Tell us what you thought about Mumsnet Flendr – £300 Love2Shop voucher to be won!

[PoppyMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnetters who are testing out Mumsnet Flendr, an online platform for organising cash collections and fundraising activities.

For those who haven’t tested Mumsnet Flendr, here’s a bit about it:
The idea is to make it easier to do things like club together for a joint birthday present, collect for a teachers' end-of-year gift, or fundraise for something you care about. All lovely activities, but they often involve some fairly tedious money admin too.

So, if you've ever found yourself stuffing crumpled fivers into envelopes - or having an awkward ‘Er, could give me that money you promised’ conversation with a late payer, then we're hoping Mumsnet Flendr will help.

It's really easy to set up a collection, and people who pledge to chip in get auto-reminders. Contributors can make payments by PayPal, payment card or bank transfer, and organisers get alerts when there's a contribution. And unlike some other big fundraising platforms, all your money will go to your chosen cause, with no hidden charges or fees.

As a further thank you for being a tester, MN Flendr have agreed to contribute £10 to all first-time collections above £30 with more than 3 contributors (in addition to yourself) e.g. if you start a collection for a teacher's present, and collect a combined total of £30 or more from 3 or more people other than yourself, Mumsnet Flendr will add £10 to your collection!

Testers, here are some questions to think about, but also feel free to add any other comments you have about Mumsnet Flendr.

1. How easy did you find Flendr to use?
   
2. How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
   
3. What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
   
4. Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
   
   All testers who add their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher.
   
   Thanks, and good luck!
   
   MNHQ
   
   T&Cs apply

[PointlessFriend]

I don't actually won't to start a collection but I've had a good look at the site. I think the concept is great and the site looks great too. It looks really easy to set up a fund as well. I think it's a fantastic idea.

The name however is really really really really awful. I've tried to get used to it but I can't, every time I see the name it makes me flinch (Lol, sorry 😳) (Mind you I have the same reaction to the Mumsnet logo )

I also think that you need to make it more clear that there is a 2% credit card processing charge. Maybe it's more apparent if you go actually set up a collection but as it is the information is there but it's hidden away. Anywhere where you mention that it's a free service you should mention the credit card processing charge.

.

I'm curious whether you are intending to make this a paid service at a later date. I might be being cynical but that's the impression I'm getting…. The fact that this service is free is a MASSIVE plus. There are lots of people like me who refuse to use companies such as just giving due to their charges. I understand they are businesses andperfectly entitled to charge - however if I'm donating to charity I like to make sure all my money goes to the intended recipient.

[DesertOrDessert]

As above, I don't need to collect for anything right now.
I have, however, set up a dummy collection.
Easy to set up, I like the options for privacy etc.
I asked the system to send me an email to forward to participants, and the link to my collection doesn't work, so I'm not sure how a friend would find MY collection if the link issue is not a one off, or me trying too soon.
I'm sure your not doing this out of the goodness of your heart, so how IS it funding. I think you need to say somewhere how you are funded since your different to the rest.
And, yes, Change the name

[silviuccia]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
I found the site very easy to use and clear.
I think it is very nice and a good idea, I'm always afraid to have money of other people with me for teacher's gift or other kids etc,I think it is a easy way to collect money and don't loose them.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
easy and clear.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
It's clear to use and browse inside. I don't understand the "promo code" when i create something, maybe you can put a "?" near it to explain that.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
Yes, ticket for theme park would be lovely, but also day out for family, discount for gym and sport lessons.

[DesertOrDessert]

Group discount??? For a collection?? Surely discount of shop vouchers, or spending directly online from flendr for e.g mothercare, florist, Amazon?

[InMySpareTime]

1. How easy did you find Flendr to use?
   Very easy, the site is well laid out and clear.
   
2. How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
   Simple, had it up and live in minutes, and shared a link on FB.
   
3. What did you think of the website?
   Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
   I liked the colours and layout, I had a link issue but that's sorted now (thanks )
   
4. Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
   Not relevant for my fundraiser (scout jamboree)

[StickChildNumberTwo]

I've just tried setting up a dummy collection to see whether I'd actually use it.

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Seems very simple to set everything up. I've no idea about using it as someone contributing though - the link it used to supposedly direct someone to my collection isn't working. Sounds like it might not just be me having this issue.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Setting up is fine, but like I say I can't try contributing so have no idea how that would work or what would happen when money appears in my collection.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
I was looking for an idiot's guide to how to use it and couldn't see one. The info I wanted all seemed to be in the FAQs but I'd hoped for a more accessible 'here's how to do it and what will happen when you do' bit. Maybe it is there but I didn't find it.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
Can't think of anything for days out etc, but a discount on vouchers or similar would be great if you were collecting for a present for someone.

[CheeryCherry]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
I have set up an account for our holiday kitty. Very easy to use, not too wordy, quick and simple.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Easy to set up, quick and efficient.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
Good website, easy to follow. One vocab error!! When sending a custom invite, you state ''Check you inbox''

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
Yes vouchers would be good, ie: Amazon, High street shops, Ticketmaster etc

[Theimpossiblegirl]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
It was really easy. Took just a few minutes to sign up and set up a collection.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Really straightforward and easy.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
I liked it. I was going to just set up for the purpose of the product test but I will probably use it in the future to pay for theatre tickets, group activities etc.
I just don't like the name. It is a bit like Wonga and would put people off.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
I think that's a really good idea. I would use flendr to organise outings so a discount is an added incentive.

I'm sure I have product tested flendr before this time last year. There were a few small differences but it all seems very familiar...

[MiniLop]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Very easy to register, and set up and edit a campaign

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Very easy, the instructions were very straightforward and sharing with the relevant people was clear and easy

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
It all seemed very straight forward and a good idea for collecting money for a group holiday, for example. I think (if this isn't already an option) it would be good to have individual totals. I go on group holidays with my friends and we normally pay in a set amount over a certain period of time, eg £50 per month for 10 months to a total of £500 each. Instead if showing individual transactions of £50 it would be good to see what each person has contributed in total so far. This would make out group saving so much easier and I wouldn't need to use a brown envelope and excel spreadsheet any more!

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
Holidays, flights. Tickets to things eg music festivals, theme parks, etc

[TheCookingMonster]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
I found it quite easy to use. It seemed quite straightforward to set up a collection. I had a few issues with adding a photo to the collection but got it added eventually.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
I have set up a collection for a baby shower gift but have not had anybody add to it as yet...it was easy to set up.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
I didn't like the issue with adding a photo I think it may have been a technical error.
I love the fact that it's a free scheme. I think the people I've asked to add to my collection are a bit nervous about sharing their payment details with a brand new scheme. I also still don't like the name. Prefer Free2Raise.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc
Any scheme offering group discounts for people contributing towards it would be welcomed. Cinema tickets, discount to theme parks, discounts at big stores if you are buying a gift would be good. Theatre discounts always welcome.
I love the idea of this and with a name change and a few tweaks I think it could be great.

[CatThiefKeith]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?

Very easy - liked the basic layout, easy to follow, and no issues at all there.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?

I had a very big issue when sending out email invites - when the recepient clicked the 'find out more here' hyperlink it took them straght to an error page - fortunately the recipient is only my secondary email address but it is an issue that needs fixing.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.

I liked it,although I'm not sure about the name - for some reason it makes me think of diet supplements.

Also - when you send a reminder or an email, it shows in the recipients email as being from Mumsnet Flendr, and the subject line shows either Contribution Reminder or Contribution Message. I think it would be better to have the email showing as from the person that actually sent it. Presumably plenty of people that contribute via this method won't actually be MN'ers, and may therefore assume it is spam? On the same subject, the initial Flendr request looks a bit too like 'friend request' when the email lands in their inbox and would also be easy to mistake as spam.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc.

Definitely attractions - maybe shops and restaurants too? Most collections would be for buying a gift or a day/night out I would imagine, so it would make sense to try to find a partnership with those kinds of businesses. And holiday vouchers for the organiser of holidays would be fantastic

[Gazelda]

I'm not in a position to set up a collection at the moment (ask me again nearer the end of term!), but set up a page and had a good look round.

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Very easy - simple to navigate, step-by-step instructions with good FAQ section.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Simple and quick.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
I like the clarity of the page. I wish there were the facility to add 'off line donations' to the total collected sum.
And I echo CatThief's comment about the email coming from Flendr, rather than 'myname@flendr'.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
I'd be concerned that people I'm asking to donate would see me as benefitting from their donation (to a teacher collection for example). But it were to offer % discount for vouchers, retailers etc, I can see that I'd spend the collected donations at that retailer to get a better product for my £.

[aristocat]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Simple to be honest, good site and easy to look around.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Not difficult. Instructions were excellent.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
Good. I am another who dislikes the name 'Flendr' Would be perfect for my daughters Guiding activities.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
Yes, discounts would be fabulous. Ticketmaster, Department Stores, Theatre and Cinema would be good.

Great ideas here just please consider a namechange
Thank You

[2legit2knit]

I've just set mine up, no donations yet though.

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Very easy to set up the page, I hope that continues to the collection of funds when I've reached my target.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Very easy to set up, there doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary to help run the collection though?

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
The website is a little annoying to navigate, things moving up and down and too many large pictures imo.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
I'm not sure how this would be helpful for a charity collection, maybe if free tickets or vouchers were offered occasionally for charities to raffle off.

I also think Flendr is a stupid name, it bears no relation to the function of the website.

[marymanc]

I have found Flendr very easy to use. In a few minutes I was registered and set up my first collection. I think it is a very easy way to collect money and it is fun too.
I would change anything, I think it is a great idea and would use it in future.

I would like discounts to the Odeon cinema and clothes stores.

[purplepandas]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?

Very easy. I did test this last year too. It seems similar although it seemed rather simpler this time.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?

Very quick to set up and pretty obvious in terms of what you need to do. I like that. Complexity is not good!

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.

Website was clearly laid out and easy to view. I don't like messy websites with lots of detail. I liked the pictures.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...

Amazon etc. I would be more keen on that.

I have set up a collection but no payments as yet.

[Lunar1]

I had a look at the website, in theory I love the idea. In practice, this would make the self appointed collections master where I used to work an absolute nightmare. She loved to check how much people were donating and demanding certain amounts depending on how worthy she thought the recipient was.

At least with an envelope on the desk she didn't have complete control, this would make her even worse!

[KittyKat88]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Everything was straightforward in joining and setting up my collection. I also went in today to update my A/C details and that was clear too
2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
No problems at all - took me just a few minutes (I'm using it to run a collection for our teacher and TAs for end of year). I made my payment first so I could advise other parents about it. All very easy (I opted for the Paypal payment option and all tracked perfectly)
3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
I like the fuss-free look and it is easy to navigate now I know where everything is. I don't mind the name either, although I thought it said Fiendr at first! I'm still not entirely sure what it stands for ('F-lend-R' ??) and still don't think it's the catchiest of names
4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
I don't understand how this would be offered. As a member incentive? I suppose it would depend on whether Fiendr becomes a paid-for service or not as to whether I would view this as a 'benefit'. Also, would it be competitive with other companies or discount sites already offering 'group discounts'?

Overall - this seems a really useful site for gathering contributions for a particular cause and I've enjoyed the experience so far. I might add more comments once our collection has been completed (1st July) so I can comment fairly and fully on the whole start-finish process of using Fiendr.

[navygravy]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?

Quite simple. Clutter-free interface, logical data entry. When setting up an account it might be useful for users to be advised of the password criteria as it's annoying to enter a password twice, confirm registration and then get sent back a step because the amount of numbers / uppercase was wrong.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?

I've not been able to do this 'in real life' yet as it's not the right time but all the options to share the collection link are slick and straightforward and I wouldn't worry about sending it to anyone less tech-savvy.

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.

Another password issue - when entering the password to the campaign login page there's no 'forgot my password' option so I just got stuck.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...

Yes I can see that it would incentivise me to use Flendr if it was for something as straightforward as collecting for a trip to those attractions. But any whiff of complication (having to collect points, voucher codes, minimum spends etc) and it'd put me off.

I'm with the others on the name. What have vowels ever done to you, app designers? Are you trying to be Grindr?

[DaisyDando]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Much easier than I was anticipating and I do most things on my phone.
2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
I think if it was a huge "real" collection it would be so much easier than a Pringles tube and a sealed envelope. One email and then it's everybody else's business!
3)What did you think of the website?
Straightforward and non fussy. And I'm very picky!
4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things.
Definitely the theatre - musicals for me. But also hen do type things, such as cocktail making. Takes the stress out of planning/collecting.

[InMySpareTime]

One question:
How do charities claim the Gift Aid for donations? It's not especially clear on the site, and my collection is for Scouts, which has a charity number.

[DillieDoily]

Unfortunately I was sent the link to the Flendr test site too late for the collection I had organised but I've since had a good look around the site:

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
Pretty easy to use and nice and clear. It's a great idea a great idea as lots of people no longer carry cash so is a convenient way to get money from people online.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
easy - seemed very simple

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
I liked how simple it was

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...

Theme park tickets, restaurants, farm parks, transport

[xalyssx]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
It was okay, it would probably be easier to use on the computer but it was a little bit awkward using it on my phone.

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
There wasn't an option for charity! I am organising a few charitable events and I wanted to have one place to donate money, but I couldn't select charity, I just had to select other

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.
Mainly it is ok, I would add charity to the options, and probably change the name. I like the colour scheme.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
I'm not interested in this.

[TheWildRumpyPumpus]

1)How easy did you find Flendr to use?
I like the idea of this very much and found the site relatively clear to use. Don't like the name though!

2)How did you find the process of setting up and running a collection?
Seems straightforward, I did a dummy one as don't actually need to collect at the moment. Easier that standing in the playground trying to get cash from people!

3)What did you think of the website? Please tell us what you liked and what improvements you’d make.

It's not as easy to use on the phone as on a desktop. Otherwise seems ok. I hadn't noticed anything about credit card charges as mentioned by a PP so that could be clearer.

4)Flendr might be able to offer group discounts on certain things. Please tell us what sorts of things you’d be interested in e.g. theatre and cinema tickets or places such Alton Towers, Thorpe Park etc...
im more likely to use it for collecting cash, rather than trips out. If you could get discounts on vouchers that would be good.

[KateOxford]

1. The site looks very simple and straightforward to use.
   
2. Looks to be very simple.
   
3. I don't understand the name, it doesn't seem to mean anything or be catchy, I don't think others would find the site or take to it without the name being linked to the purpose it serves.
   

I found a typo here on the site (W not capitalised).
fees. we will be trying to keep it this way.

1. I would be unlikely to use this but understand that by sponsorship from these groups you might be able to keep the site free.