Irover
Where ever the Good Lord Wills
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Joined: 07/04/2010
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rvrev2 wrote:I guess I must be alone in this. I am not a member of Good Sam because of any discounts, or even the Highways magazine. I am a member of Good Sam because of the Standby Sams (which I believe is where the origins of the Good Sam Club comes from), and to support the Action Line consumer advocacy and Good Sam’s Parking Rights Council. (I have also used the Trip Routing service as well.) I believe these two advocacy groups are well worth supporting, especially in a day and age where governments tend to want to regulate too much (in my opinion), and RV manufacturing quality appears to be struggling (at least from what I've been reading in the posts on the Forum). And, of course, I get a LOT out of this Forum, which is part of the Good Sam/Affinity family. While I have not had any personal issues with government regulations concerning my RV, or manufacturer quality issues (after all, my fiver is ancient), I do enjoy the political and consumer clout "Good Sam" gives to RVers. For me, that's worth the membership fee. All the rest is just icing on the cake.
With that said, there is always room for improvement. To Good Sam's credit, I do think the amount of junk mail has been reduced (and it was a bit annoying), and the number of membership "renewal" requests (even though your membership could be 9 months or more from expiration) have been reduced (and I did find those VERY annoying). I do agree with the OP in that I think the currently advertised "UNBELIEVABLE SAVINGS!" is -shall we say- slightly overstated.
So, I guess when it comes time to renew my Good Sam membership, I'll renew. (X-2) Irover
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SDcampowneroperator
South Dakota
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Joined: 01/25/2011
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4 posts in 2 years. I take from this and the informed way the OP put his comment forward that he is well read, reserving posts to appropriate time and themes. I tip my hat to you, Sir.
Discounts are a businesses way to attract loyalty to brand whether a national corp like Flying J or independent camp operators utilizing the concept to travelers venturing into new territory. Good Sam listings, advertising and discount to guests are a cost of business we hope will bring more in the door. In most cases it is the only way in which a campground can have national exposure, short of joining an even more costly and limiting franchise group.
I do not agree with some of Good Sams policies. The burden of proof of membership is being shifted to us, as new or renewed members will now recieve cards without an expiration date. Beginning in 2013 every one of you presenting a Good Sam card to a park with exception of life members will be subjected to a delay while we verify your status.
Overall like any 'club' there are of substantial savings depending on your usage of the benefits offered. Only each of you in your particular circumstance can weigh how it would be of benefit,
Max, O/O of a Good Sam Park
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fltoftheconcord
Tennessee
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Joined: 01/24/2010
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Good post, RVREV2
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colliehauler
Mc Pherson KS USA
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Joined: 01/27/2004
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I'm a lifetime member. With the new CEO I think he is working on improving things. Lets face it we have/are going through some rough times and any savings can help.
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RV-1/2n-FUN
FL.
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Joined: 03/30/2003
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I bend to pick up pennies so any savings is fine with me!
fltoftheconcord wrote:Good comments, folks. Let me remind everyone - this is a forum for opinions and information exchange. When opinions are offered, please don't slam them just because they differ from yours. One poster referred to the "constant complaining about GS". Let me point to the obvious - if topics keep recurring in these forums, then I would submit that perhaps there is indeed an issue and it would behoove GS to take note of it.
And please, the notion that "if you don't like it, then quit" is getting old. Noone is submitting that there is no value in GS membership. But just because some of us take issue with "club benefits" that really aren't, doesn't mean we are dissing the whole program. Lighten up folks.
This forum and others like provide a great resource for making informed decisions. In order for it to be effective, all viewpoints have merit.
Just like complaining about the junk mail. Constant complaints about the quantity received but I wouldn't be surprised if the trip to the garbage pail is the only exercise some people get and it might be too much effort for some.
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PAIRAJAYS
Washingston State
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Joined: 06/16/2005
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Just a passing comment. Some Fry's supermarkets in Arizona have fuel pumps, both diesel and gasoline
that offers 10 cents per galon discount with their VIP card. Their posted prices are comparable to their competitors. Then, with a PenFed Credit Union Visa card, you get an additional 5% discount. That combination is hard to beat.
Jim E
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anoldman
Middle Tennessee
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Joined: 10/08/2011
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For me, my Good Sam membership is all about saving money. I don't use their services other than the campground discount. A recent quote for their RV insurance was more than twice that of a competitor. I find that Camping World's prices can easily be beaten, even with the "discount". My current credit card offers a cash back that is greater than the 3 cents I'd get by taking out yet another card from Flying J. Right now we're traveling frequently and that more than pays for my membership, but when that ends so will my Good Sam membership. I'm not here to bash them, but for me it's all about the money...
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Desert Captain
Tucson
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Joined: 02/19/2011
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PAIRAJAYS wrote:Just a passing comment. Some Fry's supermarkets in Arizona have fuel pumps, both diesel and gasoline
that offers 10 cents per galon discount with their VIP card. Their posted prices are comparable to their competitors. Then, with a PenFed Credit Union Visa card, you get an additional 5% discount. That combination is hard to beat.
Jim E
To get the Fry's 10 cents a gallon discount you have to spend $100 in their store in the same month. Not hard to do, their prices are better than most but the 10 cents discount is a one time deal until you spend another $100. My Chase Freedom Visa is currently giving me another 5% off at any gas station. Putting the two discounts together I pay $3.03 vs $3.30 saving me $6.75 a tank and that works for me. 
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57 Panhead
Stockton CA
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Joined: 08/19/2010
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Alan_Hepburn wrote:My complaint about this feature is that it discriminates against those of us who prefer to use cash...
How????? Use your card and pay cash if you like, you'll still get the discount.
Steve
Retired Teamster
2012 Jayco Eagle Superlite 31.5RLTS
07 F250 PowerStroke
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Alan_Hepburn
San Jose, Ca, USA
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Joined: 05/02/2003
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57 Panhead wrote:Alan_Hepburn wrote:My complaint about this feature is that it discriminates against those of us who prefer to use cash...
How????? Use your card and pay cash if you like, you'll still get the discount.
Steve
You still have to open a credit account with them - we already have the credit cards we need and do not want to apply for any more. We always carry cash for fuel purchases and will continue to do so - it's our choice and we are happy with the choice.
Besides - we can always look for a Safeway with a gas station and use our Safeway shopping card to save several cents per gallon: no credit card needed!
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Alan & Sandy Hepburn driving a 2007 Fleetwood Bounder 35E on a Workhorse chassis - Charter Member: International Brotherhood of Weight Police - Proud to be a Blue Star Family!
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