Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Permit pickup
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schweady |
frlu0501: "Does she then charge you to watch the BWCA video?..." No. We have been customers for 10-15 years, staying in their bunkhouse, renting some canoes, buying some bait. A separate charge for issuing the permit or viewing the video has never been mentioned. |
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AndySG |
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AndySG |
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walleyevision |
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frlu0501 |
schweady: Usually, I just walk up to the desk at VNO and Lynn grabs my folder. :-) Does she then charge you to watch the BWCA video? This still erks me. We'll be picking up our permit at a different issuing station in Ely tomorrow. |
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frlu0501 |
She charged us the $2 on our way out the door after we spent around $50-100. The no guarantee of purchase didn't apply here, she chose to charge us. The $2 isn't the problem, it's the principle. |
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billconner |
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schweady |
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PortageKeeper |
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overthehill |
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climbmda |
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walleyevision |
climbmda: "Well, I can say that I have gone through VNO for the vast majority of my trips. Sometimes just a bunkhouse and some bait, and sometimes renting a canoe. My experiences have been, without fail, phenomenal. I find their service to be efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. Just have to throw that out there." Same here! |
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Tlaker |
Is driver license enough or do I need receipt? |
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Wintersguy80 |
BWCAW Permit Requirements Permit is valid to enter BWCAW only on entry date at entry point specified. Permits can only be picked up on the entry date or one day prior. Only Permit Holder or verified Alternate can pick up permit (photo ID required). Leader must stay with group for entire trip and ensure that all BWCAW rules and regulations are followed. Reserved permits must be picked up at issue station specified. Office hours vary, so plan ahead and allow extra time to discuss wilderness preservation and current conditions. Cooperators may charge a service fee for issuing BWCAW permits (up to $2.00 per permit). The new platform has stronger security controls, better protection of Personally Identifiable Information and increased fraud protection. Service fees help cover the cost of technology upgrades that encrypt and protect your credit card information. Senior/Access Passes must be presented for validation at pickup or discount is forfeited. Permits are not transferable (Permit Holder, Alternates, entry date and entry point cannot be changed once reservation is made). |
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nooneuno |
frlu0501: "I've been picking up permits through outfitters for years and I've NEVER been charged to issue the permit until last fall at VNO. I've used many different outfitters throughout the years as we try hit different areas as much as possible. Are you aware of the changes in the permitting system this year that are directly impacting the outfitters bottom line? Should the outfitters have to pay money out of their pockets for the privilege of issuing your permit? It's not the $2 it's the principle? What principle is involved other than someone being a tight ass? |
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frlu0501 |
schweady: " On this specific trip we didn't rent a canoe but we did buy nalgenes, t shirts, and last minute items. She still charged us to issue the permit. We typically bring our own canoe but often bring friends/relatives who are renting canoes. This was not a way to make life long customers. I refuse to step foot in the store and steered last weekends spring trip partners away from VNO. In a small town niche market, customer services goes a long ways. Something so simple but something I will never forget. |
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frlu0501 |
nooneuno: I am aware of the changes in the permitting system this year. I am speaking to my trip last fall. I'm not a "tight ass." If I was I wouldn't allow my wife into an outfitter in the first place. If good customer service is charging the OPTIONAL $2 fee to issue permits after the group spent $50-100 in your store, then I must refresh my knowledge on the definition of good customer service. I have all the gear and have no need for an outfitter, as with many regulars to the BWCA. If they wish to keep us out of their store or recommending their business for trippers we bring along, keep charging us optional fees after we just purchased a bag full of items. I had never been charged the $2 issuing fee prior to my visit to VNO last fall. Obviously all of you have been charged and paid the fee? Sounds like most haven't but are willing. It honestly caught me off guard when she insisted we pay the $2 fee, I didn't even realize what the fee was for and I initially thought she was joking. |
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AG4 |
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ZenMaste |
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walleyevision |
frlu0501: "schweady: " Is $2 that big of a deal to you? They are providing a service with no guarantee that said customer will spend a dime. Look at it this way, they may be taking time away from a paying customer to facilitate someone's entry to the BWCA. Surely that's worth at least $2. |
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frlu0501 |
Last spring we brought a group of four, both groups brought our own canoes. We didn't rent a single item or bunkhouse and the outfitter never questioned it. We bought last minute items, hats, t-shirts, snacks before AND after the trip. You get my wife into any outfitter, she's be buying something. Isn't the point of offering such a service is to get people in the door to buy more profitable items? My fall permit is currently sitting at the ranger station, I could keep it there and bypass all outfitters. Keeping my wife out of an outfitting store would save me a tank of gas or two but cost me the experience my wife enjoys. We try to make it up to the BWCA at least twice a year, their loss I guess. To each their own. |