When to join a club

I don't think there's a "right" time to join a club - but I guess it depends on the club. Some clubs are open to all abilities. Some clubs are more selective in their membership. But in terms of 'when' to join, at least on my club, we've got people who joined to start their tri career (absolute beginners), people who were sick of training alone, people who've got some good experience and want to do an Ironman or step up their game somehow, some people who joined just b/c they wanted more triathlon friends to play with.

I'd say that most clubs don't really care about how long you've been doing it, though some clubs attract certain demographics, so you may want to research into the clubs and see which one you might fit with.

Depends on the club, depends on who is active. You may very well find suitable workout partners and that is a great way to get things done. Or you may find a group that is not suitable for a variety of reasons, or a club that exists as a self-promotion machine for a person's coaching business. Or you may find welcoming, experienced triathletes and you will benefit a lot. I say think positive and it's certainly worth giving it a try.

If you want a coach, hire a coach.  You may find coaching contacts via other members of the local tri-clubs (and in a major metro area, you may find some "hostility" between clubs on the differing racing/training philosophies).  I suppose some clubs may offer different levels of membership, the most expensive of which include some coaching/discounts. 

Our tri club is primarily social with a few "hey, let's show up and ride this Saturday" partnerships.  Having said this, it is nice to share the bond with other like-minded (and friendly) people.  That's often the big benefit to being part of a club.  I have learned a lot (they've put together or arranged several clinics and a weekly OWS).  Well worth the nominal annual dues. 

Join one now, if you think their activities look interesting.  I joined a local club mostly for the discounts (affiliated with great tri store) and have occasionally done a group activity.  There are all types of folks in the club.  I ended up not really liking the one activity I thought I would do (group rides), but still find the network valuable as well as the discounts. 

I hear this a lot:   "I joined the club, but I am not good enough to wear the uniform."  I personally think that's silly.  It's a club, not a team!  You paid the money, wear the outfit.    It's opened the door for me to talk to tons more people at races, making races much more fun.

In fact, I saw my tri outfit on the woman who placed first amateur and 8th female overall at IMWI this weekend.  She happens to be in my tri club!  But she's as nice as can be and very welcoming.  She was working at a race a month ago and every time she saw me on the course she yelled out the club name. 

i fit well into your description and what john said +100000....

clubs can be a hit or miss. 

the bad...people tend to have their own goals, HIM, IM, Oly sprint, everyone is going to be doing very different training routine

pick a club that orgnaizes alot of events.  my club has 4 weekly workout sessions.  1 is a group ride, 1 group swim / run, 2 other session that alternate.  + big discounts to many many places around, and lots of social events try it out.....

personally it was nice but i think i rather take the $35 and sign up to a masters swim class with a coach so i can get more feedback.  it was nice going the few times and getting a 15% discount on my wheels but sometimes i felt like whats the point of showing up at the beach when everyone just does their own thing anyways.

Another thought about tri clubs. Like most organizations like this, these things tend to be "you get what you give". So make it work for you: organize workouts that you would like, see if you can get things going if what is currently offered is not exactly right.