Federation of Small Businesses

NickToye

Anyone here a member? I have gave the local rep a cheque for £135.00 but post dated it so I can always cancel if I get advised that its not all that.

Mark7799

I'm not a memeber but know many people who are.

General feedback is good - it's like a lot of other organisations - depends how much use you make of the facilities they offer.

They seem to have good deals on credit card processing, business insurance, banking (through Co-op Bank) and people who have used their legal help line have also found them very good.

You pays your money.................

NickToye

Thanks,

I'm always wary of these kind of door to door operations.

ukbill69

you can cancel within 7 days, this is a standard contract waver.

the_optimist

The most useful reason for being a member is their legal advice. Any problems you might encounter, with the IR for example, they can help. I joined because I want to be able to ask for free legal advice and have the legal backup of a large organisation if the need arises - and I have attended some interesting (and often free) networking and training events.

inmypocketnottheirs

What line of business are you in NickToye?

edda

Nationally, the services offered seem to be what small businesses go for.
Locally, its dependent on how strong the rep in your area is. Some have more meetings and get-togthers than others.

saraharrow

Hi

We are members in Essex, and they organise lots of networking events which is great when you have services to promote. Their legal helpline is fantastic, and we have obtained many things like contracts of employment, IT policies etc all free of charge from them.

We havent been to any of their national events, so I cant say what they are like.

Kind Regards

Sarah

TurnaroundSue

Have just become a member today - I need legal advice and also my free banking is coming to an end soon, and they offer free business banking for ever (well all the time you have business that is!!) - so I feel that it is £130 well spent. Am also looking to take on employees in the next 12 months and will write up contracts of employment etc. Will let you know how I get on.

fitorbust

Can anyone tell me what their special rates for merchant card services are? I thought about joining a couple of years ago but got a good deal from steamline, but they want to put my rates up now. I will be paying £20/month for the machine, 25/26p per debit card, 1.5% visa, and a sneaky new charge of 3.5p authorisation per transaction - all plus vat of course! I'm not happy but don't seem to be able to find anything better.
Thanks

greyteam1959

fitorbust wrote: »

Can anyone tell me what their special rates for merchant card services are? I thought about joining a couple of years ago but got a good deal from steamline, but they want to put my rates up now. I will be paying £20/month for the machine, 25/26p per debit card, 1.5% visa, and a sneaky new charge of 3.5p authorisation per transaction - all plus vat of course! I'm not happy but don't seem to be able to find anything better.
Thanks

Depends on your turnover as to what deal you get Barclays Merchant Services and most others.
Yours charges look a bit steep to be honest.
I pay 20p per debit card / 1.5% on credit cards and rent a walk about machine for £20 per month.
I get these prices cos I am a member of local tourist board who have a deal with BMS.
Oh and the calls by the machine are on 0800 number so free.
Dont know what that 3.5p authorisation fee is all about I certainly dont pay one
Think you might be able to find a better deal than Streamline:T :T