Free Programmes?

[ianallon]

Just a thought. A free programme included in the price of admission to earn more cash.

Here’s the thinking behind it. I often have to purchase glossy leaflets, brochures and newspapers. I usually buy about 50,000 at a time. However, sometimes I would like to purchase just a few thousand for a specific job, but this proves much too expensive. The reason is because the first few thousand of a print job are very expensive. Any over and above this are very cheap indeed.

I’m guessing that we buy about 2,000 programmes for each match? I would have thought that an extra 4,000 would not cost a huge amount more.

I pay £15 to get in at the moment. How about charging £17, but give me a programme, free of charge, as I come in?

It will mean that the minimum cost of attending a match will increase. However, we would therefore be making an extra £2 from my entry. I would feel OK about that, as I will receive a programme worth (from memory) £2.50. All supporters would then have a better knowledge of what is going on in the club and this could improve supporter loyalty. We would save money as we wouldn't have to pay programme sellers. Also, there could be an increase in advertising money through more people reading about advertiser’s products.

I haven’t given too much thought to the above costs and don’t expect this to be the idea to clear all our debts, but I think it could generate an increase in income.

What do people think?

 

[Nick Hester]

Just a thought. A free programme included in the price of admission to earn more cash.

Here’s the thinking behind it. I often have to purchase glossy leaflets, brochures and newspapers. I usually buy about 50,000 at a time. However, sometimes I would like to purchase just a few thousand for a specific job, but this proves much too expensive. The reason is because the first few thousand of a print job are very expensive. Any over and above this are very cheap indeed.

I’m guessing that we buy about 2,000 programmes for each match? I would have thought that an extra 4,000 would not cost a huge amount more.

I pay £15 to get in at the moment. How about charging £17, but give me a programme, free of charge, as I come in?

It will mean that the minimum cost of attending a match will increase. However, we would therefore be making an extra £2 from my entry. I would feel OK about that, as I will receive a programme worth (from memory) £2.50. All supporters would then have a better knowledge of what is going on in the club and this could improve supporter loyalty. We would save money as we wouldn't have to pay programme sellers. Also, there could be an increase in advertising money through more people reading about advertiser’s products.

I haven’t given too much thought to the above costs and don’t expect this to be the idea to clear all our debts, but I think it could generate an increase in income.

What do people think?

I think its a sh*te idea.

 

[Nick Hester]

I think its a sh*te idea.

Sorry, thats a bit harsh!

But you did ask...personally I don't think it is a very good idea (you possibly gathered that from my first post!!)

 

[larrysigny]

I think its a sh*te idea.

Why?

 

[Banana]

Why?

Why not answer your outstanding questions before you ask any?

 

[JBN]

Why?

Domino effect.

Today a program, tomorrow a Fanzine

 

[Claire]

i dont think people would pay the increased price..

 

[Brain-dead Bee]

How is it free if the cost of it is put on the price of admission (even if £2 instead of £2.50)? Though I normally buy one myself, I think a number of people would be annoyed at being charged for something they may not want, and we don't want to p*** off any more fans at the moment.

Free papers are funded by the advertisers, but I don't see how we would get advertisers willing to stump up the difference

 

[rebus]

BFC have outsourced their programme operation since 2004. So this idea would impractical for various contractual reasons.

Outsourcing has meant the club has makes a profit on programme sales, which did not happen prior to this date.

 

[Nick Hester]

Why?

Because it is..

I haven't the time to go through all the reasons, financials etc as I have a job to keep down, I do however realise that a lot of old people have loads of time on their hands, so put the tuesday 'tins of beans rearranging in cupboard' chore down Larry, take a while to think a bit and maybe you can answer the question yourself?

 

[Bee H]

I haven't the time to go through all the reasons, financials etc as I have a job to keep down, I do however realise that a lot of old people have loads of time on their hands, so put the tuesday 'tins of beans rearranging in cupboard' chore down Larry, take a while to think a bit and maybe you can answer the question yourself?

lol lol

 

[SpiderBee]

You guys are starting to bitch again!
If I have to come round there...........

 

[ianallon]

BFC have outsourced their programme operation since 2004. So this idea would impractical for various contractual reasons.

Outsourcing has meant the club has makes a profit on programme sales, which did not happen prior to this date.

I wouldn’t think that this would be a problem. Any printer that I use supply extra leaflets/brochures etc at approximately a 70% discount. I would have thought our contractor would not be against earning a bit extra too.

 

[rebus]

I wouldn’t think that this would be a problem. Any printer that I use supply extra leaflets/brochures etc at approximately a 70% discount. I would have thought our contractor would not be against earning a bit extra too.

I don't think you've read what I wrote. :scratch:

 

[ianallon]

I don't think you've read what I wrote. :scratch:

I have :scratch:

 

[nocoat]

Very bad idea IMO for various reasons. But I am not allowed to post on Bees related things due to a self imposed exile so please ignore me

 

[Simon C]

I still wouldn't buy one.

 

[Gee Bee]

Fans should get a choice whether they want to buy a programme or not. A bloke that attends with his 3 kids is hardly likely to want 4 programmes is he?
There are already moans at the £20 cost to see a game now, to say it would now be £22 but you get a programme free is a complete non starter in my book.

 

[cpbee2]

Just a thought. A free programme included in the price of admission to earn more cash.

Here’s the thinking behind it. I often have to purchase glossy leaflets, brochures and newspapers. I usually buy about 50,000 at a time. However, sometimes I would like to purchase just a few thousand for a specific job, but this proves much too expensive. The reason is because the first few thousand of a print job are very expensive. Any over and above this are very cheap indeed.

I’m guessing that we buy about 2,000 programmes for each match? I would have thought that an extra 4,000 would not cost a huge amount more.

I pay £15 to get in at the moment. How about charging £17, but give me a programme, free of charge, as I come in?

It will mean that the minimum cost of attending a match will increase. However, we would therefore be making an extra £2 from my entry. I would feel OK about that, as I will receive a programme worth (from memory) £2.50. All supporters would then have a better knowledge of what is going on in the club and this could improve supporter loyalty. We would save money as we wouldn't have to pay programme sellers. Also, there could be an increase in advertising money through more people reading about advertiser’s products.

I haven’t given too much thought to the above costs and don’t expect this to be the idea to clear all our debts, but I think it could generate an increase in income.

What do people think?

I don't think it would work - but thanks for taking the time to come up with an idea.

xx

 

[fencer/bee]

ok make it addmisson and a pie...paddock fatties would have some of that...

 

[ianallon]

I don't think it would work - but thanks for taking the time to come up with an idea.

xx

Doesn’t sound like there’s much support for my idea, but I still think the financial benefits are there. The £2 I mentioned was just a figure plucked from the air and could be much less.

Oh well, will go away and think of another money making scheme. Hey, how about making the plastic tea/coffee/Bovril cups ever so slightly smaller?

 

[cpbee2]

Oh well, will go away and think of another money making scheme. Hey, how about making the plastic tea/coffee/Bovril cups ever so slightly smaller?

I thought of a little gift to give people when the put something in the bucket - hopefully it would encourage people to dig deeper!

doesn't have to be much - a sticker, a ribbon, logobug!

ah well - I think its a good idea and won't have anyones say otherwise!

 

[AB]

In theory you could bundle a lot of different things in with the admission ticket price (eg programme, drink, pie) so that the costs of the individual elements of the bundle were not transparent. This can work where the basic product is not particularly attractive on its own eg a night at the dogs but appears to be good value when a reasonable sounding entry price includes a drink, meal and bet. However, people don't come to the Bees for an afternoon out in the same way that non-regulars might do a night at the dogs so it would be apparent that they were paying more than they might for just the match ticket, which is all they want. If we were Arsenal or Man U and could fill the stadium over again and wanted to reduce whinging for a ticket price hike this might work.

At the level of current support, ie pretty much near the hardcore, there probably wouldn't be much erosion of support but it would generate annoyance and therefore make fans more likely to switch away the next time there was a disappointment.

 

[Beebop]

I also think that the free programme with admission raised is a non-starter however I would like to see a free programme issue containing a hard hitting potted history of the reason we are in the present parlous state together with a realistic breakdown of the debt and how we could alliviate it.Perhaps written by someone who doesn't mind treading on toes.This should really come from the BU committee and would be a sure-fire way of getting to every attendee.There are always moans about the inability of the hoi-polloi to grasp the reality of the situation and this may be a chance to rectify it as well as getting a few new members and S.O.contributions.

 

[Gee Bee]

I also think that the free programme with admission raised is a non-starter however I would like to see a free programme issue containing a hard hitting potted history of the reason we are in the present parlous state together with a realistic breakdown of the debt and how we could alliviate it.Perhaps written by someone who doesn't mind treading on toes.

Graham Haynes or Larry Signy then.

 

[Beebop]

Graham Haynes or Larry Signy then.

I've always liked comedy duoslol

 

[WisBee]

I also think that the free programme with admission raised is a non-starter however I would like to see a free programme issue containing a hard hitting potted history of the reason we are in the present parlous state together with a realistic breakdown of the debt and how we could alliviate it.Perhaps written by someone who doesn't mind treading on toes.This should really come from the BU committee and would be a sure-fire way of getting to every attendee.There are always moans about the inability of the hoi-polloi to grasp the reality of the situation and this may be a chance to rectify it as well as getting a few new members and S.O.contributions.

..........not too sure that you'll find anyone on the "BU Committee" 'who doesn't mind treading on toes'........mutual exclusivity I think.......but I'm willing to be corrected...........

 

[Simon C]

..........not too sure that you'll find anyone on the "BU Committee" 'who doesn't mind treading on toes'........mutual exclusivity I think.......but I'm willing to be corrected...........

I know you're wrong there. However the toes to be trod on would be someone who would demand all his money back immediately if the people you suggest do what you're suggesting.

 

[WisBee]

I know you're wrong there. However the toes to be trod on would be someone who would demand all his money back immediately if the people you suggest do what you're suggesting.

..............wasn't my suggestion, just adding to the party...........




(anyway, I'm sure you're wrong also...................abee just doesn't come across as someone who'd throw his toys out of the pramlol)

 

[SpiderBee]

I also think that the free programme with admission raised is a non-starter however I would like to see a free programme issue containing a hard hitting potted history of the reason we are in the present parlous state together with a realistic breakdown of the debt and how we could alliviate it.Perhaps written by someone who doesn't mind treading on toes.This should really come from the BU committee and would be a sure-fire way of getting to every attendee.There are always moans about the inability of the hoi-polloi to grasp the reality of the situation and this may be a chance to rectify it as well as getting a few new members and S.O.contributions.

Thats a fanzine isn't it....normally where most truths can be found?

 

[Simon C]

(anyway, I'm sure you're wrong also...................abee just doesn't come across as someone who'd throw his toys out of the pramlol)

Is that a joke?

 

[Simon C]

Thats a fanzine isn't it....normally where most truths can be found?

Free TITS? That would get the crowds flocking back to GP

 

[PJ]

Perhaps written by someone who doesn't mind treading on toes.This should really come from the BU committee and would be a sure-fire way of getting to every attendee.There are always moans about the inability of the hoi-polloi to grasp the reality of the situation and this may be a chance to rectify it as well as getting a few new members and S.O.contributions.

A good suggestion but i think the programme is the wrong tool as a/ it wouldnt get printed \ cant be written "officially" as per terms of BU/Rn agreements and b/ only roughly half the crowd buy a programme i think.

Would suggest a big back-page article on the Chronny outlining the situation - this could be written independently. 5,000 free Chronnies on the turnstiles at point of entry. The Chronny might do that for nothing, if not i`m sure an arrangement could be reached...
Either that or 5,000 flyers distributed just outside turnstiles, or perhaps flyers in addition to the paper would really ram home the message to anyone unaware of BFCs perilous state

 

[WisBee]

Is that a joke?

................I'll give you a big clue.......................















lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol

 

[JBN]

5,000 free Chronnies

I supose the remaining 500 could go in the recycle bin

 

[Gee Bee]

Either that or 5,000 flyers distributed just outside turnstiles, or perhaps flyers in addition to the paper would really ram home the message to anyone unaware of BFCs perilous state

Didn't BIAS do something similar quite recently?

 

[PJ]

Didn't BIAS do something similar quite recently?

they might have done, dont recall. But am worried we`re going from intensive care to coma mode at the moment :sad:

 

[Gee Bee]

they might have done, dont recall. But am worried we`re going from intensive care to coma mode at the moment :sad:

You are right and it probably does need re-addressing. From memory BIAS did a flyer around the time of the original takeover timetable set out by BU sept 05. So another memory nudge could help. However we need so much more tha some extra BU members and a few hundred quid here and there. Real big money is required and only someone like Lange gifting his shares could set that sort of ball rolling imho.

 

[Beebop]

I thought that the point was that supporters didn't get the point/understood the machinations of the situation,coupled with the lack of membership and contributions to BU.A free programme with a heavyweight article spelling it out and given on entry would,I felt,sorry IMHO,be better than binned flyers from BIAS or any other body.The chronicle,once you passed through the ASBO notices to the sports page would likewise be binned.An official programme would appear to have some credibility and probably be taken home to be read later,or am I living in cloud cuckoo land.

 

[Streetboy]

I would be more than happy to accept an article outlining exactly the situation we are in and why.
You soon run out of ideas trying to present the financial situation week in week out without repeating yourself, so fresh input would be welcome.
Last week, for example, we had an article detailing BU's negotiations with Noades re loan repayments, plus the annual financial report, plus BU pledging to crack down on agents fees and freebies.
As for dishing out free copies, that is above my remit and would go above me.

A good suggestion but i think the programme is the wrong tool as a/ it wouldnt get printed \ cant be written "officially" as per terms of BU/Rn agreements and b/ only roughly half the crowd buy a programme i think.

Would suggest a big back-page article on the Chronny outlining the situation - this could be written independently. 5,000 free Chronnies on the turnstiles at point of entry. The Chronny might do that for nothing, if not i`m sure an arrangement could be reached...
Either that or 5,000 flyers distributed just outside turnstiles, or perhaps flyers in addition to the paper would really ram home the message to anyone unaware of BFCs perilous state

 

[bees 1992]

i never buy programmes. i used to but it is a waste of money because i never read them when i get them. i wouldn't like to pay extra to get it.

 

[larrysigny]

Because it is..
I haven't the time to go through all the reasons, financials etc as I have a job to keep down, I do however realise that a lot of old people have loads of time on their hands, so put the tuesday 'tins of beans rearranging in cupboard' chore down Larry, take a while to think a bit and maybe you can answer the question yourself?

"Because it is.." A very reasoned argument.

My question wasn't a case of trying to figure it out for myself - I'll be able to make up my mind when I've heard all the arguments. Meanwhile - you have made a positive statement - justify it.

 

[WisBee]

..............don't get excited Larry, you're not going to be invited to contribute to the programme anyway.............if it comes off, this is to be a 'truth' edition..........

 

[Jimbee]

If there are people reading this thread who have an idea, no matter how outlandish, which may assist our plight financially, they're far less likely to make it public now.

 

[WisBee]

If there are people reading this thread who have an idea, no matter how outlandish, which may assist our plight financially, they're far less likely to make it public now.

.........because...............?.................

 

[coconino]

What about putting up the price of the programme to £3 but printing a voucher in it for £1 off entry at the turnstiles for the next match? Season-ticket holders could collect the vouchers towards a match not covered by the season ticket (cash punters use only one voucher per person).

I reckon (based on at least three minutes of idle thinking) that it would get more people buying programmes (as they would effectively be a bit cheaper) and people would give the vouchers to friends to use. Supporters who didn't begrudge the extra quid for the sake of the club's coffers could simply ignore the voucher, and it would also be a way of creating a price differential between home and away supporters without actually having a different cover price at each end of the ground.

I also have a sneaking feeling there may be some issue with VAT having to be charged on the cover price if there's a voucher so it may be not viable for that reason alone.

 

[paulmaddy]

Worth at least doing the figures before dismissing it out of hand.

Would be able to charge extra to advertisers if we increase our programme circulation by a couple of thousand.