New HOG card? $$$$ : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

skippy49 · 08-23-2006, 06:37 AM

I recently found my HOG membership card was broken from being carried in my wallet, so I called HOG to get another one. Being a life member I assumed they would gladly send me another one. Found out that they would, for $5.00. Does that sound right to anyone? Seems a member should at least get a new card each year (which I didn't this year). I didn't get it just on principle. What do you think? Should I shut up and pay the $5 ? I won't, but just wondered if anyone else had run into this.

Unome · 08-23-2006, 10:58 AM

As long as the numbers on hte old are readable, it doesn't matter. It doesn't have a magnetic strip on back for you to swipe for anything. Since you're going to get a new one when you re-up, why bother?

skippy49 · 08-23-2006, 11:11 AM

Actually it does have a magnetic strip on the back and life members don't rejoin each year. We also don't get new cards when the new year rolls around, just some new information and a patch. I just think it's kind of cheap to not issue a new card when the old one breaks, especially after giving them several hundred dollars to join for life.

lowbar · 08-23-2006, 12:40 PM

Get the card if you like but as long as you know your HOG number you have everything you need.

skippy49 · 08-23-2006, 01:18 PM

I guess I must have not worded my question correctly. What I wanted to know was what others thought about HOG charging for a card? I know that I don't need to get one, just wondered if others thought it was a little ridiculous to charge for one when they're not provided annually-especially to a life member. BTW, I wrote to HOG to see what they say about it. Maybe they can shed some light on it. I've never been charged for a membership card before in my life, other than the dues I've paid.

TomB · 08-23-2006, 01:39 PM

Just one more opportunity for a for-profit company to reach into your wallet ...

hogg831 · 08-23-2006, 04:09 PM

......well if I lose my DL they charge for a replacement. I guess there is a processing fee too be considered. If they included that upfront, then that would be another thing to bit(h about. JMHO

seabumb · 08-29-2006, 12:49 AM

I have to agree that as a life member, giving them the $$ upfront, they should give a new card free, on the principles: 1) the cards have a limited life and we pay for a lifetime membership; 2) if an individual pays annually, they get a new card but that same annual member may not re-up after a few years and the lifer pays more money; 3) the reason that so many companies, including magazines, offer upfront life subscriptions is that they make more money that way when interest, less required paper flow, inflationary principles, etc.

Yes, they should give a new card to life members on a reasonable time basis (whenever requested, not really feasible; every so many years, naturally, gladly, willingly, FREELY.)

JMHO

georider · 08-29-2006, 05:01 AM

Yes a free card every year is not too much to ask. I am also a life member and I would complain to the Moco. Paying national and chapter dues they can afford a plastic card, hell even a big ass patch for a vest.

skippy49 · 08-29-2006, 05:27 AM

I just heard back from the national HOG that I wrote to. They told me they only issue new cards to life members when they update the design of the card. They also said they would send me a new card in 1-3 weeks. (They didn't say if they would include a bill for $5) Shouldn't have to go through this hassle to get a card when they got several hundered dollars up front. But it's taken care of now.

Breez · 08-29-2006, 06:56 AM

Just use a little duck tape...good as new.

I would think that would be one of the perks of being a lifetime member...a new card every few years...