Re: [Coworking] example Pre-membership agreements

[Mark W. Kidd]

I'd be interested in examples as well.

Best,
Mark


On 9/25/2011 6:25 PM, Adrienne Normand wrote:

Does anyone have any membership contracts/agreements or Pre-membership commitment agreements they have used that you can share?  I'm working on my business plan and want to see how others have written their pre-membership agreements. 
Thanks, 

--

Adrienne

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group.
To post to this group, send email to cowo...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to coworking+...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en.

-- 
Mark W. Kidd
Roadside Theater - Thousand Kites - Appalshop

606-536-0115 (cell)
roadside.org
thousandkites.org
appalshop.org

[Jonathan Yankovich]

What is a "pre-membership" agreement?

Wouldnt anything that is conditional on membership be part of the membership agreement?

Jonathan

[Alex Hillman]

Some people gather 'letters of intent', which is a totally non-binding agreement to "maybe possibly pay you for your goods and services once they are available". I've found this approach to be a false sense of security and "readiness", and generally sends the wrong message to prospective members. What's the incentive to them to sign an LOI? Nothing, really. It's all about you. 

I am a HUGE supporter of "members first" - but rather than asking them to sign a LOI, which is likely to turn lots of people off in the first place, get them involved. Welcome them to help with the planning, and eventually the execution. Make it all about them. That buy in is far more valuable (and convertible) than a non-binding signature.

/ah
indyhall.org

coworking in philadelphia

learn how to launch and run a healthy, happy, and sustainable coworking space and community

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/coworking/-/ctcIJn07YF4J.

[gerard sychay]

We don't use Letters of Intent now, but before opening, we had "charter" members sign LOIs.  The key difference: they had to submit checks for 1st month's dues + deposit along with the letter  :)

Gerard
http://cincycoworks.com

[Alex Hillman]

Ding ding ding! Now that's what I'm talkin' about. :)

We also had our initial membership sign up, with checks, before our opening. 

We even let/encouraged people sign up for multiple months at a time to help our bootstrap cashflow. Small benefits - like a month free for signing 6 months in advance, or a t-shirt, really helped pad our bank account for the first few months and gave us a clear runway to fill in the gap.

-Alex

/ah
indyhall.org
coworking in philadelphia

learn how to launch and run a healthy, happy, and sustainable coworking space and community

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/coworking/-/1a6RcCO3NcUJ.

[Tawni Aaron]

Yes, of course, the obvious!
& Thank you for your article "How To Fund Your Coworking Space"
http://dangerouslyawesome.com/2011/09/how-to-fund-your-coworking-space/
Funny, this enlightenment actually came to me last night, could not
sleep!

Questions;
What are legalities of signing contracts with potential/new members?
Are you suggesting an adapted L.O.I. agreement? what do they actually
sign & how (is on-line enough? in person)? what must the agreement
include? What is the promise, "we will have a space by x time or will
refund your $ by? And what is the proper way to collect, use and
account for funds? (hoping to not have to refund ;) Lawyer needed
for all this?

OURSpace San Francisco is VERY close to becoming real! We've been
very patient with the process, assembled a fantastic team, found a
location and are in process for purchase. We are working with &
seeking investors (it's a BIG project, need BIG funding - will be
worth it!) Have the city/neighborhoods' support & many inquires from
interested members. Now, yes, need $! Yes, of course, the obvious,
GET MEMBERS on board now!

Thank you for this one & SO many other great informative
conversations!
Tawni Aaron
OURSpace San Francisco
ourspacesf.com

On Sep 27, 8:19 am, Alex Hillman <dangerouslyawes...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Ding ding ding! Now that's what I'm talkin' about. :)
>
> We also had our initial membership sign up, with checks, before our
> opening.
>
> We even let/encouraged people sign up for multiple months at a time to help
> our bootstrap cashflow. Small benefits - like a month free for signing 6
> months in advance, or a t-shirt, really helped pad our bank account for the
> first few months and gave us a clear runway to fill in the gap.
>
> -Alex
>
> /ah
> indyhall.org
> coworking in philadelphia
> learn how to launch and run a healthy, happy, and sustainable coworking

> space and community <https://indyhall.stagehq.com/events/1048>

[Alex Hillman]

What are legalities of signing contracts with potential/new members?
Are you suggesting an adapted L.O.I. agreement?  what do they actually
sign & how (is on-line enough?  in person)?  what must the agreement
include?  What is the promise, "we will have a space by x time or will
refund your $ by?  And what is the proper way to collect, use and
account for funds?  (hoping to not have to refund ;)  Lawyer needed
for all this?

As always - I am not a lawyer. So consult yours.

We did NOT provide an LOI. We provided a membership agreement. And the membership agreement became active on opening day. Our planned opening was inside of 30 days, so the risk was minimal. Of course, it's a risk for any members to take on.

We signed them in person. We have always done all of our initial contact in person. Even to this day, you cannot sign up for membership online, you need to come in and work for a day on a drop-in rate. This has weeded out almost 100% of the worst things that have almost come through our doors. 

We'd spent months earning the trust of our potential members - in fact, most of them had been nagging me for months "when can we sign as members!?". 

Finally - don't make promises you can't keep. That's something my mom taught me.

The only two rules that really needed to be in our membership agreement:

1) Pay Membership Dues On Time

2) Don't be a jerk.

Break rules one or two, and you'll be asked to leave immediately.

-Alex

indyhall.org