Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Richie on March 12, 2012, 01:17:02 PM

Title: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Richie on March 12, 2012, 01:17:02 PM
I took advantage of the 4 for £50 ticket deal for the game on Saturday and received a call from the club on Friday night asking me amongst other things :-

1. If I knew where to park my car
2. If I was aware where to buy a programme

I appreciate the fact that the poor woman was only doing her job and obviously had a list of standard questions to ask, but a bit of research by the club would have shown them that I've had a season ticket for over 30 years and just didn't renew for the current season.

A lot more work required behind the scenes me thinks.

However, fair play to them for the ticket deal. I think these could well become the norm for the majority of matches next season.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: lovejoy on March 12, 2012, 02:22:25 PM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: MarkM on March 12, 2012, 03:52:28 PM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

I agree, I think that that call was a good way for the club to communicate.

Had you not beed a previous ST holder that kind of call could encourage you to come again.

They get a thumbs up from me for that kind of after sales follow up
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Apyadg on March 12, 2012, 04:46:40 PM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

In fairness, they don't need to do "detailed research", this is why they have client reference nubmers and customer databases. Even if he has multiple client references, it should take less time to take a cursory glance at his history than it does to dial the number.

You're right that it's not a big deal, it just seems that if they actually employ someone to make all of these calls, considering the volume of ticket sales they need to work through, they may as well filter out people who've been buying tickets for decades.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Legion on March 12, 2012, 06:22:17 PM
They never ring me. I'd love a call.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 12, 2012, 06:39:59 PM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

In fairness, they don't need to do "detailed research", this is why they have client reference nubmers and customer databases. Even if he has multiple client references, it should take less time to take a cursory glance at his history than it does to dial the number.

You're right that it's not a big deal, it just seems that if they actually employ someone to make all of these calls, considering the volume of ticket sales they need to work through, they may as well filter out people who've been buying tickets for decades.

And who may not have been this season at all and might appreciate being told of any changes. This one does smack of complaining for the sake of it.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 12, 2012, 06:43:13 PM
The club make an effort and still it's slated for not being good enough. Ask yourself what other business phones you up after spending £50 to ask that sort of thing?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: rutski on March 12, 2012, 07:20:33 PM
it is the ginger twats mcleishes fault, i saw him personally arranging these calls and he should be sacked immediately. the win on saturday has only put back the enevitable dismissal of the tosser!!!
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Clampy on March 12, 2012, 09:30:47 PM
If ringing up a customer to offer them help is 'clueless' then god help us. Absolutley ridiculous.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 12, 2012, 09:37:48 PM
The clueless f***ers have sold 1000 season tickets for next season today. They have never done that before in March, and this is when 'nobody is renewing.'
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Fergal on March 12, 2012, 09:43:06 PM
I took advantage of the 4 for £50 ticket deal for the game on Saturday and received a call from the club on Friday night asking me amongst other things :-

1. If I knew where to park my car
2. If I was aware where to buy a programme

I appreciate the fact that the poor woman was only doing her job and obviously had a list of standard questions to ask, but a bit of research by the club would have shown them that I've had a season ticket for over 30 years and just didn't renew for the current season.

A lot more work required behind the scenes me thinks.

However, fair play to them for the ticket deal. I think these could well become the norm for the majority of matches next season.
So where did you park your car and where did you buy the Programme? Did you manage to get past DW without being sold anything?
All these questions....
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: olofmilosevic on March 13, 2012, 04:51:18 AM
This is the most ridiculous thing I have heard! The club is attempting to give a bit a back by offering this assistance, if this offends you next season buy a season ticket!!!
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: pestria on March 13, 2012, 07:51:10 AM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

In fairness, they don't need to do "detailed research", this is why they have client reference nubmers and customer databases. Even if he has multiple client references, it should take less time to take a cursory glance at his history than it does to dial the number.

You're right that it's not a big deal, it just seems that if they actually employ someone to make all of these calls, considering the volume of ticket sales they need to work through, they may as well filter out people who've been buying tickets for decades.

And who may not have been this season at all and might appreciate being told of any changes. This one does smack of complaining for the sake of it.

No - it smacks of amateurish marketing by the club.  I agree with the OP, simple targeted marketing is far more efficient and effective which is why the best organisations do it.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 13, 2012, 10:21:59 AM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

In fairness, they don't need to do "detailed research", this is why they have client reference nubmers and customer databases. Even if he has multiple client references, it should take less time to take a cursory glance at his history than it does to dial the number.

You're right that it's not a big deal, it just seems that if they actually employ someone to make all of these calls, considering the volume of ticket sales they need to work through, they may as well filter out people who've been buying tickets for decades.

And who may not have been this season at all and might appreciate being told of any changes. This one does smack of complaining for the sake of it.

No - it smacks of amateurish marketing by the club.  I agree with the OP, simple targeted marketing is far more efficient and effective which is why the best organisations do it.

You can't get much more simple and targeted than contacting someone who's bought a ticket for the match and asking them if they know the layout of the ground. But carry on moaning if it makes you happy. 
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: bertlambshank on March 13, 2012, 10:25:43 AM
Dave where's my phone call after buying your publication?
Where is my email letting my know when it is out next?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 13, 2012, 10:26:30 AM
Dave where's my phone call after buying your publication?
Where is my email letting my know when it is out next?

Next Tuesday.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: not3bad on March 13, 2012, 10:28:50 AM
They never ring me. I'd love a call.

They called me the other week to ask me if I was happy with the company that organised the credit payments for the season tickets last year.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: bertlambshank on March 13, 2012, 10:29:27 AM
Dave where's my phone call after buying your publication?
Where is my email letting my know when it is out next?
I am out all day next Tuesday.

Next Tuesday.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: themossman on March 13, 2012, 10:31:14 AM
Ironic that we bemoan football clubs having become businesses and then analyse their direct marketing strategies on message boards.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on March 13, 2012, 12:47:28 PM
Since football was only invented in 1993, I can understand that some people wont be familiar with the name Aston Villa. So I think it's rather kind of the club to phone you to let you know that what you have purchased for your money is ninety minutes of frustration on a cold wet Saturday afternoon rather than that  nice Jacobean des res over the road from the ground.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 13, 2012, 02:04:02 PM
I am going to complain about the fixture books when they come out. Do they think we need to have the fixtures rammed down our throats? We get them in the Evening Mail, the national papers and the match programme. On second thoughts, I am complaining about the programme. We know who we are playing and we know who all our players are. It should just be a one pager full of useful adverts that are nothing to do with football. Those score boards can go as well.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 13, 2012, 03:03:00 PM
I am going to complain about the bastards moving my seat. What do you think to that then Knibby?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: PeterWithe on March 13, 2012, 03:08:33 PM
I got a ticket for next week for a tenner today, can't say fairer than that. 37 holes it should have been.

Back of the net.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 13, 2012, 03:57:47 PM
I am going to complain about the bastards moving my seat. What do you think to that then Knibby?
We did alright with that one. Ended up with better seats. Maybe we should have done a petition and a protest. That may have got us moved into the Directors Box.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 13, 2012, 04:09:43 PM
You're in there for the ressies anyway aren't you?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 13, 2012, 04:55:02 PM
I'm livid with Villa. How dare they sign Brett Holman without phoning me first to see if it met with my approval. Bastards.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 13, 2012, 04:58:53 PM
You're in there for the ressies anyway aren't you?
Only been in there for the NEX GEN this season. Paid in.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 13, 2012, 05:31:58 PM
It's okay Jon, you don't have to explain yourself to me.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: pestria on March 14, 2012, 03:57:18 PM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

In fairness, they don't need to do "detailed research", this is why they have client reference nubmers and customer databases. Even if he has multiple client references, it should take less time to take a cursory glance at his history than it does to dial the number.

You're right that it's not a big deal, it just seems that if they actually employ someone to make all of these calls, considering the volume of ticket sales they need to work through, they may as well filter out people who've been buying tickets for decades.

And who may not have been this season at all and might appreciate being told of any changes. This one does smack of complaining for the sake of it.

No - it smacks of amateurish marketing by the club.  I agree with the OP, simple targeted marketing is far more efficient and effective which is why the best organisations do it.

You can't get much more simple and targeted than contacting someone who's bought a ticket for the match and asking them if they know the layout of the ground. But carry on moaning if it makes you happy. 

So everyone who buys a ticket for a game is the same then?   

Btw - I didn't think I was moaning, but pointing out that the simple fact that the clubs marketing is poor and amateurish. 

On reflection perhaps it is something we should actually moan about.  Commercial income is stagnant and one of the main reasons we can't afford to compete with the likes of Spurs who have matchday revenues roughly equivalent to ours.



 
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dr Butler on March 14, 2012, 04:20:15 PM
those dirty Villa bastards called when I was out and said they would ring back the following day...they never...I feel so used..
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Summers on March 14, 2012, 09:38:54 PM
Oh, what a silly topic. I'm sure a quick "I used to be a season ticket holder, so I'll be fine. Thank you very much for your call." would have been a quick and simple reply.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Somniloquism on March 14, 2012, 09:57:36 PM
The clueless f***ers have sold 1000 season tickets for next season today. They have never done that before in March, and this is when 'nobody is renewing.'

Are they normally on sale in March?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: villajk on March 14, 2012, 10:05:42 PM
The clueless f***ers have sold 1000 season tickets for next season today. They have never done that before in March, and this is when 'nobody is renewing.'

Are they normally on sale in March?

Probably not, which makes it even more remarkable.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Somniloquism on March 14, 2012, 10:12:21 PM
The clueless f***ers have sold 1000 season tickets for next season today. They have never done that before in March, and this is when 'nobody is renewing.'

Are they normally on sale in March?

Probably not, which makes it even more remarkable.

I suppose it depends. There must be quite a few fans like yourselves, who will always renew and buy tickets for every game going, plus with the extra months to spread it over, it is a good deal. But it really needs to be compared to other opening days sales, especially if we have never sold them in March before.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 14, 2012, 10:41:06 PM
In all seriousness, the £295 offer is a master stroke.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Californian Villain on March 14, 2012, 11:25:53 PM
In all seriousness, the £295 offer is a master stroke.

Well it might be, but it depends who buys the tickets: if they go to fans that would otherwise not be attending all (or some) of the home games then great, but if they are just being bought by folks that would have renewed anyway.....well , not so much....
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: villajk on March 14, 2012, 11:28:40 PM
In all seriousness, the £295 offer is a master stroke.

Well it might be, but it depends who buys the tickets: if they go to fans that would otherwise not be attending all (or some) of the home games then great, but if they are just being bought by folks that would have renewed anyway.....well , not so much....

As already posted, 1,000 went to existing season card holders and the other 1,000 are for new  season card holders.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 14, 2012, 11:31:32 PM
In all seriousness, the £295 offer is a master stroke.

Well it might be, but it depends who buys the tickets: if they go to fans that would otherwise not be attending all (or some) of the home games then great, but if they are just being bought by folks that would have renewed anyway.....well , not so much....
I tell you what, there are people who would not have refused at the frozen price. The price seemed high for me, but we would have renewed. Plenty of others will not, but the £295 offer gives them a good option. If fills areas of the ground that are traditionally poor selling areas.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: davevillan on March 14, 2012, 11:49:43 PM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

In fairness, they don't need to do "detailed research", this is why they have client reference nubmers and customer databases. Even if he has multiple client references, it should take less time to take a cursory glance at his history than it does to dial the number.

You're right that it's not a big deal, it just seems that if they actually employ someone to make all of these calls, considering the volume of ticket sales they need to work through, they may as well filter out people who've been buying tickets for decades.

And who may not have been this season at all and might appreciate being told of any changes. This one does smack of complaining for the sake of it.

No - it smacks of amateurish marketing by the club.  I agree with the OP, simple targeted marketing is far more efficient and effective which is why the best organisations do it.

You can't get much more simple and targeted than contacting someone who's bought a ticket for the match and asking them if they know the layout of the ground. But carry on moaning if it makes you happy. 

So everyone who buys a ticket for a game is the same then?   

Btw - I didn't think I was moaning, but pointing out that the simple fact that the clubs marketing is poor and amateurish. 

On reflection perhaps it is something we should actually moan about.  Commercial income is stagnant and one of the main reasons we can't afford to compete with the likes of Spurs who have matchday revenues roughly equivalent to ours.



 
I think you will find Spurs match day revenue far exceeds ours, due to their tickets being far more expensive.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Californian Villain on March 14, 2012, 11:52:43 PM
I tell you what, there are people who would not have refused at the frozen price. The price seemed high for me, but we would have renewed. Plenty of others will not, but the £295 offer gives them a good option. If fills areas of the ground that are traditionally poor selling areas.
Of course it does...but who's to say it wont be at the expense of other more popular areas?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: pestria on March 15, 2012, 07:32:43 AM
I think you're making an issue where thwere isn't one. i'd be grateful for the call and wouldn't reasonably expect the club to do detailed research on each supporter before giving them a call.

In fairness, they don't need to do "detailed research", this is why they have client reference nubmers and customer databases. Even if he has multiple client references, it should take less time to take a cursory glance at his history than it does to dial the number.

You're right that it's not a big deal, it just seems that if they actually employ someone to make all of these calls, considering the volume of ticket sales they need to work through, they may as well filter out people who've been buying tickets for decades.

And who may not have been this season at all and might appreciate being told of any changes. This one does smack of complaining for the sake of it.

No - it smacks of amateurish marketing by the club.  I agree with the OP, simple targeted marketing is far more efficient and effective which is why the best organisations do it.

You can't get much more simple and targeted than contacting someone who's bought a ticket for the match and asking them if they know the layout of the ground. But carry on moaning if it makes you happy. 

So everyone who buys a ticket for a game is the same then?   

Btw - I didn't think I was moaning, but pointing out that the simple fact that the clubs marketing is poor and amateurish. 

On reflection perhaps it is something we should actually moan about.  Commercial income is stagnant and one of the main reasons we can't afford to compete with the likes of Spurs who have matchday revenues roughly equivalent to ours.



 
I think you will find Spurs match day revenue far exceeds ours, due to their tickets being far more expensive.

Apologies - you are right.  I misread the table in the 'Swiss Ramble' thread.  However, the general point that the club (faulkener?) needs to improve its marketing remains valid.  In the Deloitte table, Villa get 18% of revenue from commercial activity vs. an industry average of around 30%.   

Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 15, 2012, 11:31:48 PM
I tell you what, there are people who would not have refused at the frozen price. The price seemed high for me, but we would have renewed. Plenty of others will not, but the £295 offer gives them a good option. If fills areas of the ground that are traditionally poor selling areas.
Of course it does...but who's to say it wont be at the expense of other more popular areas?
Fair enough but it has saved me a considerable sum of money. For me and my wallet, it is a master stroke. No argument.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Somniloquism on March 16, 2012, 08:16:09 PM
I tell you what, there are people who would not have refused at the frozen price. The price seemed high for me, but we would have renewed. Plenty of others will not, but the £295 offer gives them a good option. If fills areas of the ground that are traditionally poor selling areas.
Of course it does...but who's to say it wont be at the expense of other more popular areas?
Fair enough but it has saved me a considerable sum of money. For me and my wallet, it is a master stroke. No argument.

Does that mean you have moved from the Trinity?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Legion on March 16, 2012, 08:16:44 PM
The poor sod has to endure me in P8.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Mister E on March 16, 2012, 08:31:45 PM
Basically, the club has taken a decision to 'mortgage' some sales in other parts of the ground for advance sales in an area that has been difficult to fill previously.
They will only know how successful the strategy has been when the rest of the ground's season tickets have been on sale.

What should happen is a much more lively exchange between P8 Villa fans and the away support; which should enliven the whole match atmosphere. Not a bad outcome, I'd suggest.

Regarding the OP, I wouldn't describe Villa's marketing as clueless, generally. Perhaps on this occasion they failed to target the approach as well as they could have done.

On a personal note, as a ST holder of many years who didn't renew this season, I'm disappointed that they have not tried very hard to "win me back". As a marketing professional, I was hoping to experience their efforts!
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: villajk on March 17, 2012, 11:23:33 AM
The poor sod has to endure me in P8.

We've already tripled our insurance.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 17, 2012, 12:17:53 PM
Haha brilliant!
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: bertlambshank on March 17, 2012, 12:31:42 PM
I was not going to renew this season,but at £295 I thought what the hell.So it has worked.Well do the club.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 18, 2012, 08:21:45 PM
Quote from: Dave McLark Five link=topic=46407.msg1994523#msg1994523
date=1331767892
I tell you what, there are people who would not have refused at the frozen price. The price seemed high for me, but we would have renewed. Plenty of others will not, but the £295 offer gives them a good option. If fills areas of the ground that are
traditionally poor selling areas.

Of course it does...but who's to say it wont be at the expense of other more popular
areas?
Fair enough but it has saved me a considerable sum of money. For me and my wallet, it is a master stroke. No argument.

Does that mean you have moved from the Trinity?
Yes. Straight into the stand from the Lions Club.
It ends 31 years in the Trinity for me. I moved there from the Holte in 1981. It was quite a transformation for me and the people we ended up sitting by. 14 pre-match pints then going in the Holte was one thing but the gentry in the old Door D were not impressed.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Legion on March 18, 2012, 08:23:16 PM
14!?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: villajk on March 18, 2012, 08:28:27 PM
14!?

That was in his good old days.  I soon put a stop to that!
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Legion on March 18, 2012, 08:30:23 PM
Yes, but 14!?!?
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: villajk on March 18, 2012, 08:34:15 PM
Yes, but 14!?!?

I know.  Terrible.  Sniff of the barmaid's apron now and he's a goner.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Legion on March 18, 2012, 08:36:37 PM
Ha! I don't think I could down 14 pints. I'd be asleep after 8.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: villajk on March 18, 2012, 08:43:33 PM
Stick to the wine, Leeg.  Beer is bad.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 18, 2012, 09:53:29 PM
Yes, but 14!?!?

I've seen it.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Dave Clark Five on March 18, 2012, 11:56:34 PM
Ha! I don't think I could down 14 pints. I'd be asleep after 8.
I the mid 80s you needed to be pissed to watch Villa.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: VillaBobby on March 19, 2012, 01:16:34 PM
The intention is fine but I see it as a waste of resource to not do a little research and filter the target market.

I am not sure if there any measures on the success of the after sales calls but I know there will be a cost.
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: MarkM on March 19, 2012, 01:21:34 PM
Just got my renewal forms through the post [I have renewed mine by moving to P8] My wife and son will not be which is a shame but times are what they are

I have to say though that the mini brochure the club has sent out is first class, they have personalised it really well by adding my family name to the sign on the Trinity Road stand and working out the price for me in a really easy way.

It gets a thumbs up from me
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on March 20, 2012, 08:34:37 AM
Ha! I don't think I could down 14 pints. I'd be asleep after 8.
I the mid 80s you needed to be pissed to watch Villa.
Then and now!!
Title: Re: Clueless marketing by AVFC
Post by: Pat McMahon on March 20, 2012, 08:51:02 AM
Yes, but 14!?!?

Is that 14 real pints or 14 William Hague pints?!

I've seen it.
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