Installment plans cost the club NOTHING

[Thedelldays]

this lot stu..?

 

http://www.zebrafinance.co.uk/football.htm

[StuRomseySaint]

f*cked up with the lack of payment plan, and the club could have handled it better.

 

I do not concede to the thought that he is intentionally trying to reduce STH's and thus p*ss off the fans. That idea is crazy, i can see where it has come from however. I do believe that there are genuine reasons why this scheme has not been used, this being that the club has been blacklisted for its administration.

 

One more time... Zebra Finance is not a credit company, therefore being blacklisted is completely irrelevent.

 

Let's move away from the payment plan for one minute.

 

Why the lack of half season tickets? It's nothing to do with credit, or payment plans or administration or anything else.

 

I think it is fair to say the reason is based on the following...

 

Cortese knows that for the second half of the season, if we are top and cruising to a championship, we will be getting large gates and the people who would have normally buy the season tickets, will spend their money on a match by match basis if that facility is withdrawn.

 

It's another way of hitting fans in the pocket.

 

If anyone can give me another reason why they might have been withdrawn I will happily listen to it...

[StuRomseySaint]

this lot stu..?

 

http://www.zebrafinance.co.uk/football.htm

 

Correctomondo.

[Colinjb]

this lot stu..?

 

http://www.zebrafinance.co.uk/football.htm

 

Hmmm, they offer personal loans!

[StuRomseySaint]

And another point about being blacklisted being irrelevent.

 

The agreement is between Zebra Finance and Job Bloggs Saints Fan, not Zebra Finance and Southampton FC, so the club being blacklisted is even more irrelevent.

[Thedelldays]

a review about stu's company - zebra, first search on the net

 

I recently had a terrible experience with this compnay. They are loan sharks. I was harrassed and intimidated until I contacted the police, before they stopped the harassment. I have made a complaint to Trading standard for the threat and theft from Zebra Finance

 

another about them at court

 

I am writing to you about a recent case judged in favour of myself on 22nd april 2009 that was overseen by yourself, since this judgement the claimant (zebra finance), who did not even turn up to the hearing, have placed a default upon my credit file , they say that they have the right to do so as they are putting in an appeal against your decision, this has caused me a lot of stress and hardship over the last seven years of dealing with this company, finally when I think things are going to get better this happens . are they allowed to do this?

[Smirking_Saint]

One more time... Zebra Finance is not a credit company, therefore being blacklisted is completely irrelevent.

 

Let's move away from the payment plan for one minute.

 

Why the lack of half season tickets? It's nothing to do with credit, or payment plans or administration or anything else.

 

I think it is fair to say the reason is based on the following...

 

Cortese knows that for the second half of the season, if we are top and cruising to a championship, we will be getting large gates and the people who would have normally buy the season tickets, will spend their money on a match by match basis if that facility is withdrawn.

 

It's another way of hitting fans in the pocket.

 

If anyone can give me another reason why they might have been withdrawn I will happily listen to it...

 

Yes, as far as they are concerned you probably have a point.

[StuRomseySaint]

a review about stu's company - zebra, first search on the net

 

 

 

another about them at court

 

Are you thinking about taking a loan out? If not then I am not sure what your point is?

 

I will say it yet again... because it still doesn't register in some peoples heads.

 

I will put it in bold this time in the hope that people read it and understand.

 

Zebra Finance do not offer credit for season tickets, they simply administrate the collection of premiums for which they recieve a commission, generally in the way of interest.

 

They may well deal in loans, but that's irrelevent as this is not the service they are offering SFC

 

Well done for finding a complaint against them on google by someone who defaulted on their loan. I think I will use the biggest football club in the world, Manchester United, or Man City, or Tottenham or the countless other clubs as testimony to their ability to carry out premium collection on season tickets.

[Saints foreva]

It's a gamble. Cortese would prefer 25,000 PAYG customers rather than 25,000 discounted ST customers.

 

If we go straight to the top of the league and stay there, we will get 25,000 in the ground, regardless of the Season Ticket Holder to PAYG Customer ratio.

 

Effectively each person who pays for each individual game is worth almost £10 per person per game in revenue more than a Season Ticket Holder ( allowing for the new stealth charges as well )

 

All very well if we are at the top, if we have another slow start to the season, expect to see crowds below 10k for a cold,wet game against Hartlepool in November.

 

LOL, Skates will have a field day after the crap some of our fans gave them last season.

[Gorgiesaint]

apparently (heard this today) the club explored the possibility of instalments, but the club is in effect still ''blacklisted'' in terms of bankruptcy, due to the administration last year.

 

So finance companies don't want to touch us.

 

It does kind of add up with Nicola's comments last year, as they were struggling to get sponsorship deals because companies still thought we were ''skint''.

 

S-Clarke, you may well be right on this and I'm surprised this point was ignored by most posters. Can I ask where you heard that?

 

That would fit in with no early announcement of the installment scheme as they were still trying to source a finance company to operate it. It may be because the club suffers with a poor credit rating due to the administration, or if its a new company, then this in itself will cause a poor credit rating - that will only start to be rectified when accounts are produced. Either way, a poor credit rating is not something a company wants to shout about hence no announcement.

 

The only other option would be to run the scheme themselves, when yes the excuse of costs is a viable one given they had defaulters within last years scheme.

 

All in all, its not an ideal situation - and I can see why people will get upset at the lack of information. But the true reasons IMO are not as cut & dried as some are making out.

Edited 4 June, 2010 by Gorgiesaint

[Smirking_Saint]

S-Clarke, you may well be right on this and I'm surprised this point was ignored by most posters. Can I ask where you heard that?

 

That would fit in with no early announcement of the installment scheme as they were still trying to source a finance company to operate it. It may be because the club suffers with a poor credit rating due to the administration, or if its a new company, then this in itself will cause a poor credit rating - that will only start to be rectified when accounts are produced. Either way, a poor credit rating is not something a company wants to shout about hence no announcement.

 

The only other option would be to run the scheme themselves, when yes the excuse of costs is a viable one given they had defaulters within last years scheme.

 

All in all, its not an ideal situation - and I can see why people will get upset at the lack of information. But the true reasons IMO are not as cut & dried as some are making out.

 

This, good post

[derry]

It is possible that the club has identified that standing areas are predominately instalment plan season tickets and have decided to thin them out.

 

Alternatively and more likely, there wasn't a significant number of the 14000 STs that were on instalments and that the club decided that as some would pay up front anyway, there would be no significant drop in numbers.

 

If we are going to bring in say seven more first team players the club may consider that we should win the league. Having seen the 50,000 at Wembley, it would be understandable if they considered that there is likely to be large crowds if we are playing attractive winning football at the top of the league.

[StuRomseySaint]

S-Clarke, you may well be right on this and I'm surprised this point was ignored by most posters. Can I ask where you heard that?

 

That would fit in with no early announcement of the installment scheme as they were still trying to source a finance company to operate it. It may be because the club suffers with a poor credit rating due to the administration, or if its a new company, then this in itself will cause a poor credit rating - that will only start to be rectified when accounts are produced. Either way, a poor credit rating is not something a company wants to shout about hence no announcement.

 

The only other option would be to run the scheme themselves, when yes the excuse of costs is a viable one given they had defaulters within last years scheme.

 

All in all, its not an ideal situation - and I can see why people will get upset at the lack of information. But the true reasons IMO are not as cut & dried as some are making out.

 

Helllllllo!!!!!?????

 

As I have stated a zillion and one times, but people seem to be forgetting.

 

1) It is not a credit agreement, so being blacklisted is irrelevent.

 

2) The agreement is between the consumer and Zebra Finance so the clubs financial affairs have nothing to do with it!!!

 

FFS They are even running P*rtsmouths payment plan scheme so that blows that rumour right out of the water!!!

 

And just to put this one to bed...

 

I have spoke to a manager at Zebra finance direct and his words....

 

" We would be happy to support and work with Southampton FC to implement an installment plan should the club approach us "

 

I am forwarding the contact on to the club... there really is no reason not to have a payment plan apart from getting more money out of us.

Edited 4 June, 2010 by StuRomseySaint

[Colinjb]

Alternatively and more likely, there wasn't a significant number of the 14000 STs that were on instalments and that the club decided that as some would pay up front anyway, there would be no significant drop in numbers.

 

If we are going to bring in say seven more first team players the club may consider that we should win the league. Having seen the 50,000 at Wembley, it would be understandable if they considered that there is likely to be large crowds if we are playing attractive winning football at the top of the league.

 

I wonder what the exact proportion is? And how much it will be offset by new purchasers.

[Smirking_Saint]

Helllllllo!!!!!?????

 

As I have stated a zillion and one times, but people seem to be forgetting.

 

1) It is not a credit agreement, so being blacklisted is irrelevent.

 

2) The agreement is between the consumer and Zebra Finance so the clubs financial affairs have nothing to do with it!!!

 

FFS They are even running P*rtsmouths payment plan scheme so that blows that rumour right out of the water!!!

 

And just to put this one to bed...

 

I have spoke to a manager at Zebra finance direct and his words....

 

" We would be happy to support and work with Southampton FC to implement an installment plan should the club approach us "

 

I am forwarding the contact on to the club... there really is no reason not to have a payment plan apart from getting more money out of us.

 

Perhaps there are reasons why they have not been approached ??

 

Like the ones that TDD has found ??

 

Also how do you know that they have agreements with the teams on the front page ??

 

My old company used to have many big big companies on its website as 'customers' when in reality it had only ever did very very small pieces of business with them and in the vast majority of cases was one offs.

[derry]

I wonder what the exact proportion is? And how much it will be offset by new purchasers.

 

I have two mates who have never had STs buying and I'd be surprised if because of last seaon and the planned player recruitment there isn't quite a few new takers. We won't really know until the end of the month regarding renewals and until Aug 6th for the total, then we will be able to see the true picture.

[Gorgiesaint]

Helllllllo!!!!!?????

 

As I have stated a zillion and one times, but people seem to be forgetting.

 

1) It is not a credit agreement, so being blacklisted is irrelevent.

 

2) The agreement is between the consumer and Zebra Finance so the clubs financial affairs have nothing to do with it!!!

 

FFS They are even running P*rtsmouths payment plan scheme so that blows that rumour right out of the water!!!

 

And just to put this one to bed...

 

I have spoke to a manager at Zebra finance direct and his words....

 

" We would be happy to support and work with Southampton FC to implement an installment plan should the club approach us "

 

I am forwarding the contact on to the club... there really is no reason not to have a payment plan apart from getting more money out of us.

 

Stu, I used to work in retail finance which operates in a very similar way to how this would have operated. You are right that the contract is between you (as a customer) and the finance company. However because the club is an introducer, the club itself has to be licenced under the Consumer Credit Act. Now I don't know if they have a licence, but would need to obtain one if they don't possess one - although I would expect it wouldn't be too dificult to get one.

 

The other issue is that the finance company will take an interest in the introducer. As it's a tripartite agreement, there may be a problem with SFC's credit rating which is stopping finance companies getting involved. Certainly a previous administration together with a new start company with no full accounts would stop some companies being able to deal.

 

That's not to say that no-one will touch us and you & I don't know who were approached.

[StuRomseySaint]

Perhaps there are reasons why they have not been approached ??

 

Like the ones that TDD has found ??

 

Also how do you know that they have agreements with the teams on the front page ??

 

My old company used to have many big big companies on its website as 'customers' when in reality it had only ever did very very small pieces of business with them and in the vast majority of cases was one offs.

 

Rather than ask me to go and do research... I think I have done more than enough. All of the badges are hyperlinked.

 

Why not take a look at P*mpeys payment plan application.

 

http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/pdf/finance_6_month.pdf

 

Blows the whole " they didn't want us because of our finances " argument out doesnt it?

[StuRomseySaint]

Stu, I used to work in retail finance which operates in a very similar way to how this would have operated. You are right that the contract is between you (as a customer) and the finance company. However because the club is an introducer, the club itself has to be licenced under the Consumer Credit Act. Now I don't know if they have a licence, but would need to obtain one if they don't possess one - although I would expect it wouldn't be too dificult to get one.

 

The other issue is that the finance company will take an interest in the introducer. As it's a tripartite agreement, there may be a problem with SFC's credit rating which is stopping finance companies getting involved. Certainly a previous administration together with a new start company with no full accounts would stop some companies being able to deal.

 

That's not to say that no-one will touch us and you & I don't know who were approached.

 

Once again...

 

http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/pdf/finance_6_month.pdf

 

I am pretty damn sure if P*rtsmouth can get one with Zebra, we can...!

 

I asked the bloke and it is not a credit facility, therefore previous history is irrelevent, and as I said, the agreement is between the individual and Zebra Finance.

[Gorgiesaint]

Once again...

 

http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/pdf/finance_6_month.pdf

 

I am pretty damn sure if P*rtsmouth can get one with Zebra, we can...!

 

I asked the bloke and it is not a credit facility, therefore previous history is irrelevent, and as I said, the agreement is between the individual and Zebra Finance.

 

You're right to pass the details on because maybe SFC didn't look at Zebra.

 

However it is a credit agreement - payment up front in return for installment to pay back that debts is just about the definition of a credit agreement. As I said, I know the contract is between the individual & Zebra but because SFC are an introducer they are party to a raft of legalities as well - including needing to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act. I appreciate you've taken the time to make some phone calls - I spent 16 years in the industry - your call if you want to decide if I know what I'm talking about.

 

Edit: CCA licenses run for one year so it may be that PFC already held a valid licence prior to admin, don't read anything into that they can offer a scheme this year - try next year!

Edited 4 June, 2010 by Gorgiesaint
Adding the PFC part

[SaintRichmond]

I spoke to Zebra Finance today, I put on my posh voice and done some secret shopping about the season ticket plans they have available for ‘my club’

 

I was told that each Season Ticket plan is bespoke to the relevant club.

 

I was also told that the most popular plans have no cost to ‘my club’ whatsoever. They recover their costs in a number of ways which effectively are done in the form of:

 

• Charging interest – The finance company can charge interest on the monthly repayments, these costs are picked up by the customer and have zero cost to SFC to administer.

 

• Charging an administration fee – This is another way that can be used instead of / as well as charging interest. Again, costs picked up by the customer as opposed to SFC

 

• On Interest Free instalments the club can charge a premium price for payment plans, for example charging the new Season Ticket price as opposed to the renewal, they can then pass on the difference to the finance company in the way of commission.

 

The finance company deal with all aspects of administration of the plan, including credit control/debt collection. They will build a bespoke design based exactly on the clubs needs.

 

I am waiting to hear back from Premium Credit Ltd, who have worked with SFC in the past but yet to receive a response.

 

I think if the club do not take up Zebra Finance’s offer of designing a bespoke package with no cost to the club, then the least they owe us an explanation as to why they will not take up the offer when it has not cost attached to them, seeing as that is the official reason we are being given.

 

The ball is in Mr Cortese’s court now. I for one think we are owed the REAL reason they have removed the installment plan... it's not cost... if it was because of cost then I have found them a company who are willing to set it up at no cost to SFC, so surely they will accept this kind offer?

 

I think I know what the reasons for the removal of the plan it, but I am happy to be proven wrong.

 

They will get more money from the "walk up" Pay Full Whack On The Day Policy

 

Simples....... ( and that is what Cortese thinks we are ... simples:cool: )

[StuRomseySaint]

You're right to pass the details on because maybe SFC didn't look at Zebra.

 

However it is a credit agreement - payment up front in return for installment to pay back that debts is just about the definition of a credit agreement. As I said, I know the contract is between the individual & Zebra but because SFC are an introducer they are party to a raft of legalities as well - including needing to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act. I appreciate you've taken the time to make some phone calls - I spent 16 years in the industry - your call if you want to decide if I know what I'm talking about.

 

You know what mate, fair enough, I can't be arsed to explain anymore why it is not a credit agreement in the sense of taking a loan etc.

 

There are 2 main companies that deal with Season Ticket Finance, Zebra and Premium Credit, neither of which credit search an individual when setting up the installment plan, which suggests it is 'no-risk', not only that, but there are 2 companies so the club didn't look very hard did they?

 

You said you worked in retail finance? As in store cards? As in credit?

 

Anyway, I can't be arsed to go through it all again, all the information is on here.

 

The very fact that P*rtsmouth negotiated the finance package whilst being in administration clearly shows that the credit standing of a football club has nothing to do with it. Would you not agree?

 

Besides that Cardiff City, Rotherham, Darlington etc... all have agreements.

Edited 4 June, 2010 by StuRomseySaint

[Windmill Arm 2]

I spoke to Zebra Finance today, I put on my posh voice and done some secret shopping about the season ticket plans they have available for ‘my club’

 

I was told that each Season Ticket plan is bespoke to the relevant club.

 

I was also told that the most popular plans have no cost to ‘my club’ whatsoever. They recover their costs in a number of ways which effectively are done in the form of:

 

• Charging interest – The finance company can charge interest on the monthly repayments, these costs are picked up by the customer and have zero cost to SFC to administer.

 

• Charging an administration fee – This is another way that can be used instead of / as well as charging interest. Again, costs picked up by the customer as opposed to SFC

 

• On Interest Free instalments the club can charge a premium price for payment plans, for example charging the new Season Ticket price as opposed to the renewal, they can then pass on the difference to the finance company in the way of commission.

 

The finance company deal with all aspects of administration of the plan, including credit control/debt collection. They will build a bespoke design based exactly on the clubs needs.

 

I am waiting to hear back from Premium Credit Ltd, who have worked with SFC in the past but yet to receive a response.

 

I think if the club do not take up Zebra Finance’s offer of designing a bespoke package with no cost to the club, then the least they owe us an explanation as to why they will not take up the offer when it has not cost attached to them, seeing as that is the official reason we are being given.

 

The ball is in Mr Cortese’s court now. I for one think we are owed the REAL reason they have removed the installment plan... it's not cost... if it was because of cost then I have found them a company who are willing to set it up at no cost to SFC, so surely they will accept this kind offer?

 

I think I know what the reasons for the removal of the plan it, but I am happy to be proven wrong.

 

People will always find something to whinge about.

[StuRomseySaint]

People will always find something to whinge about.

 

Sit in your hazy bubble Windmill, I will be on hand to tell you " I told you so " in due course, don't you worry. xx

[hypochondriac]

Just wanted to place on record that I totally agree with you on this issue Stuey x

[Gemmel]

Exactly... it's all about squeezing as much money out of Saints fans as possible. I am absolutely amazed that nobody can see it.....[/QUOTE]

 

 

LOL, the very reasons you have described, have been posted on here already.

[Gorgiesaint]

You know what mate, fair enough, I can't be arsed to explain anymore why it is not a credit agreement in the sense of taking a loan etc.

 

There are 2 main companies that deal with Season Ticket Finance, Zebra and Premium Credit, neither of which credit search an individual when setting up the installment plan, which suggests it is 'no-risk', not only that, but there are 2 companies so the club didn't look very hard did they?

 

You said you worked in retail finance? As in store cards? As in credit?

 

Anyway, I can't be arsed to go through it all again, all the information is on here.

 

The very fact that P*rtsmouth negotiated the finance package whilst being in administration clearly shows that the credit standing of a football club has nothing to do with it. Would you not agree?

 

Besides that Cardiff City, Rotherham, Darlington etc... all have agreements.

 

Well we'll have to agree to disagree on various points but never mind.

 

Look FWIW I hope you do manage to change NC's mind and get him to offer a installment scheme, but do make sure you've got your facts straight before you go in.

 

Having said that I've taken a look at Zebra's website - and I would judge that NC's probably never heard of them as they look a right 2 bob outfit. Anyone able to search who the directors are? (Just in case I know them from past experience!)

 

If all else fails then you'll have to go with installment plan on offer - the one where you pay £22 over 23 installments at various intervals, mainly 2 weeks apart

[StuRomseySaint]

Well we'll have to agree to disagree on various points but never mind.

 

Look FWIW I hope you do manage to change NC's mind and get him to offer a installment scheme, but do make sure you've got your facts straight before you go in.

 

Having said that I've taken a look at Zebra's website - and I would judge that NC's probably never heard of them as they look a right 2 bob outfit. Anyone able to search who the directors are? (Just in case I know them from past experience!)

 

If all else fails then you'll have to go with installment plan on offer - the one where you pay £22 over 23 installments at various intervals, mainly 2 weeks apart

 

It's £25 actually when you include the booking tax.

 

I am not saying that he has to use them, I am pretty sure it's a competitive market and Premium Credit offer the same terms... I am simply highlighting that cost can't be the issue... as there doesn't have to be any cost to the club.

 

Anyway, I am off for a nice Carlos Ice Cream and a walk in the forest with a very pretty lady.

 

Have yourself a wonderful evening. xxx

[Avenue Saint]

Are you happy that you've found something to moan about when all around is so rosy right now for SFC....

 

Stueeeeey button it.

 

Why is everyone moaning about this FFS.

 

0% credit card, job done.

 

You are becoming very political, saints is a hobby, a passion for me, I don't care about the politics and neither should you unless you are looking to be the new Illingsworth.

 

I'm embarrassed by the whinging ahd whining that goes on here, we're gonna win the league next season, it's gonna be fun, it might cost you a few pound more a week, get the f*ck over it.

 

Lol at the conspiracy theorists on here.

 

We are in a great position to have a fantastic few years ahead of us. There is a decent ST renewal rate this year and still people are saying the reason that the installments have been cancelled is because he doesn't want ST holders.

 

What a ton of Sh*te, if they didn't want ST's they would make them more expensive and take away the reduced rate for renewals.

 

Like i said, get a decent 0% credit card and hey presto you have the repayment power in your hands

 

This is a pointless discussion now. People have given the alternative, which is the 0% credit card and yet people ignore it because they want to have a moan.

 

PM you? Why would I waste my time doing that?

 

If football clubs ran just the way fans wanted them to, they would never be successfull in the business sense.

 

Some people, would MOAN ABOUT NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO MOAN ABOUT on here!

 

In the words of our own saint kip:

 

"We're gonna win the league next season, get the **** over it"!!!!

 

Cortese the new Lowe (for some) watch this space ....

 

Will you all SHUT THE F*CK UP about f*cking installment plans? Christ!

 

The installment plan was a 'perk'.

 

Funny how BA crew are getting slagged off for striking about a lack of perks by the same people on here who have lost the 'perk' of installment payments.....

 

People will always find something to whinge about.

 

..........

[sotonianproud]

I have to say I agree with Stu too, a gym membership would work the same way just in case you were interested.

[Jonnyboy]

Hate to say it, - agree with Stu

[Gorgiesaint]

I have to say I agree with Stu too, a gym membership would work the same way just in case you were interested.

 

That would be an agreement between you & the gym - no third party company involved a la Zebra Finance so different situation.

 

In that circumstance, the club would take a hit if anyone defaulted on payments and lose income - which is what happened last year (from my understanding).

 

Anyway, I'm done on this thread (like Stu), but unfortunately I don't have a nice lady to take for a walk!!

[rocknrollman no2]

Well done Stu for actually taking the time and effort to show how easy it is for the club to do installments.NC says the reason there will be no more payment plans is due to administration costs,well Stu has blown that excuse right out of the water.So obviously there must be another reason,than the waffle us fans were fed.

Also please can people on here realise that NOT EVERYONE can get a credit card,whatever the interest.I cant believe how some posters on here have such an arrogant attitude to other fans who are finding getting the funds for their ST by the end of the month difficult.

Like ive said before,some of my mates who have been going for years with no problems,cant afford to raise the cash by June 30th,so wont be going as much anymore.

For me this whole mess has totally ruined the feelgood factor in our 125th year.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Is this still rumbling on. What a bunch of moaning, whinging idiots. I agree, they should have let people know sooner, but this immense fuss is ridiculous. Get a credit card. Arrange an overdraft. Seriously, with all they've done/are going to do, we must look like such ungrateful ****s. If your that close to not being able to afford one up front, with all the options available, perhaps you shouldn't be getting a season ticket, as you should obviously spend your money on something else. Just wait for the 10k tax change and then use that money to pay any interest.

 

But overall, above everything else, just stfu. I bet NC and ML can't believe the fans they've invested in.

[OldNick]

Are you thinking about taking a loan out? If not then I am not sure what your point is?

 

I will say it yet again... because it still doesn't register in some peoples heads.

 

I will put it in bold this time in the hope that people read it and understand.

 

Zebra Finance do not offer credit for season tickets, they simply administrate the collection of premiums for which they recieve a commission, generally in the way of interest.

 

They may well deal in loans, but that's irrelevent as this is not the service they are offering SFC

 

Well done for finding a complaint against them on google by someone who defaulted on their loan. I think I will use the biggest football club in the world, Manchester United, or Man City, or Tottenham or the countless other clubs as testimony to their ability to carry out premium collection on season tickets.

Stu Im trying to get my head around what you are expecting. Zebra collect the money and get commission/administration fee. Who pays these fees ? The s/t holder or SFC ?

Would you be happy if the club ran the installment plan but charged a £50-100 admin fee?

Or is the principle no interest/finance but at face value only?

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Well done Stu for actually taking the time and effort to show how easy it is for the club to do installments.NC says the reason there will be no more payment plans is due to administration costs,well Stu has blown that excuse right out of the water.So obviously there must be another reason,than the waffle us fans were fed.

Also please can people on here realise that NOT EVERYONE can get a credit card,whatever the interest.I cant believe how some posters on here have such an arrogant attitude to other fans who are finding getting the funds for their ST by the end of the month difficult.

Like ive said before,some of my mates who have been going for years with no problems,cant afford to raise the cash by June 30th,so wont be going as much anymore.

For me this whole mess has totally ruined the feelgood factor in our 125th year.

 

I'm sorry, but I fail to see how not being able to get a credit card is Southamptons problem. That's surely the fault of the person. It's not about arrogance, it's about poor planning and financial promiscuity that they obviously decided at another time was worth making their lifes difficult. I couldn't get a credit card for 3 years, but I manned up and accepted it was my own stupid fault for acting like a ****.

[stevegrant]

..........

Congratulations, you can use the quote function. Did your post actually have a point?

[rocknrollman no2]

Is this still rumbling on. What a bunch of moaning, whinging idiots. I agree, they should have let people know sooner, but this immense fuss is ridiculous. Get a credit card. Arrange an overdraft. Seriously, with all they've done/are going to do, we must look like such ungrateful ****s. If your that close to not being able to afford one up front, with all the options available, perhaps you shouldn't be getting a season ticket, as you should obviously spend your money on something else. Just wait for the 10k tax change and then use that money to pay any interest.

 

But overall, above everything else, just stfu. I bet NC and ML can't believe the fans they've invested in.

 

You have proved my point about arrogance exactly.

So far im still happy with NC and ML,but they have to remember, whatever their plans for the club,its the fans that matter above most things.

Upset fans,then attendences will plummet.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Another pointless, stupid thread.

[stevegrant]

Stu Im trying to get my head around what you are expecting. Zebra collect the money and get commission/administration fee. Who pays these fees ? The s/t holder or SFC ?

Would you be happy if the club ran the installment plan but charged a £50-100 admin fee?

Or is the principle no interest/finance but at face value only?

Personally, if the club want an option that costs them nothing (entirely within their right to do so), I don't see a problem with those who want to be able to pay over a longer period of time (which is a privilege, not a right, but one that many were understandably expecting to be available again this year) being charged interest by the finance provider.

 

The club get 100% of the money up front, so as far as the club are concerned, the transaction has been completed. Taking the adult ST renewal price in the Northam (£328 ), and charging an APR of 20% over six months, that's £32.80 extra the fan is paying for the added convenience of not having to pay for it all in one go. I don't think many would complain at that, and if, say, 1000 fans use that option, the club have an extra 1000 season ticket holders and the finance company have made more than £30k. Everyone's happy.

[rocknrollman no2]

I'm sorry, but I fail to see how not being able to get a credit card is Southamptons problem. That's surely the fault of the person. It's not about arrogance, it's about poor planning and financial promiscuity that they obviously decided at another time was worth making their lifes difficult. I couldn't get a credit card for 3 years, but I manned up and accepted it was my own stupid fault for acting like a ****.

 

Throughout our lifes there will be times when you will have a lot of expendable income,living with parents,no mortgage,good job etc.Then there will be times when you find money is short,getting married,having kids,new house etc.

Sometimes people even get refused credit because at their address previously,someone there had bad credit,which has nothing what so ever to do with them.Thats life.

My point(eventually),is that our fan base is made up of many different people at different stages of their lifes.Why should anyone be denied the pleasure of watching Saints,when up to now its been readily available?

After all isnt a full stadium what everyone wants?

[Deano6]

Still, at least there'll be no sponsor on the shirts next season.

[OldNick]

Personally, if the club want an option that costs them nothing (entirely within their right to do so), I don't see a problem with those who want to be able to pay over a longer period of time (which is a privilege, not a right, but one that many were understandably expecting to be available again this year) being charged interest by the finance provider.

 

The club get 100% of the money up front, so as far as the club are concerned, the transaction has been completed. Taking the adult ST renewal price in the Northam (£328 ), and charging an APR of 20% over six months, that's £32.80 extra the fan is paying for the added convenience of not having to pay for it all in one go. I don't think many would complain at that, and if, say, 1000 fans use that option, the club have an extra 1000 season ticket holders and the finance company have made more than £30k. Everyone's happy.

But the club may not wish to be tied to a finance provider as ML seems to be against that type of thing in his own life.

I find it hard to beleive fans can't go and get credit , and there must be many lenders who will be delighted to lend, sadly at high pecentages.

Sadly this board is like it was the last 3 years or so, fans threatening boycotts and harming the club financially.

Stu should be commended for trying to get alternative options,but Zebra finance will not be doing it for nothing, and so the club would be out of pocket

Are fans up in the air about interest free installments by the club?

Isuggest if NC was trying to rip the fans off, he would leave the installment plan and add a 50 administration fee.

You never know the plan all along was to offer that, after the hackles had been raised.

[SaintDonkey]

Stu you've aadmitted that fans would have to pay interest or admin fees if Zebra were handling this.

 

You've also argued that the 0% interest credit card isn't an option for everyone.

 

So what you're saying in a nutshell is that fans would pay a premium plan whether they have to sort out their own credit or go through Zebra. The only difference being that those who can't actually afford it and thus can't get any form of credit would be able to get a ticket through Zebra but not through arranging their own credit.

 

So fans who in the opinion of credit agencies would likely default on payments can't get season tickets. Unless the season ticket is changing to an electronic system there's no recall on them so all that's happening is people who previously might have been able to cop out of payments after a couple of months but still get in all season won't be able to get tickets.

 

Forgive me for not really thinking that's an issue I give a flying **** about. In fact good on the club for eliminating freeloaders.

Edited 4 June, 2010 by SaintDonkey
typos

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Throughout our lifes there will be times when you will have a lot of expendable income,living with parents,no mortgage,good job etc.Then there will be times when you find money is short,getting married,having kids,new house etc.

Sometimes people even get refused credit because at their address previously,someone there had bad credit,which has nothing what so ever to do with them.Thats life.

My point(eventually),is that our fan base is made up of many different people at different stages of their lifes.Why should anyone be denied the pleasure of watching Saints,when up to now its been readily available?

After all isnt a full stadium what everyone wants?

 

Right, I can't afford a season ticket this season as I can't afford another 600 pound to spend on train tickets to and from London as well as buying a house. But I don't blame Southampton. It's a choice I have to make. What would happen to all these people if their washing machones packed up? They wouldn't buy another one? Or they would find a way? If they are that close to the edge they really should be saving for contingency situations like this. Perhaps they could stop the Sky subscription. Either way, there HAS to be a reason that they have done this, or essentially people are saying that NC has more contempt for those that are fiscally challenged than Mr 'arrogant' himself. If that's the case, why don't you all march through the streets of Southampton to rid us of this wicked man.

 

Trust me when I say you can get CCJ's cleared from an address, as I had to do it, just takes a bit of effort.

[Neil]

Then there will be times when you find money is short,getting married,having kids,new house etc.

 

All personal decisions (perhaps not the kids sometimes though!), and ones that you can plan for in advance financially? Similar to getting a Season Ticket? Sacrifices are required, that's life.

 

When we get a garage bill that's a bit worse than expected, do we pay in installments?

[OldNick]

Stu you've aadmitted that fans would have to pay interest or admin fees if Zebra were handling this.

 

You've also argued that the 0% interest credit card isn't an option for everyone.

 

So what you're saying in a nutshell is that fans would pay a premium plan whether they have to sort out their own credit or go through Zebra. The only difference being that those who can't actually afford it and thus can't get any form of credit would be able to get a ticket through Zebra but not through arranging their own credit.

 

So fans who in the opinion of credit agencies would likely default on payments can't get season tickets. Unless the season ticket is changing to an electronic system there's no recall on them so all that's happening is people who previously might have been able to cop out of payments after a couple of months but still get in all season won't be able to get tickets.

 

Forgive me for not really thinking that's an issue I give a flying **** about. In fact good on the club for eliminating freeloaders.

very good post Donkey

[lenwilkins]

Exactly... it's all about squeezing as much money out of Saints fans as possible. I am absolutely amazed that nobody can see it.

 

The club don't want season ticket holders, they want 25,000 people paying on a game by game basis = more revenue.

 

Cortese is trying to build a 'RyanAir' model football club... I wonder how much our new 'in-house' catering will cost next season as well.... and the 'special 125th' shirt....

 

Interesting - so Stu just say for example you were setting up a business to run coach travel for away games. Would you operate it at cost or for a profit?

[Thedelldays]

Interesting - so Stu just say for example you were setting up a business to run coach travel for away games. Would you operate it at cost or for a profit?

good point

 

I wonder if stuey will offer an installment plan for each away game he sets his coach up for..?

 

bet he does not

[stevegrant]

good point

 

I wonder if stuey will offer an installment plan for each away game he sets his coach up for..?

 

bet he does not

I would imagine that if he had been running an installment plan for away coach travel for a decade, which 10% of his customer base had come to rely on over that period of time, he'd be pretty foolish to abolish it without giving any notice to those customers...

 

And in this particular case, his customers could easily use an alternative travel company, unlike the scenario you're trying (and failing) to compare it to.