​​Membership Minute: Streamline Your Membership Process with memberplanet's "Packets"

​​Streamline Your Membership Process with memberplanet's "Packets"
If your PTA/PTSA has embraced online membership through memberplanet, congratulations are in order! You're not only making it super easy for your members to join but also lightening the load of mundane paperwork for you (the membership chair)! Setting up online membership through memberplanet is a breeze. Once set up, you can share your MemberPlanet online membership link on your website, social media, newsletters, and even create a QR code.
 
However, there's a common challenge we've noticed when assisting Membership chairs across the district. Some PTAs/PTSAs are using the "Payment Form" function for taking online membership, when they should be utilizing the "Packets." Let us clarify why Packets are the way to go when it comes to membership management.

---

Packets vs. Payment Forms
The purpose of Packets is crystal clear: it's designed for taking memberships directly. Moreover, it's your secret weapon to keep your member database in perfect sync. On the other hand, the Payment Forms function is primarily intended for collecting payments, like for spirit wear, though some PTAs do use it for "donated" memberships.
 
Here's the key difference: Payment Forms don't automatically connect to your member database. This means that if you use Payment Forms for memberships, you'll need to manually upload to the member database. This can be a real hassle and might lead to an inaccurate count of paid members in your database.
 
It's understandable that you may think you need a payment form to manage memberships because, after all, you do need to collect a payment. But here's the deal: Packets offer so many more benefits, making them the smarter choice.
 
The Power of Combining Functions with Packets
One of the great things about memberplanet is that you can combine different functions to suit your needs. Packets can work hand in hand with other features, making it easier than ever to manage your PTA/PTSA. You can combine Surveys, Donation Sites or Payment Forms in combination with collecting membership through the Packets to streamline the whole process.  Of course, Surveys, Donation Sites and Payment forms can stand alone (not be combined with the Packet) also. 
 
In conclusion, choosing Packets for your online membership management not only simplifies the process but also keeps your member database up to date automatically. While it may seem a bit confusing at first, the benefits far outweigh any initial hesitation. Make the switch today and streamline your PTA/PTSA membership experience for everyone involved.
​
Questions or difficulties with memberplanet?  Email: [email protected]

---

​MemberPlanet Function	​Packets	​Payment Forms	Donation Sites​
Intended use	Take online membership	Purchase something from the PTA ​(ex. spirit wear, “donated” teacher memberships, tickets, etc)	Fundraising ​​  (ex. Pass the Hat)
​Can this function be combined with other things (surveys, payment forms, donation sites)?	Yes!  Can be combined with many other items: surveys, payment forms and/or donation sites. ​	​Can only by combined by being added to the packet. ​Or can be standalone	​​Can only by combined by being added to the packet. ​Or can be standalone
How do members get added to the member database?	​Automatically connects to member database, no need to manually or bulk upload memberships.  It does it automatically!	​Does not connect to member database.    “Donated” memberships must be manually transferred to member database.	​​Does not connect to member database.