Astromart - 12$ for changing Email?

[netwolf]

Hi All,

Well I have changed ISP's and so logged into Astromart to change my Email address. Apparently we have to pay 12$ to do this. Does this apply every time we change our details or is this a lifetime fees?

Has anyone else seen this or paid this amount to change any details?

What do you think about this?

There are other free services out there but most of the crowd seems to go here, I wonder if they are aware of these changes.

I think other local and global classifieds like Geckoptical, Astrobuysell are going to be the winners, as they offer a free service. Not to mention the fourms based Buy and Sells, like our very own IIS, CN and others.

Regards
Fahim

[Ric]

Wow, that's a bit steep Fahim, I suppose that you do all of the changing as well.

Cheers

[rogerg (Roger)]

Sounds like another bad business decision by Astromart. I say forget'm and go to Gecko. Not the same audience right now, but at this rage more people will soon be switching over.

[White Rabbit]

Good grief!!! I've never heard anything like it. Dont tell the banks or they'll be doing it to.

[ving (David)]

gee that is really bad business. hope they know what they are doing

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Fahim - have you approached them and asked them to justify this nonsense?

I wonder just how they perceive themselves in the marketplace, and whether or not they realise that there are free alternatives to their service.

[casstony]

AFAIK, astromart is not a profit generating exercise and they are charging fees to cover costs, but since it is operated by a business one would imagine they could absorb the costs? Maybe the costs are significant?

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Originally Posted by casstony

AFAIK, astromart is not a profit generating exercise and they are charging fees to cover costs, but since it is operated by a business one would imagine they could absorb the costs? Maybe the costs are significant?

Surely they provide a system mechanism to enable anyone to change their email address online without necessitating any human interaction. All of my ecommerce websites allow users to update any of their details themselves.

Sounds a bit opportunistic if you ask me....

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

even if it was put towards the "business" how can you justify a fee of $12 to do something that is automatic, it requires no human intervention (I think I can use that word here) besides the user filling in the details. I would think some sort of email or official letter be sent to them asking for an explanation for their actions, I understand they have a right to do what ever they like, that is ofcourse you PAY for membership, then the users should have some form of say in it, or at least be allowed to know the extra charges. I dont use Astromart, I prefer to keep things here in Australia

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

While not wanting to be drawn into a debate of support or condemnation of the practice...I'm neutral and don't feel strongly one way or another...

This has been an A-mart policy for a few months I believe...there was much discussion about it there in their forums...

From my very sketchy memory...Most people there were in favour of it and as I recall a strong majority of those posting (very active members) felt everyone should pay to "be a member"...Herb (owner) decided to make it only new members (or changing e-mail members)

The rationale as I remember it were/are...

The fee helps to:
*Defray operating costs of the website
*Reduces the amount of "scam sales"
*Eliminates the "free rider" problem...people benefit without making a contribution

Just trying to lay out my understanding...

Please don't hurt me!

*Disclaimer...I am still a free yet infrequent member of Astromart and have had 2 transactions there...

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

that would explain it then, if majority rule then you just have to live with it.

[netwolf]

I would like to clarify here, this seems to be the same 12$ charge they are asking new members for. For existing members they are only asking for it when you make a change to you contact details. So its not as such just for changing your details but to remain a member thereafter.

When you goto account settings and change your email address and save, that when it brings up a screen asking for method of payment.

Here is a quote

Starting Wednesday, December 20, 2006 all new accounts or existing accounts that change their contact information will be charged a one time $12.00 fee.
Your card will not be charged until we validate your information.

I can appreciate that they are trying to recover operating costs etc.

Regards