[colley614]

I've just been looking at the fed's website and the APWC also and I was just interested to know if anybody uses them and if it would be worth my while joining one of them?

[Majestic]

People will come on here and  slag of both of them , in the end its up to you

[colley614]

I would like to give my company a little more of a professional look and I think that it would look a lot better if I was a member of a grow and for £125 annum I think it would look good.

[KarlJones]

The problem is, and this is my own view.

What exactly happens to the £125 ?  I mean, what is it actually spent on and is anyone making any money in wages?  If so who, and how much?

[Majestic]

I dont think anyone from the APWC takes anything from it . If anything they are putting in there own money to get it up and running

[Moderator David@stives]

Hi

Maybe I can answer,

Colley

You have nothing to lose by joining the APWC and everything to gain, by being a member you are showing your professionalism and that you meet a certain criteria.
Everything you do to improve your business can only be a good thing, I might be biased but I know the association  stickers on my van have got me work.

When I was competing for the local M&S contract I made a big issue of being a member of the APWC and it really impressed, and in the end I beat off the competition even though my price wasnt the cheapest.

Wether you join us or the fed trade association membership might just give you the edge on that big job down the road, you never know, but believe me it WILL give you the edge one day when you least expect it.

The problem is, and this is my own view.

What exactly happens to the £125 ?  I mean, what is it actually spent on and is anyone making any money in wages?  If so who, and how much

Karl

All the money the APWC recieves goes towards member benefits and promoting the APWC.

None of us takes a penny, we dont even get our expenses paid, maybe one day, but not this side of the next 5+ years I expect.

To date each committee member has invested over £1000 in money, time off work and travelling expenses.

Just the last meeting alone resulted in 2 days loss of earnings , a £50 hotel bill and £100 travelling expenses just for me alone, which I will NEVER see a penny in return.

You cant question the dedication and the motives of All the committee members, we do it , not for profit but for the wanting to Improve the standing of window cleaning and our members particularly in the eyes of the public.

if you want something to make you stand out from the rest well a trade association membership is not a bad way to go.

Dave

[KarlJones]

good enough answer for me

[colley614]

Thanks for the advice Dave I think its a good idea to have a professional look.

[matt]

if your going to join any1, it really has to be the APWC, at least this are in this century

[Moderator David@stives]

Matt

Chears nice to be noticed

Just sent you a mail

Dave

[colley614]

Just going back to the professionalism thing. Today I went into a furniture store looking to pick up work and the lady said "the guy here only charges £1.50" so I told her that he sounds to cheap to be insured. She then asked if I was which was answered with an " of course." She said " oh get you, very professional. Next you'll tell me I can pay by B.A.C.S." so I replied "absolutely." Her chin hit the floor and she replied " You sound like a real company" ( Well dur) I said " Yeah and we are looking at joining the APWC in the near future." She ended with " Can I have your business card, I'll get my husband to call you tomorrow."

Hopefully job done. I really believe it is worth while to achieve the most professional look.       

[matt]

Matt

Chears nice to be noticed

Just sent you a mail

Dave

havnet got anything yet

was it to me safe-mail.net address you have ?? ?? ?

[Moderator David@stives]

Have you got it yet ?

[Trevor Knight]

Why join the APWC??

Wow, what a question.

Some people will mock our efforts and dismiss this as another "hair brain" scheme! But lets be honest, they do have a point, how many have tried and failed, and lets be honest, the APWC has had its moments and it has certainly been very tough out there!

So, why join??

Well, if your like me and many others, there are several reasons to consider joining!

I believe an association can only help shape our future in this industry. But like everything, we need members by the dozen to have enough weight to raise eyebrows! But nevertheless, we are determined and focused and without doubt will do ALL in our power to make the APWC a beneficial and true representation of this wonderful industry we work in.

I read time after time postings on CIU and other forums that the industry needs this, needs that, should have this, should have that! But in reality very few actually do anything about it. By joining any organisation that represents this industry is certainly a step in the right direction. At least your say will be presented on your behalf with the backing of a larger organisation than just an individual.

I hear various topics being flogged out in the forums, licencing, WAH Directive, Insurance, Suppliers and these are just a few. So by joining an organisation you can have a valid and respected opinion that in turn will influence and help direct the organisation you join.

The APWC has done its best to offer benefits that help towards the cost of joining, but really, is that the only reason to join?

Whichever organisation you join is down to you. All I can say is the APWC is willing to listen, open to new ideas and very committed to representing all window cleaners and helping improve this industry in all aspects.

I hope this has helped you understand what we are about and will leave the decision to join or not up to you!

Remember, we don't earn a single penny by you joining, but we will spend your money wisely and your contribution will help us to help you.

Regards and best wishes,

Trevor

[Paul Coleman]

I've decided that I will be joining when I get back from holiday (if they'll have me).
Unfortunately I will not have the time or money to make the sort of commitment shown by the founder members but I suppose that is true of most people who would be joining.
I've nothing against the FWC but I do have concerns about the level of transparency within that organisation.  I don't want to start a APWC vs. FWC war - especially as I'm leaving for my holiday in 15 minutes.
Even if the only benefit is to make my business appear more credible then that will be worth it.
My main weak points businesswise appear to be marketing and presentation.  Maybe some kind souls in the APWC can hold my hand a bit and provide some useful pointers.
Anyway, that will have to keep for a week.

Seeya folks.
Off to sunny (ahem!) Norfolk now.

[Clive McDonald]

How much does it cost to join the fed?

[colley614]

Think the prices are both around £125.

[Moderator David@stives]

Cheap at half the price most other trades pay at least £250

[colley614]

I was just wondering what the logo is for the APWC's

[Trevor Knight]

I was just wondering what the logo is for the APWC's

This is our logo.

Regards Trevor