Straw poll - Phase 1 / 2 prices

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 4:56 pm

The club has sent this response to a supporter who asked for Phase 2 prices to be frozen and the Burnley FC Supporters Groups would like to hear your views before we contact the club -

Although we thoroughly appreciate your support, unfortunately as all the communication stated at the time, and what still remains on the website now, we did explain that price freezes would only be guaranteed for those who did renew and kept their money on account for the duration of the current season.
As I’m sure you can appreciate, if we were to grant this along with the several other supporters who are in your position, then this would be unfair on the people who did choose to keep their money with us during the past year, as that was the promise we made to them.

********

So, if you were a Phase 1 supporter with the frozen price, would you be unhappy with the club/think it would be unfair on you, if they also froze prices for Phase 2 renewals? We have our view on this but would like to hear what you think.

Barry_Chuckle · Post by **Barry_Chuckle** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:02 pm

Prices should be frozen across the board.
I've paid in full and renewed, I'd rather Turf Moor have as many seats as possible occupied on match day.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:02 pm

I’m phase 1 and I would be delighted if they removed any increase for those in phase 2. It makes total sense to me.

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:07 pm

So they're putting prices up to be fair to us?

I'd be happy for them to be unfair and let everyone have Phase 1 prices. Just be honest and say we need to start charging 'Phase 2' prices now because that'll be your Early Bird price next year. And remember to be grateful for the 'discount' when the time comes.

yosserhughes · Post by **yosserhughes** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:09 pm

I'm phase 1 and have no problem with phase 2 being frozen. More fans inside TM the better.

Zlatan · Post by **Zlatan** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:10 pm

As I said on another thread, I’m phase 1 because I could, I think there’s absolutely no problem in offering the same price to those who chose for whatever reason or didn’t get the chance to renew. My memories may be a little blurred about what was offered/said last year, however I am fairly certain at one point supporters who didn’t get a chance to renew were told they would still get a chance to renew at the early bird price.

dandeclaret · Post by **dandeclaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:10 pm

As a supporter group, we demand further investment in the squad.

Prices, for the vast majority have been frozen for 7 years. They can't, and imo shouldn't, stay frozen any longer - the tickets are around 40% undervalued.

Unfortunately, further investment requires further income, and ticket revenue will have to be one of those areas.

Aclaret · Post by **Aclaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:14 pm

I'm phase 2, always pay cash up front, didn't bother last season because I knew there would be no footy to watch.
Happy to pay a small increase but if it's a big one.....well I hope it isn't.

Zlatan · Post by **Zlatan** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:15 pm

dandeclaret wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:10 pm
As a supporter group, we demand further investment in the squad.

Prices, for the vast majority have been frozen for 7 years. They can't, and imo shouldn't, stay frozen any longer - the tickets are around 40% undervalued.

Unfortunately, further investment requires further income, and ticket revenue will have to be one of those areas.

I’ve said it before, and I was corrected - but I am still unsure whether they have been “frozen”. I think they’ve always kept the early bird price at the same as the previous season full price - but there’s usually a short period where there are no ticket sales and all the marketing is updated and the small increase each year is applied.

Barry_Chuckle · Post by **Barry_Chuckle** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:17 pm

dandeclaret wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:10 pm
Unfortunately, further investment requires further income, and ticket revenue will have to be one of those areas.

So a £40 i(hypothetical) ncrease works out at £40k per 1000 ST"s sold. Guess 3000 renew at this price, that's £120k. I suppose we could buy another Dale Stephens in 7 years or so

The club would make more by encouraging more fans to attend, fanzone/club shop/ pies etc.

wilks_bfc · Post by **wilks_bfc** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:20 pm

I’m phase 1 and as I put on the other thread wouldn’t have any issue for those in phase 2 to have the early bird price.

The last 12 months have been like no other.
It’s not as though those that didn’t renew for 20/21 didn’t have a valid reason. They either, rightly, believed that we wouldn’t get onto any games this season, or were unsure of their own circumstances

I was fortunate enough to be able to continue paying for this seasons ticket, even though I knew was unlikely to use it. Others were not in that situation

Bordeauxclaret · Post by **Bordeauxclaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:20 pm

Quite a stretch to imagine any price increase would effect our transfer budget to any worthwhile degree.

You’d think after this week it would be an ideal opportunity to show fans they care.

Grumps · Post by **Grumps** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:20 pm

I always pay up front, in the earlybird period. As a one off I'd have no objection to phase 2 being same as 1, but only this year. There has to be some benefit /incentives to pay early.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:21 pm

Grumps wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:20 pm
I always pay up front, in the earlybird period. As a one off I'd have no objection to phase 2 being same as 1, but only this year. There has to be some benefit /incentives to pay early.

There’s never been a phase 1 or 2 before - these are both before the window opens for post early bird.

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:25 pm

dandeclaret wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:10 pm
As a supporter group, we demand further investment in the squad.

Prices, for the vast majority have been frozen for 7 years. They can't, and imo shouldn't, stay frozen any longer - the tickets are around 40% undervalued.

Unfortunately, further investment requires further income, and ticket revenue will have to be one of those areas.

Not sure how any increased income which would be generated from Phase 2 and 3 renewals will help investment in the squad. A 10% increase in Phase 2 would generate around £180k, less the loss of income from any of the 6000 Phase 2 people who don't renew because of the increase. So if 1000 didn't renew the net loss to the club would be around £120,000. But this poll isn't about whether or not prices should not go up ever, it's trying to find out the views of Phase 1 people to there being a freeze for Phase 2.

fidelcastro · Post by **fidelcastro** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:26 pm

I'm phase 1 and when we are finally allowed back into the stadium, I want it to be as full as possible. Therefore, I've no problem with the idea of a price freeze, as this increase for those who didn't renew is likely to put many off attending, in my view.

GeorgeBoydsHeadBand · Post by **GeorgeBoydsHeadBand** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:28 pm

I would like to see our club continue a freeze on season tickets across the board for this season.
Many people have gone through tough times, being furloughed, loosing their jobs, businesses going bust and struggling.
Once fans return, then look to discuss a price increase.
Better to have a full Turf Moor every game than empty seats.

Targetman · Post by **Targetman** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:29 pm

I'm Phase 1 but I wouldn't feel let down if prices were frozen for Phase 2.

The more supporters we have the better as far as I'm concerned.

Duffer_ · Post by **Duffer_** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:36 pm

I'm Phase 1 and would prefer Phase 2 to be at the same price.

#NotInMyName

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:37 pm

I renewed in Phase 1, but I’d be more than happy for prices to be frozen for all.

However I really don’t see how any price increases can be seen as unfair as the likelihood of this happening was explained at the time. If the 40% undervalued figure is correct then the club need to start bridging this gap. This isn’t a question of ‘what would £180k extra get us’, it’s basic business. If the product it worth more then the club are losing out on revenue.

Also worth bearing in mind that even if prices are frozen for everyone this season then we will all face a price increase next season, and potentially a slightly larger one if the club delay price rises for those renewing in phase 2. I’ve no doubt that there will be the same complaints this time next season.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:43 pm

Rileybobs wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:37 pm
I renewed in Phase 1, but I’d be more than happy for prices to be frozen for all.

However I really don’t see how any price increases can be seen as unfair as the likelihood of this happening was explained at the time. If the 40% undervalued figure is correct then the club need to start bridging this gap. This isn’t a question of ‘what would £180k extra get us’, it’s basic business. If the product it worth more then the club are losing out on revenue.

Also worth bearing in mind that even if prices are frozen for everyone this season then we will all face a price increase next season, and potentially a slightly larger one if the club delay price rises for those renewing in phase 2. I’ve no doubt that there will be the same complaints this time next season.

It’s not about next season it’s about them separating loyal season ticket holders into two groups. This was the Garlick/Hart bullying tactic to try and persuade people to keep their money in the account. And then there were those who didn’t renew because they closed renewals with no notice.

But we’ve been through all this. Do the right thing Burnley FC and keep the existing prices at least for those who bought tickets and withdrew their money and for those who weren’t able to renew at all. Let’s ensure we get fans in when it’s safe for us all to go back.

clarethomer · Post by **clarethomer** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:44 pm

Barry_Chuckle wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:17 pm
So a £40 i(hypothetical) ncrease works out at £40k per 1000 ST"s sold. Guess 3000 renew at this price, that's £120k. I suppose we could buy another Dale Stephens in 7 years or so
The club would make more by encouraging more fans to attend, fanzone/club shop/ pies etc.

Would this pay the interest to Michael Dell though?

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:44 pm

I don't know where Dan gets his figures from for 40% under valued STs, but I reckon the clubs supporters that do pay 40% more, watch better players than ours week in week out.

taio · Post by **taio** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:45 pm

I'm phase 1 and would be happy with phase 2 freeze.

Then for 2022/23 and beyond should apply across the board annual increases.

claretandy · Post by **claretandy** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:51 pm

I'm phase 1, would rather they didn't alienate phase 2 fans by putting up the prices.

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:04 pm

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 5:43 pm
It’s not about next season it’s about them separating loyal season ticket holders into two groups. This was the Garlick/Hart bullying tactic to try and persuade people to keep their money in the account. And then there were those who didn’t renew because they closed renewals with no notice.

But we’ve been through all this. Do the right thing Burnley FC and keep the existing prices at least for those who bought tickets and withdrew their money and for those who weren’t able to renew at all. Let’s ensure we get fans in when it’s safe for us all to go back.

Totally agree with the idea to keep prices the same across the board. I just don’t agree that it was bullying tactics. I saw it as an incentive for fans to keep their money with the club in the knowledge that they would be charged the same for a 21/22 season ticket as they would have been for a 20/21 season ticket. At the point of purchase a 20/21 season ticket did not guarantee a price freeze for the following season.

The amount of bad will that this has created shows that it is probably a poor decision by the club. But I also think that price increases this time next year would also be met with negativity from people who understandably just don’t like parting with their cash.

We have a different opinion on this which is fine. And like you I’d be delighted if the club froze prices for everyone.

9thMay1987 · Post by **9thMay1987** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:05 pm

Im Phase 1, but any price increase after such a difficult year would not be welcome.

BleedingClaret · Post by **BleedingClaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:09 pm

I’m another phase 1 that would like phase 2 to get the same price
The club using fairness to phase 1 fans as an excuse for price rises obviously haven’t consulted the fans
Seems to be the order of the day at present
But so is a climb down and apology.
Go on BFC see sense
You can hardly blame fans for not paying this season on a promise of football next season, that could still even now not materialise, and especially as many may have been facing hardships with work and income.

SalisburyClaret · Post by **SalisburyClaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:38 pm

I’m P1 but no issue with extending the pricing.

Claretitus · Post by **Claretitus** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:43 pm

I’m Phase 1 also,but don’t have a problem with extending the freeze to anyone who now wants a ticket. Get bums on seats for the season- the more the merrier.

ICL · Post by **ICL** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:54 pm

I'm phase 1 and would be happy with phase 2 freeze.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:55 pm

Rileybobs wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:04 pm
Totally agree with the idea to keep prices the same across the board. I just don’t agree that it was bullying tactics. I saw it as an incentive for fans to keep their money with the club in the knowledge that they would be charged the same for a 21/22 season ticket as they would have been for a 20/21 season ticket. At the point of purchase a 20/21 season ticket did not guarantee a price freeze for the following season.

The amount of bad will that this has created shows that it is probably a poor decision by the club. But I also think that price increases this time next year would also be met with negativity from people who understandably just don’t like parting with their cash.

We have a different opinion on this which is fine. And like you I’d be delighted if the club froze prices for everyone.

I will never see it as anything other than bullying. They’d held peoples money for eight or nine months and then basically said that if you dared to ask for it back you could expect to pay more and potentially having to pay up front.

This, and the absolute nonsense of the new ticketing system is driving people away. Not you, not me, but they need to do something quickly to get people back on side.

bodge · Post by **bodge** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:01 pm

The new owners and the club need to get supporters onside, so freeze them. PR is important for clubs like ours with a predominantly local fan base.

They will recoup it over time if people are enthused to renew with a price freeze.

Goalposts · Post by **Goalposts** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:07 pm

I usually leave it to the last week to renew my season ticket and pay cash, I’m trying to remember when season tickets were suspended, I’ve been a consistent season ticket holder for 35 years so not that pleased that I’m being penalised as a direct result of a world wide emergency

Goalposts · Post by **Goalposts** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:08 pm

I usually leave it to the last week to renew my season ticket and pay cash, I’m trying to remember when season tickets were suspended, I’ve been a consistent season ticket holder for 35 years so not that pleased that I’m being penalised as a direct result of a world wide emergency

Lambo · Post by **Lambo** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:24 pm

I understand why folk mention the frozen prices for 7 years but hear me out...I’ve been a season ticket holder for more years than I care to remember through all 4 divisions of English football and have always bought my ticket, paying in full rather than DD....with Covid and the lockdown and the floppy haired buffoon in no10 advising there’d be no fans allowed at grounds in the current season I made the decision not to part with my £400+ for my Bob Lord seat....now I’m after my seat again for 2021/22 and as I now come under phase 2 I’m unable to purchase it until 17th May when according to our American chairman “he can’t guarantee the early bird prices”...so, the club won’t at this moment in time accept my £400+ for a renewal of my season ticket for next season and that’s without mentioning the 4 games from 19/20 I’d paid for and not been able to attend....to say I’m pis**d off is putting it mildly and to me, due to the unforeseen circumstances that we’ve all had to endure, the least the club can do is extend the early bird prices for ALL previous season ticket holders....or does our new Chairman think what he’s doing is fair

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:33 pm

It's great to be receiving so many comments and I'll be summarising these into an email to the club on Sunday, so please keep them coming.

MrTopTier · Post by **MrTopTier** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:37 pm

bodge wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:01 pm
The new owners and the club need to get supporters onside, so freeze them. PR is important for clubs like ours with a predominantly local fan base.

They will recoup it over time if people are enthused to renew with a price freeze.

I like this Bodge, my sentiments exactly.

Back to the question I am happy to have a pay freeze for all this year. Next year will be different.

tarkys_ears · Post by **tarkys_ears** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:44 pm

I think Phase 1 people should be entitled to interest on their loan if the club want to go down this route.

claretsforever · Post by **claretsforever** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 8:14 pm

I am in phase 1 as I could carry on the direct debit luckly and think price should be same for phase 2, as people didn't renew as they couldn't as ticket office was shut for the pandemic before deadline was up, and also people had to take they money back or cancel direct debit as they will have needed money as they would have been furlough and would have been earning less money, these are reason why i think phase 2 people should pay same price as phase 1 and shouldn't be punished with a price increase, so keep the price same look after the fans and get more fans back in ground next season and it will also get the owner Alan pace in the fans good book.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 8:38 pm

I have absolutely no idea what’s going on, or why, or who said what to whom.

Seriously. No clue.

Not sure I want one either.

Marty Dobson · Post by **Marty Dobson** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 8:45 pm

I'm in phase 1 and have renewed. I have no problem with the club freezing prices for phase 2 for those who decided to wait. Many people suffered financially during lockdown and the last year hasn't been easy on family finances and peoples well being. So if the price freeze is applied to those in phase 2 I will be happy for fellow Clarets to benefit.

strayclaret · Post by **strayclaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 9:14 pm

Phase 1 and paid by DD, no problem whatsoever for anyone who didn’t/couldn’t renew by the old early bird deadline paying the same as I did.
The club have “shot them selves in their foot” by creating a PR disaster by simply not reintroducing a new early bird period even if it was for the 10 days or so which wasn’t served back in March 2020.
Whoever thought this current fiasco was a good idea,wants to be given their P45, for creating this situation.
Let common sense prevail and get bums on seats for next season.

daveisaclaret · Post by **daveisaclaret** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 9:16 pm

Leisure wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:33 pm
It's great to be receiving so many comments and I'll be summarising these into an email to the club on Sunday, so please keep them coming.

Thanks for doing this, Leisure. Really good of you.

turbo5 · Post by **turbo5** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 9:17 pm

My view is we haven't had a great season, seen very little investment in the past few years, uncertainty with the new owners, are we in debt from being in a cash rich position ? we are paying Directors wages now. What will football be like next season ? a few freebies and development players and a token gesture big name signing at the end of their playing career. Will we be herded in to the stadium in small groups like school children and given set times to enter? maybe with no concourse, for refreshments mask wearing when not seated etc ? We don't know what the COVID situation will be like. Maybe we may have a wave 3 or 4 or perhaps a new variant making the vaccines void.
A lot of people have fell out of love with football during lock down, people have found new hobbies and things to do and got out of the Saturday football habit. The premier league newbie bubble has long since gone.
My worry is we will lose fans , I know some will say they are plastic fans anyway so who needs them, but to fit in their fan category we would only have 5000 fans at the most.
I just hope the increase is less than 10% or I fear we will lose fans by the 1000's. Maybe a price increase if you go down the DD route but frozen if paid in full before a certain date.

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 9:34 pm

daveisaclaret wrote: ↑
Fri Apr 23, 2021 9:16 pm
Thanks for doing this, Leisure. Really good of you.

Thanks but I'm only doing this on behalf of the Burnley FC Supporters Groups and we feel that it's in the best interests of both fans and the club.

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Sat Apr 24, 2021 1:37 pm

Bump. (long time since I've done that with there being no away games!)

Boss Hogg · Post by **Boss Hogg** » Sat Apr 24, 2021 2:02 pm

Very unfair to penalise fans who stopped paying Direct Debits or didnt renew when it was clear we would not be able to attend. The club need to rectify this quickly or risk losing and alienating fans and long standing season tickets holders. People have had varying and some difficult things to deal with over the last year. It’s easy to lose fans but very hard to win them back. Leisure - You are doing a good job grabbing hold of these and standing up for supporters.

colner · Post by **colner** » Sat Apr 24, 2021 2:08 pm

I am phase 1 and it wouldnt bother me to keep the price for phase 2 showing no increase. In fact,the club would get some good publicity for doing so in light of what happened this week with the ESL fiasco but i understand plaudits dont pay the bills

Rombald · Post by **Rombald** » Sat Apr 24, 2021 2:10 pm

Leisure, thanks for the work you are doing currently..
Would you be able to find out the impact of Executive box seats on existing season ticket holders? I've sent emails to ticket office and slo but nothing back at all.. would be good to know options and timing for changing seats, should this be required.