Dear users,

Mid-April we informed you that starting July 1^st, 2021, an increase of the Smart Fee is planned. We prepared this important decision in a multi-stage process including two open discussion fora in April and May, while inviting all users to become members ahead of the decision. At this year’s general assembly, we now voted on the new fee with the members. The results of the vote are a clear decision for the 10% rate. [1]

Starting July 1^st, 2021, the Smart Fee is 10% of the order’s net amount. Practically, this means that all orders submitted through our forms website until 30 June 2021 will be processed with the old rate (even if the order is to be fulfilled after this date). To all orders submitted from July 1^st, 2021, the new rate will apply.

We are very happy about our member’s and user’s participation in taking this decision, since already ahead of it, it was decided to follow the wishes of users and finally the vote of the members. The clear decision for the 10% rate is for us a big display of trust and solidarity. In addition, your feedback will help us to continually improve our services. The manifold wishes for more automatization of processes, but also for more internal exchange and networking opportunities, are an evident mandate for us.

Big thanks for your participation in this process and your trust! We look forward to advise and support you in the next half year and beyond that with full commitment.

Don’t hesitate to contact our office with questions or concerns: Contact

Sincerely, your Smart team

[1] Correction: In an earlier version, the approximate percentages of the vote were accidentally put here. These are available in detail in the minutes of the general assembly.

 

Further information

Details on the vote are recorded in the proceedings of the general assembly, which will be available at our office from 16 June 2021.

Detailed background information available here.

This way for the original message.