Escapees Changes July 17, 2024, 04:45:41 pm I am a member of both Escapees and Harvest Hosts and just received an email from Escapees regarding this change which may be of interest to those of you who are members:Harvest Hosts Transition · Escapees RV Club 1 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #1 – July 17, 2024, 05:38:46 pm Hummm…. We’re lifetime members of Escapee’s…. Wonder how this will be handled in regards to HH and their fees…? Escapee’s Lifetime membership wasn’t cheap.
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #2 – July 18, 2024, 08:37:38 am I too am a lifetime member of the Escapees. From what I have heard, our lifetime membership is in the Escapees organization only and will have no place in Harvest Hosts. If we want to participate in the benefits (?) of Harvest Hosts, we will have to pay a yearly membership fee.
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #3 – July 18, 2024, 09:44:05 am Timeline (more or less)Harvest Hosts founder sells out to Joel Holland, a NYC investor and tech entrepreneur who ...Buys Boondockers Welcome and a handful of similar companies in the US and Europe with the help of private equity investor Stripes ...And then buys the part of Escapees that collects membership fees and runs events such as Escspade ...But NOT the RV parks owned by the Escapees company, or the co-op parks, or the mail service.What does this actually mean? As far as I can tell, they bought a list of members who may or may not renew, depending on whether Escapees is managed the same way Boondockers Welcome got "managed." They got nothing in the way of tangible assets such as real estate, which leaves me scratching my head, unless the revenue from memberships is an enormous cash cow.Both HH and BW hosts operate in a not-very-grey area as regards insurance,* local zoning, licensing, sanitation, landlord/tenant, fire/life safety, HOA rules and tax laws, kinda like a paywalled version of AirB&B but the hosts (property owners) receive zero share of the revenue from memberships and assume all the risks, including things like squatters rights if a "guest" decides not to leave, and neighbors who may not appreciate the coming and going of transients in campers -- which looks the same these days as homeless encampments.* Yes I'm aware HH provides insurance to hosts, but that only pays after the host's own insurance is exhausted. FMCA, unlike Escapees, is a properly incorporated 501c non-profit that can't be sold off to Wall Street when its owners want out. Escapees has always been a bit sketch because of this difference, but people either weren't aware it was a family business or didn't care. Now that the difference is apparent to everyone, HH is somehow shocked at the "lukewarm" reaction.We shall see how this shakes out, especially for the SKP co-op parks. 3 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #4 – July 18, 2024, 11:46:10 am Quote from: thefuofus - July 18, 2024, 09:44:05 amunless the revenue from memberships is an enormous cash cow.The value of the membership information to sell to advertisers is almost assuredly the "intangible asset" here. Harvest Hosts is essentially a marketing firm. This gives them a huge database for targeted, special-interest advertisers for things likeRV parksRV InsuranceRV extended warranties (aka service plans)Financial services (assumption that RVers have lots of disposable income)Medicare advantage plans (assumption that the average RVer is 65+)Mobility scootersPredatory annuity/universal life/whole life sales 4 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #5 – July 18, 2024, 12:04:51 pm Thanks for the background information; that's very interesting. Any mention of private equity investors is a red flag as far as I'm concerned, because all too often their strategy is "squeeze it dry and move on."One question. You said that HH hosts "receive zero share of the revenue from memberships." But the announcement from the Escapees family says that "[Harvest Hosts] Members contribute approximately $50 million in total revenue to the Hosts." It's unclear what that means. Is it just a way of saying that the hosts sell more wine, fruit, or whatever to the RVers who stay there? 2 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #6 – July 18, 2024, 12:10:57 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - July 18, 2024, 12:04:51 pmOne question. You said that HH hosts "receive zero share of the revenue from memberships." But the announcement from the Escapees family says that "[Harvest Hosts] Members contribute approximately $50 million in total revenue to the Hosts." It's unclear what that means. Is it just a way of saying that the hosts sell more wine, fruit, or whatever to the RVers who stay there?That's precisely the sole income source hosts get from being in HH - increased sales of their products. It's the whole marketing spiel that HH uses to get new hosts to sign up - sales the hosts wouldn't otherwise have. 3 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #7 – July 18, 2024, 12:32:33 pm Thanks, Michelle. Guess I wasn't clear on that. I was a Harvest Hosts member for a couple of years right after they started, but let my membership lapse about fifteen years ago after realizing that one-night stays weren't all that useful to me... so I've been out of touch with what's happened since. I didn't even know they had sold out to investors.
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #8 – July 18, 2024, 01:06:14 pm Second hand info. Take with however many grains of salt suits you:A lot of wineries have dropped Harvest Hosts. But don't despair...HH now offers free overnight stays at tire shops to make up for the missing wineries. Honestly I don't need to pay HH to help me ask the nice tire shop employee in Sparks, NV if I can park up for the night after spending $$$$ on tires. (He said fine, by the way, and pointed out a suitable spot for us. He did note that it could get noisy overnight but was relatively safe.)What's next, a business model based on providing a paywalled list of Walmarts? It's so interesting that Wall Street has decided they need to monetize free camping.Stripes.co also has a stake in GoFundMe. They've literally monetized crowdfunding for crippling medical bills and burial expenses. 1 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #9 – July 18, 2024, 02:43:58 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - July 18, 2024, 12:32:33 pmThanks, Michelle. Guess I wasn't clear on that. I was a Harvest Hosts member for a couple of years right after they started, but let my membership lapse about fifteen years ago after realizing that one-night stays weren't all that useful to me... so I've been out of touch with what's happened since. I didn't even know they had sold out to investors.Andy, some hosts now allow longer stays than one night. From HH's FAQ's:With your Membership, you are guaranteed unlimited overnight stays with no camping fees at all of our host locations. However, some of our Hosts allow you to stay up to four extra nights, often for an extra fee. You can now filter to find Hosts that offer extra nights on the Harvest Hosts platform.
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #10 – July 18, 2024, 07:18:01 pm Just a thought: I wonder if Escapee life time members can apply some pressure to get items they want. Since they are a large group. I agree that sales are never for the good of the members!Ron S
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #11 – July 21, 2024, 03:21:27 pm As a yearly member, I only use my membership to get discounts at member parks twice a year. I will change my email address and physical address 'casue I don't need or want junk mail from HH. I'll have a wait and see before I do any other actions. <smile> I just renewed last month.glen
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #12 – July 21, 2024, 04:45:17 pm Quote from: colddog - July 21, 2024, 03:21:27 pmI'll have to wait and see before I do any other actions. <smile> I just renewed last month.In my experience, when a family-owned business is bought by a big corporation, the results are rarely good. Money needs to be made to make the transaction profitable.At least the SKP parks and mail-forwarding remain separate. Wait and seeLarry
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #13 – July 22, 2024, 03:20:23 pm Latest message from HH and Escapees/.LarryDear Escapees RV Club Members,I hope this message finds you well! My name is Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to introduce myself to you and share some exciting news. Last week you received a heartfelt letter from the Carr family about the transition of Escapees RV Club into the Harvest Hosts family. Today, I want to personally welcome you and convey my enthusiasm for the bright future we will build together.In 2021, I had the pleasure of attending Escapade, the annual gathering of Escapees members. The sense of community, camaraderie, and shared passion for the RV lifestyle was truly inspiring. It was a wonderful experience to meet so many of you and to see firsthand the vibrant spirit that makes Escapees so special. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the strength of the Escapees community and the potential we have to achieve great things together.A Warm Welcome to the Harvest Hosts FamilyFirst and foremost, I want to extend a warm welcome to every member of Escapees. The legacy that Joe and Kay Peterson started over 46 years ago is nothing short of inspiring. Their vision has fostered a strong, supportive, and vibrant community that has become a cornerstone of the RV lifestyle. It is an honor for Harvest Hosts to continue this legacy and work together to create an even more enriching experience for all members.About Harvest HostsFor those of you who may not be familiar with Harvest Hosts, we are dedicated to enhancing the RV lifestyle by offering unique and memorable overnight experiences. Our network includes picturesque wineries, charming farms, unique breweries, and captivating attractions across North America, all designed to support local businesses. As a long-time member of the RV community, I know the importance of finding welcoming places to stay. Harvest Hosts enriches the RV experience by connecting people with the heart and soul of the places they visit, creating meaningful connections and unforgettable memories.Continuity and Stability with Added FunI want to reassure you that your current memberships and benefits will remain unchanged. We understand how important the services and support provided by Escapees are to you, and we are committed to preserving the integrity and excellence you have come to expect. Our goal is to build on this solid foundation, adding new and exciting opportunities to make your RV adventures even more enjoyable, without compromising the experiences you already love.Addressing Your ConcernsYour Membership and Benefits: Your current Escapees memberships and benefits remain unchanged. You’ll continue to enjoy all the perks and services that you have come to love as an Escapees member. Our goal is to build on this foundation, bringing even more value and opportunities to our amazing community.No Price Increases: There are no immediate plans to increase membership fees for either Harvest Hosts or Escapees members due to this acquisition.Separate Entities: Escapees and Harvest Hosts will continue to operate as separate entities, ensuring that the unique identities and strengths of both communities are preserved. We want to clarify that this is an acquisition, not a merger, meaning your Escapees membership and Harvest Hosts membership will remain separate.Events and Community Activities: We are committed to continuing the fantastic events like Escapade, Bash, HOPs, Xscapers Convergences, and Hangouts that Escapees members cherish. We will also look into enhancing these events with new ideas and growing them with new opportunities.Supporting Community Engagement: Beyond events, we recognize the importance of the various community platforms that Escapees members rely on, such as Facebook groups, the forum, and Chapters and BOFs (Birds of a Feather). We are dedicated to supporting and fostering these vital parts of the community to ensure that members continue to have spaces for connection, support, and shared experiences.Xscapers: We are excited to continue the Xscapers community and support working-age RVers. Annual Bash and Convergences will continue to be a focus and the heart of this lifestyle group.Escapees Magazine: We will continue to produce the Escapees magazine, which has been a valuable resource and staple for the RV community. Escapees Lifetime Memberships: Lifetime memberships with Escapees will continue to be honored. You do not need to purchase a separate Harvest Hosts membership to enjoy the current benefits of your Escapees lifetime membership.Domicile and Mail Services: Although the Escapees Mail Service and RV Parks were not acquired by Harvest Hosts, they will continue to operate and remain intact (including domicile agreements) as a service for Escapees RV Club members. You will need to maintain your Escapees membership to take advantage of the mail service.Escapees Open to All RV Types: Escapees will continue to welcome all types of RVs including vans, skoolies, and other hand-built nomadic vehicles. Our goal is to maintain the inclusivity and diversity that have always been the hallmarks of the Escapees community.Clarifying Key ConcernsWhile Harvest Hosts has grown, we remain deeply committed to the values and community spirit that define both Harvest Hosts and Escapees. Our team is passionate about maintaining the close-knit, supportive environment that you cherish. We understand concerns about shifting from a family business to a more corporate structure, but we assure you that our dedication to the community culture remains steadfast. We have experienced firsthand the spirit of Escapees members and are honored to carry the torch and be good stewards of the Escapees and Xscapers brand and community, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.Additionally, we are committed to providing excellent customer service and support to all our members. Our goal is to ensure that your experience remains positive and that any concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. We are dedicated to preserving the community culture of Escapees and maintaining the exceptional service you have come to expect.Shared Values and VisionHarvest Hosts and Escapees share a deep commitment to the RV community. Our values of community, support, and ethical stewardship align perfectly. We believe that it is the members who make Escapees what it is and who will continue to drive its greatness. This community-focused approach will ensure that the essence of Escapees remains intact and continues to thrive.Looking ForwardThe future is bright for our combined communities. We are enthusiastic about the potential this partnership brings and are committed to making this transition as smooth and beneficial as possible for you. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind the success of Escapees, and we look forward to continuing this journey together with renewed energy and shared goals.Thank you for being a part of the Escapees RV Club family. Your passion and dedication to the RV lifestyle are truly inspiring, and we are honored to welcome you to the Harvest Hosts family. Here’s to many more adventures together!If you have any questions or need further information, please visit the Harvest Hosts transition page.Warm regards,Joel HollandCEO, Harvest Hosts
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #14 – July 23, 2024, 09:24:59 am Very interesting. I've been a member for a spell. Frankly only use it to get discounts at assorted Co-op Parks. I'm guessing the mailing and email list are the two most valuable parts of this transaction. Looks like I'll be getting a small increase of 'new' emails. As mother always said 'change is the only thing you can count on in this life'.glen
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #15 – July 23, 2024, 01:21:17 pm When I received the Joel Holland email that Larry quoted above, I scrolled to the bottom and clicked the "Unsubscribe" link. I don't need to see any more cheery marketing messages. I'm sure the Escapees Mail Service will let me know if they have a problem auto-renewing, and as for the rest, I don't care. 2 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #16 – July 23, 2024, 10:25:01 pm But you have to wonder, and may never know for sure, what other marketing machines now have that email address.Steve 1 Likes
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #17 – July 24, 2024, 09:22:31 am Quote from: Steve TK - July 23, 2024, 10:25:01 pmBut you have to wonder, and may never know for sure, what other marketing machines now have that email address.Steve I've changed the email and home address to a throwaway. All items coming from Escapee will now end up in a trash bucket to be reviewed at my leisure. glen
Re: Escapees Changes Reply #18 – July 24, 2024, 02:23:46 pm Quote from: HiLola - July 18, 2024, 02:43:58 pmAndy, some hosts now allow longer stays than one night. From HH's FAQ's:With your Membership, you are guaranteed unlimited overnight stays with no camping fees at all of our host locations. However, some of our Hosts allow you to stay up to four extra nights, often for an extra fee. You can now filter to find Hosts that offer extra nights on the Harvest Hosts platform.I can guarantee that there are going to be people who interpret/insist the above statement in blue means they can stay at a host location as long as they like, ignoring all other rules to the contrary. And there will likely be "unpleasantness" and perhaps legal issues when a member insists on staying put against a host's limits on stays. 3 Likes
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