FAQ

Clarification on Merchandise Sales and Fund Allocation

We understand there has been some confusion regarding the allocation of profits from merchandise sales. We would like to provide a clear explanation to ensure full transparency.

Where Do the Profits Go? All profits from the sale of merchandise are directed to a dedicated NFP (Not-For-Profit) bank account. These funds are earmarked for future expenses related to:

  • Venue hire for our information sessions.
  • Preparation for rallies, including permits, venues, and council fees.

Role of Fulfillment Agency. All Terrain Action, facilitates the sales process for the merchandise. This includes:

  • Handling payments.
  • Order processing with our team and within their own team as required.
  • Communication between supporters and product fullfilment for any issues that arise.
  • A physical location in Melbourne to support pickups and any over-the-counter sales.

To ensure these processes are managed efficiently and effectively, a small fee is deducted from the profits. This fee is specifically intended to cover the time and resources spent on handling payments from various sources, including PayPal, Stripe, Direct Deposit, and over-the-counter sales, as well as order fulfillment and postage.

Why didn’t we choose a mainstream eCommerce solution? Services like Shopify charge a 1.75% + fixed fee for online transactions and even higher fees for over-the-counter sales. Some channels also attract a 2% fee along with a fixed monthly fee of over $50 for maintaining a store. Initially, we were uncertain about how much we would raise and for how long. All Terrain Action, a local Melbourne business that supports our campaign and operates in the 4WD, Camping & Touring space, offered to assist us. We found it suitable to continue this ongoing partnership, as it allows us to support a local business rather than paying these fees to a third party.

We hope this provides a clearer understanding of how merchandise sales are managed and how profits are allocated. If there are any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support.