We have started analysis for this issue, and it seems that key problem is how Wild Apricot handles level changes close to renewal date. The system is currently designed to collect the full new level amount and set renewal date according to new level renewal policy. All prepaid amounts for old levels are disposed. Moreover, since no prorating occurs, the new level might be effective only for a few days.
As a first step, we suggest to redesign how level change is working and add prorating there:
- Level would be changed immediately, as now
- Remaining portion of old membership level payment will be applied to new level
- For new levels with specific renewal date (e.g. annual levels with renewals Jan 1st) apply the pro-rating settings for new applications:
- Allow member to pay only a pro-rated amount of the new level fee (e.g. six months before renewal date)
- Allow member to renew for one extra period (e.g. when level changed in December)
See attached diagram for details
Do these changes seem reasonable to you? If not – what would you change and why?
If you have some spare time, we would appreciate a short interview with you about your level setup and change level policy – just reply to post or email onesterkin [at] personifycorp.com
We have started analysis for this issue, and it seems that key problem is how Wild Apricot handles level changes close to renewal date. The system is currently designed to collect the full new level amount and set renewal date according to new level renewal policy. All prepaid amounts for old levels are disposed. Moreover, since no prorating occurs, the new level might be effective only for a few days.
As a first step, we suggest to redesign how level change is working and add prorating there:
- Level would be changed immediately, as now
- Remaining portion of old membership level payment will be applied to new level
- For new levels with specific renewal date (e.g. annual levels with renewals Jan 1st) apply the pro-rating settings for new applications:
- Allow member to pay only a pro-rated amount of the new level fee (e.g. six months before renewal…
I am actually shocked that you can not do this - either manually or self-service. It is enough for us to consider moving to another system altogether.
In the meantime, if you do want to change the member level - it seems if youare entering manualy and EDIT the level BEFORE you generate the invoice you might actually be renewed as well.
But seriously - it should not be so hard to do this.
sguzik
I am actually shocked that you can not do this - either manually or self-service. It is enough for us to consider moving to another system altogether.
In the meantime, if you do want to change the member level - it seems if youare entering manualy and EDIT the level BEFORE you generate the invoice you might actually be renewed as well.
But seriously - it should not be so hard to do this.