Topic: The Good Sam Club
Presenter: Sue Bray, Executive Director
The Good Sam Club is the largest RV club in the world, with approximately one million members. It is one of the group of RV-related entities that comprise the Affinity Group. The Club has been undergoing significant changes in recent years to provide a new focus on the changing demographic profile of RVers. RVer interests have been changing; and the Club has been revising and expanding its programs to respond to contemporary needs and interests.
The Good Sam Club has both member benefits and member programs. The member benefits are in effect purchased with the annual dues. They include such things as Highways Magazine, a 10% discount on Good Sam RV parks, and a "members only" website. The website has recently launched a new trip planning service. Unlike typical mapping programs, this service has been designed with the RVer in mind. It can identify Good Sam RV parks along the route, dump stations, Loves Truck Stops, and other features -- including a reference to highway information (such as grades) that are also of interest to commercial truckers. In addition to these tangible benefits, there are also some intangible -- but quite important other benefits derived from membership. RVers frequently face difficult local and national issues where the rights and interests of RVers are not well represented. Recent examples include the defense of RVer voting rights in Texas, and overcoming California legislation that precluded larger RVs from using the State's highways. Parking restrictions on RVs by various municipalities are frequently proposed; and the Club has a program that provides guidance and advice on helping to defeat such proposed laws and ordinances.
On the member programs side, the Club offers a number of products and services that are designed specifically with the needs of RVers in mind. These range from roadside assistance programs to insurance plans and even financial services. A complete list of the available programs available to Good Sam members can be found at their website, www.goodsamclub.com.
Perhaps because of its size it's likely that many members are not fully aware of the extensive benefits and programs offered through Club membership. Based on the information presented by Sue Bray, we think it may be time for all RVers, whether members or not, to have a fresh look.