New Zealand Regional

[xcentrix]

Originally Posted by Scott Carpman

If we stay with a 6 week schedule, I'd think that NZ should be Week 1, Hawaii Week 3, and NYC Week 6.

Good timing - It's sooo much cheaper to fly from the mainland to NZ w/a Hawaii "stop over". Not too much jet lag and time to enjoy the cultures.

And BTW: NEVER pay retail. EVER.

Every team should have an IRS nonprofit status or partnership with an organization that does. Why go through the costs and headaches to be recognized as an IRS nonprofit? Because you never pay retail. EVER.

Nonprofit status gives your team so much leverage. Cost too high and the vendor won't reduce the cost? How about an "in kind" donation. Tickets cost $1,000/pp round trip? -- A $200/pp in kind donation reduces your cost 20%, they get the $200/pp as a tax write off, and your trip is now within reason.

If you are really, really, really smart, you don't even bring up the non profit status until you've cried, begged, cajoled and spoken to everyone in the vendor's organization and already gotten the price reduced at least 10% - 15%.

By the time they've given you the "FIRST" discount, the vendor should know all about your team and the wonderful work your team is/will/has been doing. Then ask for an in kind donation. You would be surprised how easy it is and how much your vendor wants to help. You just have to ask and be prepared.

Those of you that have other FRC teams nearby are so fortunate. Just by shear numbers alone you can get your costs reduced if you coordinate travel plans and dates w/another local team.