Joining the FSB ? is it worth it?

[Punched]

I was looking at the federation of Small business's website earlier, Just wanted to ask if anyone else is in it and is it good value for money??

I'm looking at their preferential rates on their online Merchant Account. I can't really much esle. :confused1:

[HuggyBear]

Originally Posted by Punched

I was looking at the federation of Small business's website earlier, Just wanted to ask if anyone else is in it and is it good value for money??

I'm looking at their preferential rates on their online Merchant Account. I can't really much esle. :confused1:

The only good thing its for... its poo tbh - dont get anything out of them apart from spam emails, and preferential rates on your merchant account.

But does the cost of membership outweigh the savings made from reduced rates?

[Punched]

Originally Posted by HuggyBear

The only good thing its for... its poo tbh - dont get anything out of them apart from spam emails, and preferential rates on your merchant account.

But does the cost of membership outweigh the savings made from reduced rates?

Thats what i was wondering Huggy,

I guess could spend my £150 on some extra advertising instead :001_rolleyes:

I had the guy from the FSB call me earlier, made it sound good, so i asked him to send me the details in the post with the Application, but he said that he wanted to do a presentation on the phone for me.

I told him i was too busy to just send me the forms, he kept on and on so i had to hang up :O, thats something i don't like to do, but it was that or put him on hold and let him chat to himself :biggrin:

I think i'll give this one a miss, cheers buddy :thumbup1:

[openmind]

Put it like this. Lloyds currently charge me for every penny they can get which includes paying in automated credit from my merchant account (also with Llloyds).

My bank charges each month come to around £60/month so over a year a boat load of money. I'm moving the account to the Co-op which has preferential charges (as in nothing, nowt, nadda, free) for FSB members.

Saving by moving accounts - £720 pa
Membership cost - £150 pa
Extra profit to buy shoes for her indoors - £570

Rocket science it ain't

[openmind]

Benefit number 2: Free legal helpline which I have used a few times, saves me paying blood suckers, sorry I mean solicitors...

[openmind]

Oh and on the subject of merchant account rates, Lloyds: 3.75%, Streamline through FSB: 1.5%

That gives me another saving of around £200/month...

That covers her handbag fetish at least...

[consultant]

Phil,

1.5% isnt the opening rate (unless that has changed recently), it's 1.9%, which is still good!

I joined primarily for the merchant rates and save the annual fee regularly. We have saved 30% on insurance and used the legal helpline.

Possibly the best couple hundred spent in business, but it wont work for everyone!

[Punched]

Well that certainly shines a different light on the matter, Thanks Phil

Perhaps i'll call the guy and ask for a repeat of his performance, I mean presentation :001_cool:

I think if i can save money by being with them then alls good.

I've done what i've done with no borrowed money and certainly no help from the banks at all, so i guess i'm just a bit cautious, getting others involved.

Those merchant rates are certainly appealing even at 1.9%

:thumbup1:

[HuggyBear]

Originally Posted by openmind

Oh and on the subject of merchant account rates, Lloyds: 3.75%, Streamline through FSB: 1.5%

That gives me another saving of around £200/month...

That covers her handbag fetish at least...

That for credit & debit cards?

[consultant]

Cant remember debit - £0.32? There or there abouts.