Passport America Problem

[Barrier2]

Hi All, After the suggestions of many on this Forum and others I decided to sign up with Passport America. This was on March 20,2011, at that time I contacted them and signed up. When we got to the payment part I was told that the "Expedited Shipping" would be $5., I asked how much the regular shipping was, I was told it was free but would take 4-6 weeks. Since we were not leaving til the end of May, waiting til the beginning of May would work for us. I told them just ship it the normal 4-6 week way we had no problem with that time frame.
I just called today and they had a record of my joining but my Camp Book had not shipped out as yet. I asked why and was told because I had not paid the additional $5. I then said that if I there was a problem why was I not told that the ONLY WAY was EXPEDITED at $5. I certainly would have paid the $5. but I was given a choice and choose the snail mail, (why 6 weeks I have no idea). Now I am in a Time Bind.
I am waiting for a call back on Thursday, I shall see.
This is the kind of nonsense that drives me nuts.
Robert

[rgvtexan]

You can down load it from the internet in a pdf form.

[Barrier2]

Thanks rgvtexan, Yes but most probably a zillion pages. I could just look it up as I go as well.
My issue is the deception used to get a "FREE" camp book. If they were up front and said the book is Free with a shipping charge. It reminds me of the TV advertisements of the Double your order routine, just pay the extra shipping and handling @$15.95.
As for Campground type programs it was very iffy for me, I have heard that when you arrive at the Campground the price has doubled so you are actually paying the same, this is after searching miles for the place. After hearing good things about Passport America I would try it, but now? They did repeat my phone number to me so they could have called and said sorry they all cost $5. postage, but they never did.
Say what you mean or don't say it!
Robert

[1ciderdog]

I don't remember having to pay for the campground book - but that was a while back and my memory is not what it once was. I do know that I have stayed in a lot of Passport America campgrounds and have never had to pay the full rate. I do check the book for holiday & weekend exclusions which may be why you have heard some people had to pay full price - maybe they didn't read that part. In places like Yuma in the winter it may be next to impossible to get a PA discount. I've also stopped at two camp grounds that had dropped out of PA but were still in the book. They did give a discount but not the 50% PA rate.
Bob

[Twomed]

I haven't carried the book in years just click here on the state Search Discount Campgrounds Affiliated With Passport America for the most up to date info. We have saved way more than the price of Passport.

[Wayne M]

I originally received the book, but I think I paid the $5 shipping. Since then I have only used the on-line web site and I have never had a problem.

Remember to read all the information for a campground. As stated, there are certain restrictions, and many require a call ahead if you are PA. The reason for the Call Ahead is that a campground is only committed to offer a percentage of their spaces for discounts. Once those spaces are full up they are under no obligation to offer the half price. (So i was told by a very reputable teller)

[Flyer]

There is also a Passport America app for smart phones. Very useful.

[Barrier2]

Hi All, Happy to report I received the 2011 Passport America Campground book yesterday.
Thanks for all the comments. I do have the app for my Droid, I just like to have a physical copy as well.
Robert

[montiem]

I am a member of two, Passport and Camp USA, the problem I have is the blackout dates with both services. I am planning a trip to the west, leaving May 25. I have been looking for spots top stay. For the five weeks we will be traveling I found two places to stay, the other camps black out from May 1 to September. If you do not travel in the winter or the late fall it is hard to find places at the places that most would like to stay. The places you travel in the winter is only available in the summer, I have thought every year when I renew if it is worth the price.

[camperme2]

I certainly would have paid the $5. but I was given a choice and choose the snail mail, (why 6 weeks I have no idea). Now I am in a Time Bind.
I am waiting for a call back on Thursday, I shall see.
This is the kind of nonsense that drives me nuts.
Robert[/QUOTE]

Robert, I had a discussion with a friend last night who discovered that you can sign up with Passport America at any campground that accepts the membership for 50% discount. You get a card right away. He found out that tidbit when he called to make a reservation. I have no idea what else you get but perhaps PA might be able to contact a campground near you to provide the docs. Just a thought.
Do you know anything about their emergency roadside assistance?
thanks
Mark

[W4RLR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrier2 Hi All, After the suggestions of many on this Forum and others I decided to sign up with Passport America. This was on March 20,2011, at that time I contacted them and signed up. When we got to the payment part I was told that the "Expedited Shipping" would be $5., I asked how much the regular shipping was, I was told it was free but would take 4-6 weeks. Since we were not leaving til the end of May, waiting til the beginning of May would work for us. I told them just ship it the normal 4-6 week way we had no problem with that time frame. I just called today and they had a record of my joining but my Camp Book had not shipped out as yet. I asked why and was told because I had not paid the additional $5. I then said that if I there was a problem why was I not told that the ONLY WAY was EXPEDITED at $5. I certainly would have paid the $5. but I was given a choice and choose the snail mail, (why 6 weeks I have no idea). Now I am in a Time Bind. I am waiting for a call back on Thursday, I shall see. This is the kind of nonsense that drives me nuts. Robert

Cut them a little slack. Passport America just moved to a new building across town from their previous location. They may still be unpacking some of their stuff. Their new office is just down the road from me.

Passport America is a good organization and I think you may have caught them at a bad time.

[bdaball]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rray32539 Cut them a little slack. Passport America just moved to a new building across town from their previous location. They may still be unpacking some of their stuff. Their new office is just down the road from me. Passport America is a good organization and I think you may have caught them at a bad time.

NOPE!

Apps, web pages, links, etc is not the point here. They offer a free book and free is not free here. End of story.

They told me the same thing earlier this year. I did ask what the delivery method was for "NON-Expedited" and they said there was none. "The only method we have is expedited and it's all $5.00 extra". Hmmmmmmmmmmm..
I suggested they may want to look at rewording the info on the web page ad. She assured me they would.
Maybe the reworder has not set up his office in the new building yet.

[dzmiller]

I joined in March too and I agree that the way they try to squeeze extra money at the end of the sale seems manipulative. I didn't want a paper book (it is 2011), but they tie it to getting the card and theirs not a whole lot of choice.

They way choose to do business makes it less likely that I will renew next year.