EcoModder - European division

[Piwoslaw]

The number of members from outside of North America, mostly from Europe, is increasing. This means that the number of potential members wanting to donate and/or buy EM stickers, t-shirts, etc. is also growing. Unfortunately, transfering money one way across the Pond and merchandise back again poses certain problems. For example, when I wanted to donate it turned out that the fee I would have to pay was roughly equivalent to the sum of the donation. I'd prefer to give that extra money to EM than to some anonymous financial institutions. I got lucky and could transfer money through a different channel (a relative who was in the US, in exchange for a favor or two). Also, the window clings were sent through that channel instead of international postage.

So, what if EcoModder had a "division" in Europe? It would make sending money and merchandise much cheaper, easier, and faster.

Question to the Mods: Is this doable? Would it be possible for someone here in the EU to help deal with the European members? I'm thinking about maybe having the stickers and shirts made and distributed locally, while the donations and payments would cover the merchandise plus shipping, and any surplus would be transfered in bulk to the US headquarters (less individual transfers = less fees = more for EM ). Noticed the eco-friendliness of not having to physically ship stuff around the world?

Question to European members: If this idea can be implemented, would any of you be willing to take the responsibility? Recently I've been spending more time on EM than I should, so at moment I may become less active for a while. Maybe in the future I would be able to help, but not at the moment.

[Weather Spotter]

I like the idea and who help if I was on your side of the pond

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Piwoslaw

For example, when I wanted to donate it turned out that the fee I would have to pay was roughly equivalent to the sum of the donation.

Doesn't it work with PayPal these days ?

For those that don't have PayPal, someone could collect the dosh in Europe (using SEPA) and then send it on thru PP.

So, what if EcoModder had a "division" in Europe? It would make sending money and merchandise much cheaper, easier, and faster.

I wouldn't mind passing through cash for those that don't have paypal, but sending out anything from Belgium would still be a rather costly undertaking (6.4 euro / 8$ 30c per small package < 350 g - and a lot more expensive for anything heavier )

[MetroMPG]

As far as decals / shirts go, if cross-planet shipping is unreasonably expensive, another option would be to simply make the graphics files available so people could order from a local company and pay in their own currency.

I'm pretty sure Ben would not object to people freelancing their own custom shirts or decals. (To be honest, we don't really make much if any money from those items anyway.)

[Weather Spotter]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

As far as decals / shirts go, if cross-planet shipping is unreasonably expensive, another option would be to simply make the graphics files available so people could order from a local company and pay in their own currency.

I'm pretty sure Ben would not object to people freelancing their own custom shirts or decals. (To be honest, we don't really make much if any money from those items anyway.)

I like this idea Let members make there own items. Just have them post up pics of what you did so others can copy it (give and take).

[Piwoslaw]

That is a good idea. It actually crossed my mind a while back, but I forgot it before I did anything about it.

[gone-ot]

...new EcoModder slogan: ECONOMY is a GLOBAL GOAL

[Phantom]

PayPal should work for the conversions and transfers, as for shipping if its just stickers send it standard mail with some scrap paper for extra backing.

[MetroMPG]

OK, the font we used in the header for "ecomodder" is: Neuropol

I really don't have any giant logo files. But people who want can feel free to work from these:






And there's this cleaned up, larger image that piwoslaw made for another thread:

http://ecomodder.com/imgs/em_logo_better_green.fig

Have fun. Post a thread with pics if you make anything custom/unique!