have become accustomed to, as well as to complete several projects that will further enhance your member experience. We hope that you will stay with us to see these projects through.

Thank you for being a member of the largest Ferrari Authorized Club in the world!

Sincerely,

The Ferrari Club of America Board of Directors



How do you feel about it? I have mixed emotions but am interested in those of you that are members, your feedback

Andy

 

We are fortunate to have an active chapter where I live. However, I begin to question the value of the membership as the price continues to rise. Perhaps if the budget were publicly available I'd think differently. I particularly dislike wrapping a price increase into a COVID excuse.

 

I have been an FCA member for 45 years. In the beginning the Annual event was the primary offering. In the decades since then the offerings and benefits have grown exponentially. Regions began creating Chapters that bring members closer together through local events. Like many clubs the efforts are made by those selflessly giving their time for the betterment of others. Passione is the term.

I maybe biased as I was instrumental in making the FL Region a stronger entity. And for 13 years I organized Cars on 5th in Naples...an amazing show I encourage others to experience. Since then I have found a better successor and have moved on and out of FL. I plan on getting involved again in my new home in NC where we have some of the best driving roads in the country. Have to get settled first. But my passion never waivers wanting to contribute to the club for the benefit of the members.

It's all about what you do with the club. The more you participate the higher the value in return. Owning a $200k car and thinking that a $25 increase in dues is significant seems like incongruous thinking in my mind. The FCA is a bargain on so many levels. Just depends on if you want to take advantage of the many offerings.

my 2

 

Exactly what I'm thinking. They could raise it $250 and it would still be immaterial.

 

agree with Steve-it is the cost of five gallons of fuel. irrelevant.

 

Not everyone that owns a Ferrari paid 6+ figures. I would hope that most people try to ensure they're getting good value for their money, regardless of the actual dollar figure.

 

As the Treasurer of the Empire State Region I can tell you that the $25 increase was needed in order to continue to fund some of the events the club sponsors. The expenses continue to grow and the membership stays somewhat flat for the overall club.

 

LOL

Please tell me what has NOT increased in price of late?

Cheers

 

It’s a great club, and the membership covers or subsidizes lots of fun events, but in my case I only have time for 1-2 regional events a year (which carry sizeable fees themselves).

 

Living in Montana doesn’t afford me the luxury of taking advantage or participating in club events. Was curious what an annual membership cost, thinking probably around $1800 yearly? No, about $175 /year. Are you kidding me? Season pass at any of our ski resorts is over $1000 /$1500, good for roughly 5 months. Cost me $120 a week just for dog treats.

 

The New England chapter is pretty active. I’ve enjoyed the various events and meeting some great fellow Fcar owners. I have no problem with the price increase.

 

I am an on again/off again member starting in the late 90s. Currently inactive. My father was an on again/off again member starting in the mid 80s. When I know I can participate in events, I join. When I know I can’t, I don’t. I now this sounds cliche, but you really can’t put a price on quality time. Some of my best memories of my father are the times we were at FCA events. If your chapter is active, and you have time to participate, I recommend joining.

 

$25 increase? A bargain. Joining the FCA and meeting all the people that I have met is well worth the dues that I pay. It just so happens to have the benefit of 10% parts and labor at a dealership which is worth FAR more than the cost of the dues.

 

Ferrari Owners complaining about 25 $ ?
Speechless.

Marcel Massini

 

Exactly !

 

That’s like buying a new Ferrari and asking how many miles per gallon it does! If u can afford the car you not worried about the gas or a $25 dollar increase‍♂️


Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app

 

Ferrari owner complaining about the price. Nothing new here..

 

I joined for the first time in September of 2020. I didn't get my first local chapter email with events until last month. I've been disappointed so far.

 

We have a very active chapter here, with multiple events per month, many of which are at little to no additional cost. Great group of people who are passionate about their cars. Events range from regular gatherings, drives, meals, F1 parties, collection tours, tech sessions, etc. Value far exceeds the cost and as pointed out, the cost can be easily absorbed if you take advantage of the discounts (but I would still belong without the discounts).

Event Calendar - Palm Beach Chapter (fca-pbc.com)

 

Ive owned my car for 22 years, and have never really thought about being a member. You can go to any cars and coffee where I live , and its always like a Ferrari meet anyhow. Im not sure how membership would benefit me, I have never looked into it either. Like the other person said, 25 dollars isnt much when you own a 200k Ferrari .

Thank you

 

I’ve been a member since 1976.
Some yrs were uneventful, others memorable.
If a $25/yr increase is too much for you then don’t renew. Simple as that.

 

We had a (now ex) member complain that the masks we were selling (with profits going to charity) at 20$ expensive. That he was able to get the same ones for about 10$. Oh...and he drove a 458 Italia Spider.

So yes, cheapskates can be found everywhere.

 

Is Fchat next? Asking for a friend.......

 

You get the legendary and renowned FCA club magazine "Prancing Horse" which is an outstanding special Ferrari publication since decades. Current issue is #220 and once again editor and fchatter David Williams did an outstanding job.
Guys, stop complaining, it is really ridiculous.

Marcel Massini