Cut your nose to spite your face

[mickerz-blade]

If I and members of my family stopped attending Blades games because of a point of principle about how you were treated by the club, the above statement would be true wouldn't it?

If the club however favoured potential new fans paying less than someone in the equivalent category and will not consider the loyalty over all the years and will not discuss the matter losing these fans then that should also mean the above statement would be true wouldn't it?

In both cases there is a loss. For the fans who won't attend on principle and the club who are losing income.

The club has been asked for a considered response but instead do not want to listen to our concerns.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

 

[raul]

Club sets prices/ t and c's.Pay it, irrespective of how you feel it's unjust because you had an ST in the past, or don't.

If enough don't then they'll have to review things.

I know this to be fact.

 

[mickerz-blade]

Club sets prices/ t and c's.Pay it, irrespective of how you feel it's unjust because you had an ST in the past, or don't.

If enough don't then they'll have to review things.

I know this to be fact.

So what if they promised to review things but did not?

 

[Ballinpigpubs13]

You're expendable just like the rest of us.

 

[Torrix1889]

It's the same with everything, how many times do you see, "available to new customers only" be it a discount for car insurance, Sky TV, Gym membership......I could go on.

The organisations involved take a calculated gamble that the income derived from "new" customers will outweigh the income lost by those who take exception.

100 new customers may pay only 60% of the cost of an ST, (for example)...but...they may spend 60% more in and around the club, (concession stands, shirts, programmes, club shop) than an "old stager" who has had his ST for 10 years but just turns up, watches the game then goes home. And for every 100 new customers you are only going to lose a low percentage of existing customers who will reluctantly pay the asking price because they want the product!

It's all about the percentages...!

 

[Grecian2000]

Whilst that's true Torrix (OK, I didn't put you on ignore despite the tits still not coming back!), all those other businesses have competitors who you could switch to at any given time. Football clubs do not and they exploit this situation continuously.
I now constantly switch energy suppliers, insurance providers and banks on an almost annual basis to get the best deals. I can't do that with SUFC and they know that full well.

In my view football clubs should look after the supporters they've got as that is where the next generation of fans will come from, it will NOT come from people swapping their club for ours because we let them in cheaper.

 

[Coily]

If I and members of my family stopped attending Blades games because of a point of principle about how you were treated by the club, the above statement would be true wouldn't it?

If the club however favoured potential new fans paying less than someone in the equivalent category and will not consider the loyalty over all the years and will not discuss the matter losing these fans then that should also mean the above statement would be true wouldn't it?

In both cases there is a loss. For the fans who won't attend on principle and the club who are losing income.

The club has been asked for a considered response but instead do not want to listen to our concerns.

If you were to do so then I'd suggest you were cutting off your nose as opposed to merely cutting your nose. But would it be true to suggest that you don't wish to do that?

While it might be considered irksome to see deals that advantage 'new' customers more than yourself, you have to consider whether you believe you are receiving value on the rate you are paying, irrespective of other prices on offer. If you believe you are, keep going. If not, stop.

Generally, I'd say United cater well for the loyal fan. If you are a ST holder, then you'll receive the advantages of guaranteed seat etc which newbies don't. Also, renewing ST holders pay less than new ST buyers which seems fair enough. If the club have some promotions, I'd wager that the majority of ST holders don't mind as they have their value already.

Perhaps you could put some meat on the bones and quantify how you and your family are getting such a raw deal in your view?

 

[Darren]

Whilst that's true Torrix (OK, I didn't put you on ignore despite the tits still not coming back!), all those other businesses have competitors who you could switch to at any given time. Football clubs do not and they exploit this situation continuously.
I now constantly switch energy suppliers, insurance providers and banks on an almost annual basis to get the best deals. I can't do that with SUFC and they know that full well.

In my view football clubs should look after the supporters they've got as that is where the next generation of fans will come from, it will NOT come from people swapping their club for ours because we let them in cheaper.

You could, in theory, start supporting Wednesday if you thought they offered a better value product, but, of course, you won't becauae you feel a strong emotional attatchment to United, which you don't feel for your bank, insurer etc.

It's an interesting philosophical questions as to whether businesses (like football clubs) which rely on their customers' irrational emotional loyalty have a moral duty not to behave like businesses which don't rely on such loyalty or whether they can just financially exploit his loyalty to the nth degree.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

If they can get away with it they will, simples.

 

[Eskimo]

I planned in advance and tayed in a hotel in London for £98. I met a guy in the bar who had booked in on Last Minute .com and was charged only £75. Should I be outraged, walk out and sleep in the park as a protest?

 

[Foxy]

If I and members of my family stopped attending Blades games because of a point of principle about how you were treated by the club, the above statement would be true wouldn't it?

If the club however favoured potential new fans paying less than someone in the equivalent category and will not consider the loyalty over all the years and will not discuss the matter losing these fans then that should also mean the above statement would be true wouldn't it?

In both cases there is a loss. For the fans who won't attend on principle and the club who are losing income.

The club has been asked for a considered response but instead do not want to listen to our concerns.

Out of interest, can I ask how you/members of your family were wronged and how new fans are being favoured?

Genuine question and concern, PM me if you don't want it public, but I'd be interested to know and could also enquire with certain contacts at the club if you wished? (if not, I'd not utter a word).

 

[judge]

Is cutting off your balls to spite your ass , that's what it is

 

[alcoblade]

People who think football's too expensive at BDTBL have lost the required interest. It's not feasible for us to make it cheaper and compete in the modern game.

If we get promoted to the Premier, 10,000 extra people who can't afford to go anymore will find an extra £200 on top of that which they can't now afford. Why is that?


UTB

 

[mickerz-blade]

Thank you to all those who put reasoned points forward instead of silly cartoons. (whoops what next?). Some good points to consider there.
So here is the story. Brother came home from Uni for the Coventry game. We went to promo dept to collect his ticket and just at the window we heard another Student from one of the Sheffield Uni s Paying £11 for his ticket. We inquired about why my brother, ex season ticket holder and a regular attendee of games should pay £18.50 for his ticket and the possible 1st attendee student should only pay £11. It turns out SUFC have a 'partnership' with the Sheffield Uni s which appears to be one way as the Uni s themselves get nothing from SUFC but they sell cheap tickets on behalf of SUFC. ( An inquiry was made as to the nature of the partnership and the above is what we were told it was).
Anyway this deal which I think is for 5 games per season has been going for a while and we had some discussions with the club during last season about it and a promised review was to take place during the closed season. We have asked the club for confirmation of the review and why the policy has not been changed to give the same deal for loyal students from other Uni s on those five games. After all most students are skint. The club has shut up shop about it and will not discuss the matter further.
Needless to say my Brother feels hard done to and will not attend out of protest. (He has managed to make five games so far this season).
The other four supporters (who attend more games)will also not be attending in support of my brother.
Because of the emotional attachment we will of course listen and watch out for the results and our teams progress especially as it seems the teams is getting on top of their game. (I suppose my thread title applies to us).
Someone mentioned the next generation of supporters. Well if my brother myself and others lose our passion for our club then that generation is less likely to develop it.

We have decided that we will still do things as a group on those match days spending our money on other forms of entertainment.

Foxy, I have no objection to any inquiry you wish to make of me or the club.

 

[mickerz-blade]

Foxy.
Another member has been told by CS on instruction from EW from the ticket office there will be no further discussion.

 

[yorkshirecoast]

Whilst the scenario outlined does sound unfair, I'm astonished that someone would stop going to the match as a protest. It's the Blades we support not the ticketing policy. Take it on the chin and keep going. UTB

 

[JohnDenver]

Mickerz, I'm happy to be shot down by the firing squad of popular opinion, but I think you've got less of a leg to stand on than a certain famous South African.

(and even less than Bert)

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Thank you to all those who put reasoned points forward instead of silly cartoons. (whoops what next?). Some good points to consider there.
So here is the story. Brother came home from Uni for the Coventry game. We went to promo dept to collect his ticket and just at the window we heard another Student from one of the Sheffield Uni s Paying £11 for his ticket. We inquired about why my brother, ex season ticket holder and a regular attendee of games should pay £18.50 for his ticket and the possible 1st attendee student should only pay £11. It turns out SUFC have a 'partnership' with the Sheffield Uni s which appears to be one way as the Uni s themselves get nothing from SUFC but they sell cheap tickets on behalf of SUFC. ( An inquiry was made as to the nature of the partnership and the above is what we were told it was).
Anyway this deal which I think is for 5 games per season has been going for a while and we had some discussions with the club during last season about it and a promised review was to take place during the closed season. We have asked the club for confirmation of the review and why the policy has not been changed to give the same deal for loyal students from other Uni s on those five games. After all most students are skint. The club has shut up shop about it and will not discuss the matter further.
Needless to say my Brother feels hard done to and will not attend out of protest. (He has managed to make five games so far this season).
The other four supporters (who attend more games)will also not be attending in support of my brother.
Because of the emotional attachment we will of course listen and watch out for the results and our teams progress especially as it seems the teams is getting on top of their game. (I suppose my thread title applies to us).
Someone mentioned the next generation of supporters. Well if my brother myself and others lose our passion for our club then that generation is less likely to develop it.

We have decided that we will still do things as a group on those match days spending our money on other forms of entertainment.

Foxy, I have no objection to any inquiry you wish to make of me or the club.

 

[alcoblade]

Mickerz -

Thank you to all those who put reasoned points forward instead of silly cartoons. (whoops what next?). Some good points to consider there.
So here is the story. Brother came home from Uni for the Coventry game. We went to promo dept to collect his ticket and just at the window we heard another Student from one of the Sheffield Uni s Paying £11 for his ticket. We inquired about why my brother, ex season ticket holder and a regular attendee of games should pay £18.50 for his ticket and the possible 1st attendee student should only pay £11. It turns out SUFC have a 'partnership' with the Sheffield Uni s which appears to be one way as the Uni s themselves get nothing from SUFC but they sell cheap tickets on behalf of SUFC. ( An inquiry was made as to the nature of the partnership and the above is what we were told it was).
Anyway this deal which I think is for 5 games per season has been going for a while and we had some discussions with the club during last season about it and a promised review was to take place during the closed season. We have asked the club for confirmation of the review and why the policy has not been changed to give the same deal for loyal students from other Uni s on those five games. After all most students are skint. The club has shut up shop about it and will not discuss the matter further.
Needless to say my Brother feels hard done to and will not attend out of protest. (He has managed to make five games so far this season).
The other four supporters (who attend more games)will also not be attending in support of my brother.
Because of the emotional attachment we will of course listen and watch out for the results and our teams progress especially as it seems the teams is getting on top of their game. (I suppose my thread title applies to us).
Someone mentioned the next generation of supporters. Well if my brother myself and others lose our passion for our club then that generation is less likely to develop it.

We have decided that we will still do things as a group on those match days spending our money on other forms of entertainment.

Foxy, I have no objection to any inquiry you wish to make of me or the club.

Mickerz - I take it when the club sell though the Uni they can in some way control them - is there some way they can guarantee that anyone saying they are a student is really a student, hence preventing the entire fanbase from becoming "students"?

UTB

 

[Rodders]

Mickerz -
Mickerz - I take it when the club sell though the Uni they can in some way control them - is there some way they can guarantee that anyone saying they are a student is really a student, hence preventing the entire fanbase from becoming "students"?

UTB

I would assume the student needs to provide a Sheffield/Hallam NUS card.

 

[alcoblade]

I would assume the student needs to provide a Sheffield/Hallam NUS card.

Aye, but what about a student from "Swansea". And what stops me getting one of thsoe cards?

UTB

 

[Rodders]

Aye, but what about a student from "Swansea". And what stops me getting one of thsoe cards?

UTB

As the partnership is between the Sheffield Uni's, I would imagine it would only be applicable to students there. Happy to be proved wrong!

 

[Eskimo]

I might be missing something but as I recall a student season ticket was £190 (for't kop) after the early bird discount period, before that it might have been £150.

Anyway at £190 with 23 matches at home each season that's about £8-25 per match which is much less than the £11 special deal that the Sheff Uni students enjoy innit? Don't tell them they might want a discount.

Tell this bro to get hisen a season ticket and get down t'Lane.

 

[mickerz-blade]

I might be missing something but as I recall a student season ticket was £190 (for't kop) after the early bird discount period, before that it might have been £150.

Anyway at £190 with 23 matches at home each season that's about £8-25 per match which is much less than the £11 special deal that the Sheff Uni students enjoy innit? Don't tell them they might want a discount.

Tell this bro to get hisen a season ticket and get down t'Lane.

You have obviously not read this thread correctly.
He was a season ticket holder through his school years and then got a place at Nottingham Uni. He cannot make all the games and possibly not even half due to working to help finance his student years.
He comes home when he can and goes to the games when he can so a season ticket is not an option. He is getting to a few more games than expected due to his working arrangements being more favourable than he thought.
His argument is, that the club know he is a 16 to 21 concession and they have had knowledge of him being a student and he has his student card to prove it. he has been as loyal as most who class themselves as loyal. Yet if he makes any of those five games when they are giving a discount to those in the same concession category he is treated less
favourably.
Sheffield student attending the five concession games pays £55.
Sheffield United loyal student fan attends those five games £92.50.

 

[JohnDenver]

Sheffield student attending the five concession games pays £55.
Sheffield United loyal student fan attends those five games £92.50.

I can appreciate that, but how many corporate types get in for free every other week? The club runs loss leaders in the hope of generating future business. Meanwhile it also runs a loyalty scheme to attempt to reward those who put most in over time.

There will always be a point where these two things cannot dovetail perfectly. If you're suggesting non-Sheffield students should get the same deal as Sheffield ones, I think you're wrong. The club is perfectly entitled to form local links.

In the past United have given away free tickets to various groups repeatedly over the course of a season. Just one of those tickets is probably worth half of the difference in cost in your example. Sometimes folk get lucky. It won't last forever.

The club have clearly made the decision that it's not worth reviewing the local student offer. If they had told you they had sat down in a room and argued long and hard before saying they're sticking with it, would you feel any better?

 

[Rodders]

You have obviously not read this thread correctly.
He was a season ticket holder through his school years and then got a place at Nottingham Uni. He cannot make all the games and possibly not even half due to working to help finance his student years.
He comes home when he can and goes to the games when he can so a season ticket is not an option. He is getting to a few more games than expected due to his working arrangements being more favourable than he thought.
His argument is, that the club know he is a 16 to 21 concession and they have had knowledge of him being a student and he has his student card to prove it. he has been as loyal as most who class themselves as loyal. Yet if he makes any of those five games when they are giving a discount to those in the same concession category he is treated less
favourably.
Sheffield student attending the five concession games pays £55.
Sheffield United loyal student fan attends those five games £92.50.

I have to say I'm not too sympathetic unfortunately. The Club are trying to branch out and entice new fans to come on board and are offering cheaper deals. If they offered the same prices to every single fan, the Club would make no revenue at all. It's one of those where you suck it up. For some matches there'll be some getting a better deal - for other matches you may be benefitting from some promotion or other. The Club simply cannot afford to offer the cheapest prices to every single fan out there sadly.

Edit: or what he said ^

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Sheffield student attending the five concession games pays £55.
Sheffield United loyal student fan attends those five games £92.50.

The club don't need to do anything to attract the loyal student, they do need to do something to attract the other students.

Sheffield apparently has a very high rate of student retention post graduation. It makes perfect sense to try and get them hooked whilst they're here.

You might as well moan about season ticket holders not getting a good deal, when the club does £10 or quid a kid games.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

People who think football's too expensive at BDTBL have lost the required interest. It's not feasible for us to make it cheaper and compete in the modern game.

If we get promoted to the Premier, 10,000 extra people who can't afford to go anymore will find an extra £200 on top of that which they can't now afford. Why is that?


UTB

Higher quality product?

 

[alcoblade]

Higher quality product?

So, they aren't actually skint then? They can afford it, but don't think it's worth it - exactly my point.

UTB