The reason we charge is twofold:
First and foremost, to cover expenses. Providing verification that application information is correct and current, then maintaining a territory protection database, providing a forum and communications system, plus a website is a pretty labor intensive endeavor.
Secondly, we created RetailSpeaks as a paid-membership organization to prevent new applicants from joining purely for the purpose of lambasting a vendor in the heat of the moment. It’s easy to blow off steam in a free venue, but a little more difficult to vent endlessly if you know you’ve had to pay for the privilege (and are at risk of losing your membership if you go too far).
Yes, there are free chat groups out there, but none have your back the way RetailSpeaks does. No one else promises to protect your territory or verify that fellow memberes are legitimate storefront retailers with true hands-on experience. That, in our opinion, makes the extremely affordable annual membership fee one of the best investments around.