Member types are the bread-and-butter (yum!) to organizing members in your database, and they are the core classification for all dues-paying members.
Member types also determine how member benefits flow to related records in the system. They also hold settings for new member signups and renewals. Additionally, each member type includes dues rules that determine how much members will ultimately pay for membership.
To create a new member type, follow the steps below.
Novi Tip: Before creating a member type, consider this:
Should a new member type be created or
could the data be housed in a custom field?
For example, let's say there are a few complimentary members in a member type who don't pay dues.
It isn't necessary to to create a new "Complimentary" member type; instead, create a custom field, select the field on the appropriate member records, and add the custom field as a condition on dues rules within the member type so those members won't be billed. This allows the comped members to remain in the correct member type and ensure they keep receiving complimentary membership.
Reach out to us if you need help with the setup!
To create a new Member Type:
1. Go to the Members section > Member Types tab on the backend of Novi.
2. Click the Add Member Type button on the top right of the screen.
Tip: If the settings and/or dues rules of the new member type are similar to another existing Member Type, copy the existing member type to save time and edit it as needed. The Copy option is found in the Action column in the blue dropdown.
After the Add New Member Type button is clicked, a "New Member Type" modal will be displayed:
3. In the New Member Type modal, add the following details...
Required:
Name
The name in member type's Name field is what admins will see on the backend, and this is the name users will see on the frontend when signing up for membership and in their Member Compass.
Display Name for Directories
The name in the Display Name for Directories field is the member type name users will see when viewing a directory. In most cases, this will be the same as the member type Name, but when necessary a member type can be renamed (see example in the screenshot below).
Note: The "Member Types" filter in directories will show member type options based on each member type's settings in the "Display Name for Directories" field. If two member types have the same Display Name for Directories name, it will only be listed once in the directory filter drop-down and the members from both member types will be displayed in the directory results together.
Example: Complimentary Member
Member Type Category
Overview
The members within a particular member type can be either companies or individuals, and corresponding records can be assigned to the member type while other records can be set to inherit benefits, if applicable.
The following can be used as a general guideline when considering which member type category is needed:
Trade associations will be able to nest individuals underneath companies so that they can inherit member benefits.
Hybrid associations will want to use different member types for their individual-based vs company-based memberships.
Societies can set member types to individuals and even use the hybrid functionality if they decide to offer company memberships to sponsors or other businesses.
Color
The member type assigned color applies to any record on the backend with that member type assigned (applies to an assigned record in any status). The assigned member type colors will show in the Members List for quick reference - on the tiles at the top and on the far left of the rows in the list.
Tip: If you copied an existing member type in step #2 above, then don't forget to select a different color on the new member type.
Optional:
Description
The Description field will show on the frontend to help users select the appropriate member type. Most descriptions for a member type clarify if the member type is for companies or individuals, a list of member benefits, and the annual dues amount.
Once a member type is created, the Description field can be edited on the backend by going to the Details tab of the member type, or on the frontend which can be found at this URL: https://yourassociation.com/membership-information
Tip: If member types have very specific eligibility requirements, the Description field is the best place to explain the differences so the user can select the correct member type before starting the membership application process.
Pending Membership and Welcome Emails
Automatically send a Pending member and/or Welcome email to new members. If approval is required, the pending membership email will be sent when the record is pending admin approval and the welcome email will be sent after an admin approves the record on the backend.
4. Click Save & Close to create the new member type.
5. Open the member type on the backend where it was just created and go to the Dues Rules tab. If the member type is billed for dues, you'll set up the needed dues rules and be sure that they are set to "Active" status.
6. Go to the Member Benefits tab if the member type should flow benefits to family members. For example, if it is a company-based member type and the people connected to that company (e.g. staff) should receive member benefits because their company is a member, select Dues Paying Member's Children (People) to flow benefits to.
Member Benefits Flow Member Benefits tab to
Dues Paying Member's Children (People)
Member Benefits Flow in the Member Benefits
to a member type that is for Companies with Seats:
Additional information related to benefit flow:
7. Go to the Product Add-ons tab to include products on the dues invoices. Keep in mind that these will show up on both new and renewal invoices. New members joining can remove the product from the invoice before it is created, but renewing members will need to contact you to remove the line item from the invoice since the invoice is created automatically.
8. In the Renewal tab, update the member type's renewal settings and renewal email messaging.
9. Go to the Settings tab to dial in general Member Type settings (e.g. signups and dependencies) and accounting options (e.g. default billable party for dues and message displayed on invoice).
10. Now that the new member type has been created and all settings are dialed in, go to the main Member Types list (on the backend) and review the Display Order, which is reflected on the frontend's Join page: https://yourassociation.com/membership-information
If any member types should be moved, drag-and-drop into position or right-click for "Move to Top" and "Move to Bottom" options:
Admins can quickly view the frontend member types by clicking the View Member Types button.
Now you're all set and ready to receive memberships under your newly created member types. Don't forget to review the Recent Signups list on a regular basis!
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