How ClubExpress Works
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Click the button to see a Flash animation of the ClubExpress model. (The latest version of the Macromedia Flash player is required; most of you will already have this plugin installed in your browser; if not, a message will appear asking if you want to install it.) |
On this page:
With ClubExpress, there is no software to install. ClubExpress works over the Internet using any Internet browser and personal computer. Your data is stored on our dedicated servers in a secure data center and can be accessed from anywhere.
Clubs and associations sign up to ClubExpress online, using a special Signup Wizard. When you join, we create your account and a default web site. This web site can be accessed in a number of ways:
- If you already have an Internet domain name, we will help you transfer it
- If you don’t have a domain name, we can help you get one
- If you don’t want a domain name, you can access your site using a sub-domain, (for example: MyClub.clubexpress.com)
As a club or association administrator, you customize the web site using our powerful designers and configuration utilities. You specify the look and feel of the site and color scheme, as well as the logo, text and background to use in the header of each page. ClubExpress includes a number of built-in templates and themes, but we can also replicate the look and feel of your current web site. You also configure your club web site and membership database, including the different membership types, renewal schedules, committees, regions, districts and chapters, official contacts and other unique information.
You also specify which modules you want enabled and the setup options for each module. For example, ClubExpress provides an Interests module which allows you to track member interests and club/association programs. Once you enable this module, you can specify the Interest categories and the interests within each module, as well as module and interest coordinators.
With ClubExpress, everything is live, so you can see your updates immediately. And there is no need to come back to us for such basic tasks; all ClubExpress functions are menu- and dialog box-driven, making it easy for even non-experienced users to manage your web site and database.
One of the items you configure is your organization's bank account information. When we collect new member signups, membership renewals, event registrations and other payments for you through the web site, these funds flow into our bank account. Then, three times a month (on the 10th, 20th and last day of the month) we deposit these funds directly into your bank account using an ACH transaction (very secure and reliable). Detailed reports from the transaction, payment and bank deposit/withdrawal sides are available online to track what is being collected and deposited.
You also have the option of using your own credit card merchant account, where the funds flow directly into your bank account. Click here for more information.
Our monthly fees are also withdrawn directly from your organization's bank account, with more detailed reports to track how these fees were calculated. With ClubExpress, there are no checks to write. (For more information on fees, see the Pricing page.)
When you send us your current membership database, we will automatically load it into your web site for you. ClubExpress then sends every member a welcome email or letter, inviting them to check out the new site and update their personal information.
When visitors access the site, they see only the pages that you have designated to be viewed by the public. For example, visitors will see the group's Interest Categories and Interests pages, but no individual member information. If you've enabled this module, they can also sign up for membership online.
From any public page, members login with a personal username and password. Once logged in, they will see additional content for members-only that you configure. For example, when members access the Interests pages, they see a list of other members who have signed up for a specific interest, with a link to that member's directory entry. (Members can control the information they make available in the directory.) Even your home page can be customized with content for members only.
Members also see a Profile link which allows them to maintain their entry in the membership database (no more coming to the club secretary or membership director for a simple email address change) and other web site preferences.
Module coordinators see special links in each module which allow them to maintain the contents of that module. And administrators have a private Control Panel which allows them to customize every aspect of the group's operations and web site, entirely online. The membership director can add and update individual members (for example, for people who joined at an event rather than through the web site.) The Treasurer can view financial reports of funds handled by ClubExpress. And the President can view reports on the overall health of the organization.