RNLI online shop - anyone got it to work?

[numenius]

I've been attempting to buy some Christmas gifts from the RNLI online shop for 3 weeks (I kid you not) now, but all it does is crash halfway through. e-mails solicit a lame "we are having problems" (like I had not worked that out for myself) reply. Fair enough, it happens..... Then, over a week later, the same thing, followed by same lame reply. Now, 3 WEEKS later I tried again tonight. This time, I got to choose the stuff, enter my name, address (obviously linking members to their membership number is too complicated for the Sinclair Spectrum they appear to be using) and full credit card details before it disappeared off into the ether with them and came back with a "fault" message!
Seems to me VERY irresponsible to be losing money making opportunities so close to the gift buying season - fair enough the odd glitch happens, but 3 WEEKS - can you see a commercial organisation letting it go on so long? When the crews are out there risking their lives, and relying on the income to provied the best kit, seems like the office wallers just can't bring themselves to make the effort. Shameful.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://members.lycos.co.uk/boaty1965/index.htm

 

[Talbot]

Three weeks is probably not enough for them to even have recognised that they have a problem!!!! The 1901 National Census on-line is probably the best example of a website screw-up. I am sure it is yet another example of management paying lipservice to the internet whilst not really understanding the power of e commerce, and thus the likely client base.

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[pvb]

You\'re right...and you\'re wrong...

You're right, no commercial organisation would let that go on so long.

But you're wrong in saying that the RNLI is "relying on the income to provide the best kit". The truth is, the RNLI is absolutely awash with dosh. They simply can't spend it fast enough. They've been criticised for having such huge reserves. Yet they still keep ploughing millions into publicity and fund-raising.

I think the RNLI is one of the UK's most misleading charities. And I think they're a cynical organisation. Take their online shop as an example. For an outfit supposedly dedicated to saving lives at sea, where are the safety items in their shop? There aren't any lifejackets. There aren't any harnesses. There aren't any VHF radios. There aren't any lifebuoys. There aren't any dan buoys. There aren't any gas alarms. There aren't any fire extinguishers. There aren't any foghorns. There aren't any emergency engine starting power packs (which might help reduce the main cause of RNLI callouts). Instead, they offer a Frog Door Stop, a Wine Drip Stopper, a Faux Fur Cushion and a Tissue Box Cover. You said their commercial efforts were shameful - I think it's their whole attitude which is truly shameful.

Rant over.

Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells.

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[Cornishman]

Re: You\'re right...and you\'re wrong...

Your assumption that the RNLI is "awash with dosh" may, or may not, be true.
But if it is don't you think that Chairman Peter Nicholson was wide of the mark when he spoke at the AGM about "today's tough financial climate and the RNLI's need to increase fund raising."
This has led to the increases in the subscription rates announced in the Autumn edition of Lifeboat magazine.
It has made me think whether I should continue with mine, but in the end I have decided to stick with it.
BTW I have found no difficulty in obtaining goods through my local fund raising committee.

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[pvb]

It\'s certainly true...

You can easily <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.rnli.org.uk/downloads/aa2002.pdf>click here</A> to download the RNLI's Annual Report & Accounts 2002 and see for yourself.

Total reserves are now £450 million.

In 2002, they spent £24.6 million pounds on fundraising - around £1 for every £4 raised.

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