Hotline calls / mileage/ gas prices /nominal fee

[sharrack]

I know this subject brings many heated opinions but has anyone given thought to a nominal fee for reptile pick ups over a certain mile count in this special time?

Gas is back up to 2.00 a gallon and due to rise after memorial day according to a news report.

My average mile count per pick up is 35 -40 miles round trip so you can see my point.

Most calls occur at dinner time/ rush hour time which turns my average call into a 1.5 adventure.
Anyone have similar circumstances in their "zone"?
My zone is one of the lean area's with just a few people to run.

Kenny Sharrocks:D

[MikeB]

I like the no charge for reptile pick-ups. I think it is a great public relations issue and brings in more calls. What do you think about the responder being able to keep a percentage of any donations for a removal?

Mike

[sharrack]

Currently, it is costing each person to do these calls. My calls are
costing between 5 and 7 dollars each. K>s>

The Tax deduction is only valid for those with enough deductions to itemize otherwise it is useless.

As far as public relations, i'm sure most, if not all citizens would agree to a fee covering gas mileage in this time of escalating fuel costs.

My question is.....if the public shouldn't pay.....why should we?
Kenny s>

[MikeB]

I hear about it from my wife. :D

[Donna]

The idea is to save wildlife, if you start charging a fee there will be those people who would rather kill the snake.. any snake, harmless or otherwise.

I understand how expensive it can be but there are pitfalls if you charge a fee. I'm curious as to exactly what is said on the initial call in reguards to donations, maybe if the wording is right it would be possible to get more donations without chasing people with the word 'fee'?

Donna

[MikeB]

It is a volunteer thing. You can always say it is too much or limit your availability to reduce your costs. I know you have to make sure to take care of your own. Maybe, like Donna said, we could come up with some kind of standard line that might increase donations. You said, this has been brought up before, what has come out of those discussions?

Mike

[sharrack]

"Due to the increasing price of fuel, the AHA is ASKING for a 10.00 donation which will help keep the service ready and available to those who request it".

Fuel costs are passed along in all aspects of our lives includung shipping, transportation and services.

I'm on 101 and cave creek and when the hotline volunteers call me
with carefree snake pick ups at 5-6pm.....I just have to say no.

I also feel for the switchboard people who are looking all over for people to field calls in thin areas.

Kenny S>

[Donna]

Kenny, that is perfect and reasonable. I like it. :)

Not that it matters... hehe

Donna

[JJFeldner]

to the board meeting next Tuesday night at Manuel's and bring up your proposal? See you there.
BTW, you won't get mileage for coming to the meeting. LOL

[snake-hunter]

when im 16 i will do the hotline thing. i live right off of jomax and cave creek. as soon as i can drive!

[looco1]

i would love to help with the hotline i live at 67th and happy valley rd. i read that that was a thin area i just need to know where i can get a set of tongs and the bucket....as soon as i get those i will be joining the aha (prolly next month n e way) so i was just wondering if anyone had an old set of tongs i could buy i would appreciate it.

[Andyr]

Vacation is almost over so I'm looking at the computer again.

Kenny, while I agree with you that it would be nice to be compensated for doing these runs, I don't believe that it is a good idea to charge. I also believe that most people when told on the phone that there will be a Nominal Charge for the pick-up, A lot (if not most) would say nevermind I'll handle it myself. (KILL IT)
It is YOUR option to go on a call or not.

Donna, I would say that fifteen to twenty persent of the callers ask if there is a charge for this... They are told that we are a non-profit club and Donations are accepted but there is no charge.
Just a bonus thought, what if they agree to the fee then don't pay???

More later gotta go do a call...

Andy ><>

[sharrack]

It's my choice to field the calls. A simple and effective solution. thanks, Kenny S>