PartOf vs a spreadsheet, Google Forms and e-transfers
Most boards start here, and it works. It costs nothing, everyone knows how to use it, and nobody has to approve a new tool.
The cost is time. Someone matches e-transfers to names, copies emails between lists, and works out who's a member before the AGM. When that volunteer steps down, the system often goes with them.
| Spreadsheet, Forms, e-transfer | PartOf | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $0 up to 100 members, then $990 a year |
| Who's a member | Whatever the sheet says, if someone updated it | One list with status and expiry dates |
| Joining | A form, then a separate e-transfer | One join page; the member is on the list straight away |
| E-transfers | Matched by hand from the inbox | Still arrive in your inbox; you mark them paid and the receipt goes out |
| Copy addresses into another tool | Write to members, guests or volunteers from the same list, with unsubscribe and consent on record | |
| Waivers and volunteers | More forms, more sheets | Attached to the event, on the same list |
| Handing over | Share links and hope | Add the new volunteer as a helper; remove the old one |
Stay with the spreadsheet if you have a few dozen members, one volunteer who enjoys it, and no events with waivers or sign-ups.
Move to PartOf when more than one person needs the list, or the matching and copying takes your evenings. Import the sheet and your form exports; duplicates merge, and you can undo for 7 days. Card payments aren't available yet, so e-transfers still need one tap each.