Season Ticket Sales...

[iansums]

Will you admit you were wrong if season tickets are not at the expected level? ( I think we all agree that with our position and favourites for the league, we should have a significantly higher season ticket base ) ?

 

...and apologise. Come on Dave, you're beginning to forget things. Every retard when proven wrong has to admit they were wrong and apologise to you. I hope NC realises this.

[emerson massey]

 

Advertising on the OS is not 'advertising' in the sense of reaching out to the 'might renew/buy' group... because the majority of these people won't read the OS.

 

 

Just out of interest, what other methods of advertising season tickets should be used, and would their cost be viable?

[djharvey]

Will you admit you were wrong if season tickets are not at the expected level? ( I think we all agree that with our position and favourites for the league, we should have a significantly higher season ticket base ) ?

 

If only it was so simple!

The only people who will know if the season ticket sales figures have been a success is the people who made the decisions about pricing etc in the first place & the commercial reasons behind them! This would also have to take into account the extra profits (if any) made from tickets sold on a game by game basis and extra profits from new sales next season etc.

 

I here what you are saying DBP/Stu but it is not as simple as you would like to make it.

[Chez]

My guess is that we will sell roughly same as we did pre-season last season. If we do sell, say half the amount, then clearly I would be wrong!

 

considering the improvement to the side and the much, much, much higher expecation levels for the team, would you not have expected a significant rise in ST sales this year if the price, availability and method were the same as last summer?

[Dave Benson Phillips]

...and apologise. Come on Dave, you're beginning to forget things. Every retard when proven wrong has to admit they were wrong and apologise to you. I hope NC realises this.

 

I am happy to put my hands up, say sorry and admit I am wrong if SFC have sold a significant amount more season tickets next season. Is it unreasonable to ask the same of the people who have rubbished everything I have said?

[djharvey]

That could be a reason...

 

But...

 

If that was the case they would have to advertise the OS elsewhere other than the OS itself! Surely???

 

No, they can rely on peoples common sense that if you are wanting info on something you ask someone, pick up the phone, access the internet. It's just all so easy!

[Chez]

Just out of interest, what other methods of advertising season tickets should be used, and would their cost be viable?

a mailer to every person on the databse would have cost peanuts, as would an loose insert into the daily echo.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

If only it was so simple!

The only people who will know if the season ticket sales figures have been a success is the people who made the decisions about pricing etc in the first place & the commercial reasons behind them! This would also have to take into account the extra profits (if any) made from tickets sold on a game by game basis and extra profits from new sales next season etc.

 

I here what you are saying DBP/Stu but it is not as simple as you would like to make it.

 

I get the impression that you are starting to make your excuses. The economic climate is in a (slightly) better condition than it was this year, the club have had months to have the tickets on sale, 30k seats to sell, we don't have -10, we are red hot favourites, it was World Cup summer etc etc...

 

If the club don't hit 15,000 sales AT LEAST then it will be down to the clubs lack of customer focus with regards to the selling of the ticket.

 

Anyway, I think you are disagreeing just for the sake of it. And I am going round in circles. Let's just wait and see eh?

[Dave Benson Phillips]

No, they can rely on peoples common sense that if you are wanting info on something you ask someone, pick up the phone, access the internet. It's just all so easy!

 

I really hope you don't work in sales or own your own business if your business plan is to rely on peoples common sense to sell a product as oppose to advertise and market it.

 

What a numpty you are.

[NickG]

considering the improvement to the side and the much, much, much higher expecation levels for the team, would you not have expected a significant rise in ST sales this year if the price, availability and method were the same as last summer?

 

not really, think the feel good factor of the new regime probably grabbed a few undecided last season, but whilst in same division and similar pricing would think it would be fairly consistent amounts .

 

Lower pricing would have grabbed more.

[Weston Saint]

We had a group of 4 season tickets last year. We used one spare to bring others to the games and now two of those have bought season tickets themselves making 6 in total now. In addition to that the club were very helpful in releasing club seats to accommodate those extra two along side us. Hardly the move of a club trying to stop season tickets.

 

We can only wait and see how many season tickets are purchased. Until then I reserve my judgement.

[benjii]

The majority of people thinking of buying a ST or renewing won't think to look at the website?

 

Curious theory.

[NickG]

We had a group of 4 season tickets last year. We used one spare to bring others to the games and now two of those have bought season tickets themselves making 6 in total now. In addition to that the club were very helpful in releasing club seats to accommodate those extra two along side us. Hardly the move of a club trying to stop season tickets.

 

We can only wait and see how many season tickets are purchased. Until then I reserve my judgement.

 

Thanks - perhaps we can move on - season ticket sales are up 50% on last year! As a matter of interest, those two new season ticket holders, how on earth did they know they could buy them?

[djharvey]

I am happy to put my hands up, say sorry and admit I am wrong if SFC have sold a significant amount more season tickets next season. Is it unreasonable to ask the same of the people who have rubbished everything I have said?

 

I think you will find that with all the ticket pricing/policies at present and the general economic climate that there will not be a significant increase in season ticket sales. That is not to say that has been a commercial mistake. Surely DBP/Stu you realise that (salesman and all that).

 

Unless you know all the logic that went into these decisions you can only guess/presume/make it up!

[Dave Benson Phillips]

The majority of people thinking of buying a ST or renewing won't think to look at the website?

 

Curious theory.

 

3 groups.

 

People that WILL

 

People that MIGHT

 

People that WON'T

 

I am sure anyone who has worked in 'membership' sales will tell you that is the first rule of selling in Leisure memberships.

 

The people that WILL, will pro-actively seek prices through OS, telephone etc etc, you don't need to market or advertise to these people, they will renew regardless.

 

The people that MIGHT need to be pushed to sign on the dotted line, they won't pro-actively do it themselves, they might need a renewal pack, a phone call, a good deal, and email, prompting through advertising etc etc ... these are the people in the 'selling zone'

 

The club have done nothing to capture the people in the might group.

[Chez]

not really, think the feel good factor of the new regime probably grabbed a few undecided last season, but whilst in same division and similar pricing would think it would be fairly consistent amounts .

 

Lower pricing would have grabbed more.

so are you saying the higher pricing will bring in less then?

[benjii]

I think you will find that with all the ticket pricing/policies at present and the general economic climate that there will not be a significant increase in season ticket sales. That is not to say that has been a commercial mistake. Surely DBP/Stu you realise that (salesman and all that).

 

Unless you know all the logic that went into these decisions you can only guess/presume/make it up!

 

No, no. All you need is the back of a fag packet, a pencil and a strong sense of self-righteous indignation.

[djharvey]

I really hope you don't work in sales or own your own business if your business plan is to rely on peoples common sense to sell a product as oppose to advertise and market it.

 

What a numpty you are.

 

Numpty! I'm not the one working in Sales 'can i take your order please'. ;-) lmao

[NickG]

so are you saying the higher pricing will bring in less then?

 

no, just the opposite that, in current economic climate, a very low pricing would have attracted people who don't normally buy.

 

think pricing is fair.

[Weston Saint]

Thanks - perhaps we can move on - season ticket sales are up 50% on last year! As a matter of interest, those two new season ticket holders, how on earth did they know they could buy them?

They were interested in supporting Saints on a regular basis so approached us so they could sit with us. A simple email to the club sorted it. They (the club) were aware and when the new potential season ticket holders made direct contact the transaction was complete.

[djharvey]

No, no. All you need is the back of a fag packet, a pencil and a strong sense of self-righteous indignation.

 

lmao, nice.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

Benji, Harvey and Nick G .... ( same old 3 people mouthing I see )

 

You can alway respond in a constructive way, or get yourself onto Google and prove me wrong... there's a wealth of information on the internet.

 

I think it's more to do with you wanting a very cowardly pop at me, rather than not agreeing or understanding what I am saying.

 

Well either that or you are all a bit simple.

[NickG]

They were interested in supporting Saints on a regular basis so approached us so they could sit with us. A simple email to the club sorted it. They (the club) were aware and when the new potential season ticket holders made direct contact the transaction was complete.

 

Sorry Weston I was being bit petty in response to others complaints about lack of advertising meaning we won't sell. Think most people are fully aware about season tickets and will buy one if they want one.

[NickG]

Benji, Harvey and Nick G .... ( same old 3 people mouthing I see )

 

You can alway respond in a constructive way, or get yourself onto Google and prove me wrong... there's a wealth of information on the internet.

 

I think it's more to do with you wanting a very cowardly pop at me, rather than not agreeing or understanding what I am saying.

 

Well either that of you are all a bit simple.

 

we are not simple - just think you are wrong.

[djharvey]

Benji, Harvey and Nick G .... ( same old 3 people mouthing I see )

 

You can alway respond in a constructive way, or get yourself onto Google and prove me wrong... there's a wealth of information on the internet.

 

I think it's more to do with you wanting a very cowardly pop at me, rather than not agreeing or understanding what I am saying.

 

Well either that or you are all a bit simple.

 

The Internet! What is this strange thing called the internet, do you mean that modern technology that allows you to find out about anything you like? Even season Tickets! lmao

[Dave Benson Phillips]

we are not simple - just think you are wrong.

 

Can you put it in a constructive way then, using reasoned opinions, maybe backed up with some facts?

 

That would be much better than simply saying "you're wrong" , wouldn't it?

[Dave Benson Phillips]

The Internet! What is this strange thing called the internet, do you mean that modern technology that allows you to find out about anything you like? Even season Tickets! lmao

 

Are you about 12?

 

Infact your obsession with the ! and lol and lmao makes me believe you are BentheLegend... are you?

 

You answered my questions about being unable to give any constructive reply, instead hiding behind your PC having pops on a forum. How brave.

[benjii]

Benji, Harvey and Nick G .... ( same old 3 people mouthing I see )

 

You can alway respond in a constructive way, or get yourself onto Google and prove me wrong... there's a wealth of information on the internet.

 

I think it's more to do with you wanting a very cowardly pop at me, rather than not agreeing or understanding what I am saying.

 

Well either that or you are all a bit simple.

 

 

The old "mouthing-off, coward" routine again. It's a good one isn't it? You can trot it out in response to virtually any disagreement on an internet forum even if it makes no sense at all to do so; it really is brilliant.

 

And no, I can't go on Google and prove you "wrong" as we don't know: a) what the ST sales are; b) what the net take from home match receipts will be this season; © what the long-term strategy is and how this fits within it.

 

As it happens, I don't relaly disagree with you. I reckon the club could have pushed the STs more. I reckon they could have sold a few more if they'd really wanted. The difference is that I can see how they might have a sensible commercial strategy. You are in a strop because you apparently can't afford one (due to an unexpected expense, yes, we know) and so are ranting like a loon at any given opportunity. That's where we differ.

Edited 14 July, 2010 by benjii

[benjii]

Are you about 12?

 

Infact your obsession with the ! and lol and lmao makes me believe you are BentheLegend... are you?

 

You answered my questions about being unable to give any constructive reply, instead hiding behind your PC having pops on a forum. How brave.

 

And again!

 

:vuvu:

[djharvey]

Benji, Harvey and Nick G .... ( same old 3 people mouthing I see )

 

You can alway respond in a constructive way, or get yourself onto Google and prove me wrong... there's a wealth of information on the internet.

 

I think it's more to do with you wanting a very cowardly pop at me, rather than not agreeing or understanding what I am saying.

 

Well either that or you are all a bit simple.

 

I suppose now you are calling us cowards, your next move will be to suggest meeting up? Same old same old.

 

Grow up!

[djharvey]

 

The old "mouthing-off, coward" routine again. It's a good one isn't it? You can trot it out in response to virtually any disagreement on an internet forum even if it makes no sense at all to do so; it really is brilliant.

 

And no, I can't go on Google and prove you "wrong" as we don't know: a) what the ST sales are; b) what the net take from home match receipts will be this season; © what the long-term strategy is and how this fits within it.

 

As it happens, I don't relaly disagree with you. I reckon the club could have pushed the STs more. I reckon they could have sold a few more if they'd really wanted. The difference is that I can see how they might have a sensible commercial strategy. You are in a strop because you apparently can't afford one (due to an unexpected expense, yes, we know) and so are ranting like a loon at any given opportunity. That's where we differ.

 

Couldn't agree more!

[Dave Benson Phillips]

 

The old "mouthing-off, coward" routine again. It's a good one isn't it? You can trot it out in response to virtually any disagreement on an internet forum even if it makes no sense at all to do so; it really is brilliant.

 

And no, I can't go on Google and prove you "wrong" as we don't know: a) what the ST sales are; b) what the net take from home match receipts will be this season; © what the long-term strategy is and how this fits within it.

 

As it happens, I don't relaly disagree with you. I reckon the club could have pushed the STs more. I reckon they could have sold a few more if they'd really wanted. The difference is that I can see how this might be a sensible commercial strategy. You are in a strop because you apparently can't afford one (due to an unexpected expense, yes, we know) and so are ranting like a loon at any given opportunity. That's where we differ.

 

I am not ranting... I just don't like what is happening at the club and think Saints fans in the long term are going to get ripped off.

 

Why on earth would the club not disclose season ticket sales? It has no commercial impact whatsoever. David Luker was Ticket Office Manager then and now, he always has been forward in giving up to date figures with regards to season ticket sales, so why is he refusing to tell people the figures now?

 

As for my personal situation, I was kicking off about it long before I decided I wasn't going to renew due to another bill coming in. I have since found I could afford a season ticket, but won't on principle. I will spend my money on away games ( starting with Switzerland on Saturday ) .

[NickG]

Can you put it in a constructive way then, using reasoned opinions, maybe backed up with some facts?

 

That would be much better than simply saying "you're wrong" , wouldn't it?

 

You and I are guessing how many ticket sales there will be and whether a mailshot would have made any significant difference. There are no facts it opinion. I think yours is wrong. You think mine is wrong. Don't worry about it.

[djharvey]

I am not ranting... I just don't like what is happening at the club and think Saints fans in the long term are going to get ripped off.

 

Why on earth would the club not disclose season ticket sales? It has no commercial impact whatsoever. David Luker was Ticket Office Manager then and now, he always has been forward in giving up to date figures with regards to season ticket sales, so why is he refusing to tell people the figures now?

 

As for my personal situation, I was kicking off about it long before I decided I wasn't going to renew due to another bill coming in. I have since found I could afford a season ticket, but won't on principle. I will spend my money on away games ( starting with Switzerland on Saturday ) .

 

Are you sure it's not Stubborness?

[NickG]

I am not ranting... I just don't like what is happening at the club and think Saints fans in the long term are going to get ripped off.

 

Why on earth would the club not disclose season ticket sales? It has no commercial impact whatsoever. David Luker was Ticket Office Manager then and now, he always has been forward in giving up to date figures with regards to season ticket sales, so why is he refusing to tell people the figures now?

 

As for my personal situation, I was kicking off about it long before I decided I wasn't going to renew due to another bill coming in. I have since found I could afford a season ticket, but won't on principle. I will spend my money on away games ( starting with Switzerland on Saturday ) .

 

Can I genuinely, and politely remind you what this is - its a sport, entertainment, a hobby! We, rightly so, do not run the club. I love going and enjoy the majority of games (with a bit of sulking after defeats!). If you enjoy it - go, if you don't, or want to do something else then don't go. You don't have any more idea about whats going on in NC's head than I do. To not go out of "principal" sounds mad. We are not talking about apartheid, dictatorships etc - we are talking about you not being able to use an installment plan????

[Dave Benson Phillips]

Can I genuinely, and politely remind you what this is - its a sport, entertainment, a hobby! We, rightly so, do not run the club. I love going and enjoy the majority of games (with a bit of sulking after defeats!). If you enjoy it - go, if you don't, or want to do something else then don't go. You don't have any more idea about whats going on in NC's head than I do. To not go out of "principal" sounds mad. We are not talking about apartheid, dictatorships etc - we are talking about you not being able to use an installment plan????

 

If this is a hobby, and you don't like to discuss the football club and the way it is being run... can you tell me why...

 

1) You have 10,280 posts, the majority of which to do with politics of football and not the game itself.

2) You have commented time and time again on threads about installment plans which you are trying to make out you don't give a sh!t about.

 

Seems a bit hypocritical, don't you think?

[NickG]

I post, unlike some, on football threads - but there are not many at the moment.

 

I do like to discuss the club and how it is run - but there is a lot we don't know, what I said is that we do not run the club (rightly so) not that we should not have a view on it.

 

I was a user of the installment plan and have never once said I don't give a sh!t about it.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

I post, unlike some, on football threads - but there are not many at the moment.

 

I do like to discuss the club and how it is run - but there is a lot we don't know, what I said is that we do not run the club (rightly so) not that we should not have a view on it.

 

I was a user of the installment plan and have never once said I don't give a sh!t about it.

 

Maybe there is alot that certain people do know.

 

I will leave you with this thought, as I am off out.

 

Why are the people who think Cortese is trying to rip off Saints fans etc the more 'connected' posters, like Steve Grant, Darren W and Nick Illingsworth ( ableit on his own site ) .

 

There is lots to back up certain peoples negative thoughts on Cortese, but even more reason not to divulge them on a public forum.

Edited 14 July, 2010 by Dave Benson Phillips

[OldNick]

I dont think in the current financial situation this country is in, that you can expect S/T sales to be higher. If the club get close to last years figures, that will be credit to them.

Last season we had very low prices and a new hope with new owners with fans getting the feelgood factor again.

The club seem to be running a system of keeping certain information in house. i dont see as a privately owned business why they need to give the info out.

They are on a no win situation if they do

[OldNick]

 

Why are the people who think Cortese is trying to rip off Saints fans etc the more 'connected' posters, like Steve Grant, Darren W and Nick Illingsworth ( ableit on his own site ) .

 

.

i would think that NI has no reason to ever be in position to lecture on ripping people off after the Silverspoon event last season

[the saint in winchester]

Time for a group hug, guys.

Say to each other "you are my friend, I love and respect you."

Didn't any of you have mothers that did this when you squabbled with your sister/brother/friend?

[Dave Benson Phillips]

i would think that NI has no reason to ever be in position to lecture on ripping people off after the Silverspoon event last season

 

Fair comment, but the point I am making is that these 3 posters I plucked off the top of my head don't seem to be happy with Cortese, yet they are people you would expect to be ITK and privvy to information.

 

Why are the ITKers not happy with Cortese?

[NickG]

perhaps because they think they should be involved in running the club? Have more ITK?

[grammy]

Just ordered mine. Had to wait for my new Halifax credit card to come through. (11 months interest free) Works out better for me than the installment plan. Just have to find a card with a similar deal for next season. Happy days COYR

[djharvey]

Maybe there is alot that certain people do know.

 

I will leave you with this thought, as I am off out.

 

Why are the people who think Cortese is trying to rip off Saints fans etc the more 'connected' posters, like Steve Grant, Darren W and Nick Illingsworth ( ableit on his own site ) .

 

There is lots to back up certain peoples negative thoughts on Cortese, but even more reason not to divulge them on a public forum.

 

These are the people that apparently are/were the more connected and now seem pretty peeved that they are not getting the answers/info they want/like!

[dannysfc]

I went down to get the new Saints home shirt aswell as going to the ticket office to enquire about getting a season ticket for me and my brother for next season and the guy working at the desk showed me a plan and I could see that there are still some seats avaliable and once I've checked with my brother then I will more than likely to go ahead and get one either in the Northam or either the Kingsland/Itchen Norths but will let you all know what happens!

[Gemmel]

In essence Dbp is right, the club has almost actively discouraged season tickets, with the price rises, low key release, withdrawal of the payment plan, small window of time to buy one, the removal of half season tickets and no active marketing to renew or encourage new season ticket holders. I am not sure how anybody could really argue with that.

However when you take into consideration the additional costs of buying individual tickets and therefore the potential additional revenue for the club, the argument could be that that is the cost of success and is ultimately what is required to build a promotion challenging, self sufficient club. If we match or better our attendances from last season, the club will make more money, that's not fag packet maths, that's just fact.

 

So ultimately it's a trade off, but over an entire season, if you are looking purely at revenue, then it's not without risk. The whole philosophy is based on the fact we will be successfull and the fans will keep coming. Then you have to consider games that fans won't go to, (Whether they are on holiday or just don't fancy it) that would have been paid for with a season ticket, that will have no revenue from at all.

 

Time will tell whether it was or is the right stratergy, but I wouldn't be surprised, if this timenext year you turn your radio on to hear the lastest renewal dates and the fantastic offers and benefits of getting a season ticket for the Championship.

[djharvey]

In essence Dbp is right, the club has almost actively discouraged season tickets, with the price rises, low key release, withdrawal of the payment plan, small window of time to buy one, the removal of half season tickets and no active marketing to renew or encourage new season ticket holders. I am not sure how anybody could really argue with that.

However when you take into consideration the additional costs of buying individual tickets and therefore the potential additional revenue for the club, the argument could be that that is the cost of success and is ultimately what is required to build a promotion challenging, self sufficient club. If we match or better our attendances from last season, the club will make more money, that's not fag packet maths, that's just fact.

 

So ultimately it's a trade off, but over an entire season, if you are looking purely at revenue, then it's not without risk. The whole philosophy is based on the fact we will be successfull and the fans will keep coming. Then you have to consider games that fans won't go to, (Whether they are on holiday or just don't fancy it) that would have been paid for with a season ticket, that will have no revenue from at all.

 

Time will tell whether it was or is the right stratergy, but I wouldn't be surprised, if this timenext year you turn your radio on to hear the lastest renewal dates and the fantastic offers and benefits of getting a season ticket for the Championship.

 

 

Agreed!

[torsaint]

I went down to get the new Saints home shirt aswell as going to the ticket office to enquire about getting a season ticket for me and my brother for next season and the guy working at the desk showed me a plan and I could see that there are still some seats avaliable and once I've checked with my brother then I will more than likely to go ahead and get one either in the Northam or either the Kingsland/Itchen Norths but will let you all know what happens!

Did the plan look fairly full. Yours is the first real indication of the nos sold. Everyone else is bickering.

[slickmick]

Maybe we could get a poll on this subject.

It seems DBP is in the corner on his own on this one, but I know of 4 who don't look at this site or the official site and think its been very poorly handled by the club.