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…
When you have fixed renewal dates, new applicants can join "early" and get prorated or credited for an additional renewal period a set of number months before the fixed renewal date.
If an existing member renews early and changes level (e.g. 1 year to 3 year membership), he does not get the same proration/credit applied. e.g. renew 1 month early, changing to 3 year membership, his new renewal date is in 25 months, not 37 months. He feels he has been shortchanged an entire year.
The same prorating settings under "new applications" should apply.
Bob Lukas
When you have fixed renewal dates, new applicants can join "early" and get prorated or credited for an additional renewal period a set of number months before the fixed renewal date.
If an existing member renews early and changes level (e.g. 1 year to 3 year membership), he does not get the same proration/credit applied. e.g. renew 1 month early, changing to 3 year membership, his new renewal date is in 25 months, not 37 months. He feels he has been shortchanged an entire year.
The same prorating settings under "new applications" should apply.