From

Location

Message

Date Posted

[email protected]

This may Ruffle some feathers but frankly I could give a rat's a$$. I have supported every club out there , The PGVG add extra to non Americans to be a member, and then tonight's auction the St, Croix group had a $5.00 surcharge to for international bidders, You want to pull this crap, you'll get no support from me.

2/21/2010 8:51:45 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Eddy, other clubs have been charging non Americans extra for quite a while now. Sounds foolish to me, 20 bucks is 20 bucks. As for the $5.00 surcharge, that's BS. Look at the big picture. For our auction some winners were local and postage was minimal. There were a few out of province winners and a European winner and the postage was more. Suck it up, it's the cost of doing business.

2/21/2010 9:27:06 PM

[email protected]

Andy
I love this pimpkin Community because it's the world, Or so I thought, every person was equal, so I thought.
The time I spent as a GPC member, it was all about expanding to the world, Great idea, How do you sell this crap to the world.

2/21/2010 9:57:57 PM

Antigonish,Nova Scotia,Canada

The bubbles I rec'd from US auctions and growers this year averaged $1.23 for postage costs.The best way to deal with this BS is to boycott this auction!!!
Bill

2/21/2010 10:00:26 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Please don't take it personally guys. Like Andy said, it's the cost of doing business nowadays. No club WANTS to invoke a surcharge. It's not like they are trying to take advantage of anyone.

2/21/2010 10:08:44 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

But truely it is not the cost of business...you can tell yourself that if it makes you feel better...it is just not the truth.

I got a bubble all the way from Ohio USA to British Columbia Canada and the postage was $1.29....not anywhere near the $5 surcharge.

2/21/2010 10:12:10 PM

canal winchester ohio

I'll have to side with my neighbors up north on this one. I've sent some seeds to Canada this year & some in the states. They were very similiar in price for the postage.

2/21/2010 10:18:10 PM

Columbus Ohio

I sent seeds to Italy this year and it only cost me $2.35. Minimum raise is $5 so if an over seas bidder is the winner, you are still up $2.65 over a domestic bidder and you still have to have postage for that bubble. Are we going to see handling charges as well. How about a credit check on bidders as well. This is a friendly sport. Keep it honest.

2/21/2010 10:32:14 PM

Sophia WV

I dont like the surcharge idea we are all members of a great group regardless of where we live.

2/21/2010 10:53:26 PM

[email protected]

The cost of doing business, what a crock, When our dollar was worth 65 cents, we didn't bitch, we paid our way, This is plain selfishness, it's got nothing to do with business.

2/21/2010 10:56:45 PM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

I am with the Iceman. Only one flag should be flying here - the GPC banner. This isn't an exclusively US organization.

2/21/2010 11:01:06 PM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

I am with the Iceman. Only one flag should be flying here - the GPC banner. This isn't an exclusively US organization.

2/21/2010 11:01:16 PM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

I am with the Iceman. Only one flag should be flying here - the GPC banner. This isn't an exclusively US organization.

2/21/2010 11:01:27 PM

Mpls

I guess I can see both sides, yes it is probably only 2 dollars, and really if your getting big bucks for a seed no worries, but if you have to drive down to the post office, fill out the customs label, there is a chance of it coming back when sending overseas, resend it again, it is understandable for 5 bucks!

I personally have sent seeds overseas for free, I hate doing the little customs label thing, and having to drive to the post office when I could walk a hundred feet to the mailbox and do it with a few stamps.

It is what it is I guess, just like paypall fee surcharges I hate, hello you get your money quicker isnt that worth a dollar or two?

2/21/2010 11:06:36 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

I just looked at some bubbles I recieved from the USA this year, ( non of the senders surcharged, all were clubs I supported )
1. Boise City OK $1.32
2 Anamosa IA $ 1.03
3 Berlin MI $ 1.29
4 Medinah IL $1.23

I don't see anything near $ 5.00 here ! Perhaps those clubs that surcharge and don't have Paypal just don't want support? They sure are making it obvious. I won't bid ever, in an auction again that has a surcharge or does not accept paypal.

2/21/2010 11:06:54 PM

Deer Park WA

"This might ruffle your feathers Eddie" Maybe the added cost has to do with getting through all of the BS issues that surround international borders? $2.00 0r $5.00 Eddie who cares when you flop out your $$$ for top notch genetics? Get a life "Iceman" and have some respect; you dont run this site or speak for any of us little growers. I see you buying hot seeds for top prices and then working senseless "trades" apparently to try and build credability within the community. Not cool to slam a prestigious club like the PGVG on-line. I Could give a "rat's a$$" about your reply.

Gadberry, "Red Blooded Tax Paying American"

2/22/2010 12:18:49 AM

Colorado Springs.Co

Easy fella's

2/22/2010 1:12:10 AM

[email protected]

Lol Gadbury, I remember in the not too distant past when I didn't give you a seed you wanted, still bitter over that,
As for the PGVG I am a member, so yes I can voice my opinion.
as for St Croix, You want to see the email I received from they're last auction, to donate seeds, they can ask for seeds from international growers, then add a surcharge if we want to support them, hmmm

As for getting a life, I have one, very happy with it too, spend my days pissing off site supers

2/22/2010 1:14:27 AM

Deer Park WA

Lol, never asked you for $hit edie so you must have me confused with with some St Croix friend of yours.

2/22/2010 1:23:17 AM

Vancouver Washington

Eddie, I think it is fantastic that you have chosen to support so many causes, clubs, and done so many nice things for many people. I think what you did at the auction tonight was not your proudest moment. If you disagree with people and various club policy - seems like the best way to deal with it is to talk directly to the people involved. One on one, not in a general post - or in the middle of someone's fundraising effort causing a giant distraction. It comes off as personal egocentric grandstanding in my opinion.

I have never met you - but have been a member here long enough to know you have certainly helped many clubs with your generous purchases and have done some other very charitable things. I suspect if you contacted the people who you have taken issues with - they would all be open to hearing your opinion and I personally feel quite comfortable that no one is trying to take advantage of other countries as some sort of cheap parlor trick.

Too bad the ways things are turning out. You are starting to sound like a spoiled rich kid who just wants to seen as great guy. If your goal is - was - to be this charitable guy who wants to help clubs and people -seems like a pretty odd way to go about doing business to me.

No one will miss your money, but in my opinion -if you persist with this nonsense- in this manner -they will be saddened by the fact that the guy they thought you were really doesn't exist.

Rod Raunig

2/22/2010 1:25:06 AM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

too much folks - what a way to show appreciation - they are gosh darn pumpkin seeds - the way I see things - the clubs send out bubbles asking for seed donations - what? maybe $2.00 for the cost of the bubble out and then they sell them in auction for lowest price being maybe $25 (as high as $600)- and now they are charging surcharges for postage fees etc. for sending them back out to the winning bidders - suck up the handling fees and be happy for the donations

2/22/2010 1:46:10 AM

Germany

I also see no reason for 5 dollars of extra, hence, fees for versand in other countries, I have not cooffered with the SCGA Auction. Also I become at other clubs one extra is due do not raise any more cooffer. The forwarding expenses are more expensive at only about 1 dollar as if the Bubbles within the USA are dispatched. Another problem is if I a Bubble a little greater is from Germany dispatches the more than 8 dollars cost me. If I a package with Seeds to a club for a Seedpromo send the immediately more than 30 dollars cost. I see the Kuerbiszuechten, however, as a big hobby and I have a lot freude with it. Therefore, I do not look thus at these costs, but I will support no more club for the Seedversand of Seedauctionen an extra fee required. Also I will support no more club of which more than 5 dollars for International Member required.

Greetings from Germany

2/22/2010 4:07:38 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I want to clear something up right now. This is the last line of my post aimed at the clubs who charge extra:

"There were a few out of province winners and a European winner and the postage was more. Suck it up, it's the cost of doing business."

Our club didn't charge extra because postage was more to Europe, neither should the others. The cost of doing business is NOT adding a surcharge. Overall your bottom line won't be affected significantly.

2/22/2010 5:42:06 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

"As for the $5.00 surcharge, that's BS. Look at the big picture. " Should have included this line too. Look at the big picture was meant for the clubs as well, thus the $5.00 surcharge is BS comment. There I'm done.

2/22/2010 5:48:14 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Shipping is part of doing business in this hobby. We had many growers buy only one $5 ticket in our raffle, but still won seeds. We sent them out to the US & overseas, without making any $$ on them & without charging a surcharge.

We also sent seeds to growers who bought tickets, but didn't win anything in the raffle. It might have cost us a few $$ more, but the extra PR goes a long way.

Jane & Phil

2/22/2010 6:47:48 AM

Waquoit Mass

ive always felt there should be a ring at the seminar to settles these little flair ups in the off season. would definitely be entertaining. there are a few names i would like to get my hands on lol hamr

2/22/2010 8:15:03 AM

[email protected]

We (the CT GS&PGA) didn't need to charge extra to CA. Not sure about other clubs. Insurance for high value lots has so far, never been challenged.

2/22/2010 8:39:27 AM

[email protected]

Vancouver
Yes I would back down from my original post to some degree for sure,
But understand I sent an email to the club, and received no response. grandstanding no, I then asked it at the auction, So I did try the diplomatic route.

I get requests from clubs for seeds, no problem, but why add a charge,
Spoiled rich kid, NO, just want equality
Also bringing up the PGVG was in bad taste, but again 4 emails for seeds.

2/22/2010 9:12:13 AM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

I run this small weigh-off here in Mt. Pleasant Ia. And everyone gets a return bubble that enters. I did go from $5 to $10 min. but you still got 3 tickets. $5 did not make much at all so thats why this year was different. I never thought of a surcharge I just want people to enter too help and a little more paper work is worth it. The people overseas and Canada have supported me every year and are good friends.I know we pay more than the seeds are worth anyway so why add anything to the total. Eddy you can send money this way anytime.

2/22/2010 9:36:58 AM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

I think that the postage issue is one that averages out for us. we have many members all over the world that pay $25 Canadian for a single membership. We mail out seed packs to various countries - canada $1.22, US $2.30, Europe $4.30 So in the end it all averages out as most foreign growers are after our newsletters and our annual seed giveaway. Our raffle does well and as Phil Hunt said above we want to keep our customers coming back. I was a little surprised at having to pay a higher price for certain clubs I joined this year as exchange was paid to convert to a more expensive currency + the International member fee.

I think our hobby is approaching a critical point with so many growing clubs and such a demand on seeds, we need to be mindful of the ones who support many clubs financially as without them we can't do all the great things we do. If not we will be soon back to the days of the good ol boys club and alot of us will be shut out.

Kirk Chenier

2/22/2010 9:40:26 AM

Lexington,IN

Geeeez! If you don't want to kick in a measly extra $5, Then don't. I don't see how $5 makes much differance when people pay crazy prices for the seeds to begin with anyway. If you can afford $200 AND UP for one seed, what's 5 more dollars???

2/22/2010 9:57:14 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

God I can't wait till the growing season begins.

2/22/2010 10:00:36 AM

Minnesota

Great point Tremor, maybe it should be a GPC law, to have it in writing on every clubs web site on buying seeds at auctions. Isurance optional, mandatory insurance (damage coverage)on seeds that are over 200 dollars.(something like that)It only makes sense to me. 2 or 3 dollars sounds fair to Canada, 5 for europe, I sent seeds to poland and it was 4.80. (thinks for letting me vent on a Monday Morning) Canadians

2/22/2010 10:21:05 AM

Minnesota

And for Gods sake, people giving seeds should'nt be charged for giving them.

2/22/2010 10:22:04 AM

Pemberton, BC

"Whats a meazly extra 5 bucks..."

I think that is the point exactly, a grower donates $200 to a club in exchange for a seed that the club got for free in the first place, and in turn can't afford to pay the $2.00 in postage?? Don't be looking for my name to appear in the bidders list if thats the case.

2/22/2010 10:53:10 AM

Vancouver Washington

Hey Eddie,

I probably could have chosen my words a little more carefully as well. So, if i was offensive - I appoligize. Sounds like the thing is getting worked out. I know personally that the PGVG is going to review it's policy and very open to change. My suspicion is that people put that international fee in place in most cases without a lot of thought. Most US businesses charge extra for international shipping - and people just assumed it was going to cost more. I don't think anyone ever intended to try to make more money off international growers or take advantage of the situation.

I think the issue about seed requests is a bit of a seperate one. As you know, clubs send out lots of requests to all thier members for seeds. So, if you are a member, your going to get asked for seeds - especially if you are known to have some good ones....lol...

Maybe then charging you for an international club fee for membership and seed sales is probably distasteful - but I'm certain never intentional. Seems like with the whole Haiti auction thing and the money raised by both countries, we are doing some pretty good stuff together. I'd hate to see a big rift develop over some fairly minor fee issues that can be resolved pretty easily.

2/22/2010 11:29:16 AM

ordinary,VA

WOW !! Not sure why a $5 dollar charge is needed at all.
I sent a 1502 to Taiwan under $2 bucks.

Its not cost of doing business? its not a business.
if someone is willing to donate to our club why should we charge them extra just because they live half way around the world?.
We appreciate International growers donating to our club.that's why we use pay-pal..we even waived pay-pal fees ..
if your club raise $100 and that lot cost you $10 for S&h and pay-pal fees you still come ahead with $90 donation for your club!?!

so whats the problem ?

I would give anyone $10 for $100...

just send me $100 an i will mail you back $10 (oh yeah i will even pick up the S&H)

2/22/2010 11:37:56 AM

El Paso TX.

The way I see it is if the Auction really needs to charge for the shipping to other countries as well as those to the US. either figure that into the cost of running the auction and take the small loss from the results or just add a $5 shipping fee up front to all Items - that way the bidders are all kept equal and the club has it's needs covered - and there would be no extra fees for out of country bidders since the $5 per lot would be more than enough to cover all fees - Doing it this way the bidder could know in advance that he was paying $5 additional for the postage above his bid price and bid accordingly and all bidders would be kept equal.

2/22/2010 11:38:57 AM

Breslau, Ontario, Canada

It's the principle.... that's all.

2/22/2010 12:20:12 PM

Nova Scotia

Mr.D&Me My $100.00 is in the mail. oh is that american or canadian. lol

2/22/2010 12:28:33 PM

Somers, CT

At this point usually someone "Likes Cheese" Just please do not stop shipping us Molson over this. That would not be fair. Didn't somebody dump tea over something like this.

2/22/2010 12:49:04 PM

Antigonish,Nova Scotia,Canada

I rec'd a nice short note from the good St Croix folks last night. Thank you.
If I can, I will be bidding on one or two of your lots next year. If ever one of my own seeds might be of interest to this club I would be happy to donate a couple to help out. ...and NOW please, my good American friends, NO more phone calls, I am perfectly aware of the final score of last night's hockey game....LOL

2/22/2010 1:26:35 PM

North Smithfield, RI

Time-out and all just have a beer !

2/22/2010 2:47:41 PM

Sioux Falls SD

Eddy z Ruffle your feathers
I can't believe an adult would pull a stunt like that, last evening. Rod Raunig of Vancouver WAsh. Answer posted at 1:23:17 AM. Hits the nail squarely on the head. Quite looking for the world to fall at your feet. You have been doing a few very nice things, how ever this wasn't one of them.
Than you responded by saying you just want EQUALITY!!! How many people do you think believe that BS, when you bid 500 and 600 for a seed? when they can't even bid a small portion of that amount? A few are lucky and can, but not many. Yes Eddy I am one of the luckier one's I made donation (purchases) of seeds from all most all of the clubs, mostly high end, yes even a $500 one. SO NO it is not sour grapes. Take a look around and smell the flowers.

2/22/2010 4:28:12 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

Eddy z Ruffle your feathers
I can't believe an adult would pull a stunt like that, last evening. Rod Raunig of Vancouver WAsh. Answer posted at 1:23:17 AM. Hits the nail squarely on the head. Quite looking for the world to fall at your feet. You have been doing a few very nice things, how ever this wasn't one of them.
Than you responded by saying you just want EQUALITY!!! How many people do you think believe that BS, when you bid 500 and 600 for a seed? when they can't even bid a small portion of that amount? A few are lucky and can, but not many. Yes Eddy I am one of the luckier one's I made donation (purchases) of seeds from all most all of the clubs, mostly high end, yes even a $500 one. SO NO it is not sour grapes. Take a look around and smell the flowers.

EG I am having trouble with your post. As it seems to attack Eddy. He has not attacked anyone in his posts, and does not deserve to be personaly attcked. His posts are purely a principal thing. Please don't resort to being personal

2/22/2010 5:02:13 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Eddy ....Don't you dare...even think that anyone who knows you would believe some of these absurd posts about your intentions. I haven't seen ya in years but will always remember your warm personality and great smile. I couldn't believe these posts...My best to the great gentleman you are.

Chuck Radcliffe
Alexsdad

2/22/2010 5:36:43 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Well said Chuck.

2/22/2010 5:51:18 PM

Sioux Falls SD

Eddy is the one that attacked the club.
He is also great at bring others errors out.

2/22/2010 5:56:02 PM

Ohio

Some of you guys dont know the Eddy I know thats for sure, I gotta agree with Chuck and Phil on this one, this doesnt have anything to do with Eddy z's personal life, so how about leaving that one out, especially when you really dont know him personally as a person, cause if you did know him like alot of us do, I think you would change your mind real quick on some of the bad comments that you made about him.

Brush this off Eddy, and SUCK IT UP!,,LOL (Had to get ya back on that suck it up part Eddy, I owed you one,,lol!!)

2/22/2010 6:05:45 PM

Columbus,ohio

I find it to be a load of crap to extra for a seed going into canada. I sent someone a seed in BC and it took 1.03. I think it stupid. When it come to shipping stuff to canada you cant use the automated thing. No big deal to stand in line for the club. I have seen eddy in enough auctions to know that he usaully goes after the pricey seeds. If someone forks over 200 for a seed, I dont see why they should have to pay 5 dollers for postage that only costs 2.

2/22/2010 7:30:42 PM

[email protected]

The saying goes if you can give it, you have to be able to take it, I can, slam me all you want, I'm me, that's the way I am, always have and always will, many here know that.
and Brooks I'll suck it up lol

2/22/2010 7:40:26 PM

Rapid City, SD

i'm with eddy on this one..........surcharges.......give me a break

2/22/2010 8:14:43 PM

Mulino, Oregon

I would like to announce that the board of the PGVG has voted to remove the additional surcharge to the international members. It is unfortunate that certain individuals continually use this forum to undermine and berate clubs and individuals. And what's even more disturbing are all the band wagon jumpers that all of sudden have an opinion on something that until this post never complained 'ONCE'! When we made the decsion to raise the rate of our international memberships it 'was done' with considerable thought and based upon actual financials. When you send out an oversized bubble pack of seeds and 4 newsletters per year the extra costs did add up. Now that our newsletters are sent vial email, the extra expense to our foreign members is significantly reduced. I appreciate all the support members from all over the world have shown us these past 10 years and look forward to another 10. All international members who have paid the extra fee this year will be getting a refund from the PGVG for their 2010 dues.

thank you,

Jim Sherwood, President
Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers

2/22/2010 8:54:23 PM

Lloydminster/AB

Any club charging surcharges looks incredibly cheap. It is not the money it is the principal of the the matter. Eddy was right to bring attention to this. There is a small army of people standing behind Eddy on this so go ahead and say bad things...I'm finding out some interesting things about some people and I bet I'm not the only one taking notes.

2/22/2010 9:08:40 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Sorry you had to go through all this Jim.

2/22/2010 10:04:39 PM

[email protected]

Thanks Jim, appreciate that more than you know.
Eddy

2/22/2010 10:55:44 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

Jim
I am sorry that you have been put in the situation that you felt the need to answer this thread, post or what ever it is called. Equally I am glad that you have responded to the situation, but in reality however long and hard the original decision was thought out, it was flawed. The bubbles and newsletters that were sent to USA members were of equal or slightly less cost to distribute than those to international members, and in effect the international members were subsidising the running of your club. If you accept the membership fees of an individual you must confer them the same rights as any other member, regardless of where they live. The over all membership fees should reflect that, not the individual fees.
These questions should be asked, it is not something that should be swept under the carpet.
As far as the band wagon goes, I think there has been enough "Name Calling" and I am surprised that you felt the need to get involved with that. Perhaps people were just not aware of the situation until it was brought to light?

2/22/2010 11:13:15 PM

[email protected]

You know, I started this, and I hope when you read this we can finnish it.
I don't care if you want to throw me under the bus, fine, but, I will explain myself as best I can

You charge a surcharge, extra, what ever, your putting up boarders, The front page of BP has the GPC logo on it, It's the world.
We are all equal in my books, from Japan, to USA, Canada. and everywhere else.

A $5.00 surcharge today could very easily translate into a rift, a lot bigger than this one in the future, because $5.00 today, $10.00 next year, and on and on

So bottom line, the pumpkin "world" first.

I'd like to call this a growing pain!!!!

Now Jim, will you accept my membership to your club???

Respectfully
Eddy

2/22/2010 11:54:34 PM

Littleton, Colo

...I thought the $5 extra waz going toward my sex change ?? No ?? LOL

2/23/2010 12:09:28 AM

Mulino, Oregon

Eddy of course we will

2/23/2010 8:48:41 AM

Indiana

Hey Eddy your comments had what I am guessing is an unintended consequence that affected the way I do business.

On my seed sales, I have always posted exchange rates. I did this to try and help, but I always used a few percent over what the current rate was for some fluctuation.

I absolutely did not think about it in this way before, but it was essentially a surcharge to out of country orders. In the future, I will just use the actual rates, or what Paypal tells me to use.

Now I didnt open up this year due to some personal issues, but next year is a new year!

Thanks Eddy!

Tom

2/23/2010 9:47:47 AM

Deer Park, WI

Eddy-

I respect your frustration over this and empathize with your point of view. Our impetus for adding the fee was not a matter of revenue generation, we understand the cost of shipping internationally is only incrementally higher than domestic shipping. Rather, the fee was added as a means to justify the time and effort that goes into filling out international customs forms as well as the time and effort that goes into dealing with rural postal service employees who are often unfamiliar with international package shipment processes.

We retracted the fee after many vocalized their disappointment with the rule. Lesson learned, as we do value the contributions of international growers. Its just unfortunate that so much extra effort needs to go into ensureing delivery of the packages that usually comes at the expense of a volunteer's time and energy.

We'd like to earn back your respect, as your contributions to clubs and community are certainly recognized. In the future, I ask that you approach these issues more tactfully rather than ripping us apart during the middle of our auction. We are flexible people all working towards a common goal, creating turmoil serves little benefit and only forces people to become defensive and irrational.

2/23/2010 11:19:48 AM

[email protected]

Joze
You have my respect, always have, I never once said anything about respect, in my books that word carries ton's of weight.
My tactics usually land me in the fire, My thought to paper process sucks, I'll give you that, But I did send you an email that was unanswered, I checked my spam etc, it was not returned to me. And then well Devcon 2.
But I do appoligize for my method of expression. It was uncalled for, as I said earlier. But once I hit the enter button, I opened up the can of worms.

2/23/2010 12:58:44 PM

Deer Park, WI

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, I am unaware of an email message regarding the matter, as we would have certainly addressed this prior to the auction had we been aware of it. I'll check my spam folder.

I believe the worms are back in the can and I'd like to put it back on the shelf. The SCGA has certainly learned from the experience and I hope other clubs can benefit from what has transpired. International bidders comprised a large portion of the revenue we generated, therefore more tactful ways to accommodate the hurdles of international shipping will be considered.

There's a silver lining in every dark cloud, eh?

2/23/2010 1:54:57 PM

Columbus,ohio

Yes, it MIGHT cost more to ship to other countries. Correct if I am wrong but 9 times out of ten that person isn't going to attend the patch tour or the semnair. So wouldnt the cost of postage be off set by that person not being at the picnic and semnair?

2/23/2010 8:09:31 PM