what would it take for you to join SGIA? Please help with an answer.

[Ron Pierson]

Why do they punish a large revenue shop with more to pay for dues. Why would their fees be tied to my revenue? They have set themselves up like all other government and various organizations as far as fees (or fines) - the more you make, the more you pay. We big printers will and should need less from SGIA as the smaller shops. We, by now, should have already covered all that stuff or suffer the consequences of OSHA and the like. Don't punish the small guy either. One fee to join, other fees for stuff you need as you need it. I don't want it to be free - everyone needs to make a living. If they re-think how they charge, they just might make more money in the buffet style fee schedule. They may even double their membership and sell more of the relevant "packages". Just like joining a gym, the dues are the same for everyone but the tennis lesson will cost you extra.

I like SGIA but will not join for this reason.

[blue moon]

Why do they punish a large revenue shop with more to pay for dues. Why would their fees be tied to my revenue? They have set themselves up like all other government and various organizations as far as fees (or fines) - the more you make, the more you pay. We big printers will and should need less from SGIA as the smaller shops. We, by now, should have already covered all that stuff or suffer the consequences of OSHA and the like. Don't punish the small guy either. One fee to join, other fees for stuff you need as you need it. I don't want it to be free - everyone needs to make a living. If they re-think how they charge, they just might make more money in the buffet style fee schedule. They may even double their membership and sell more of the relevant "packages". Just like joining a gym, the dues are the same for everyone but the tennis lesson will cost you extra.

I like SGIA but will not join for this reason.

I like this idea and will bring it up next time we meet. It is not very likely to happen as it would require massive retooling on the charge side, but it is worth bringing up.
Also, Dan and Alex just complained about the $40 fee for the plaque. So it is possible that the buffet style might not go over too well.

The biggest knock down on the SGIA was that for the fees you are not getting the sense of belonging to a group. TSB is free and there is a sense of community which lacks over there.

pierre