ComeAllWithin

Rugby => ComeAllWithin Board => Topic started by: Fearless Fred on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 20:12*

Title: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 20:12*
It looks like we should hear about next Seasons membership costs, benefits, etc tomorrow afternoon, judging by  this Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9j7RQLge_v/?igshid=kx9tz76mphn) from the club...
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: nowexnavyquin on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 20:31*
Will be interesting to see what changes have been made
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: BedfordshireBoy on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 21:32*
Will be interesting to see what changes have been made

Especially prices.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: GP2110 on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 21:45*
5% year on year increase I believe.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Rocker on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 21:47*
That's going to be s pretty large increase for 4 season tickets....
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Quintessential on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 21:50*
Is it me or do they do it a month earlier every year?!

Actually....I just checked and last year it was 14th March and was 19th March the year before that....so yes they do (a bit)
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: toast on Tuesday 10-Mar-2020, 21:56*
Just get the feeling that they are gonna need every penny as I doubt that all the remaining games will be with fans in the stands.....
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Nico Wilson on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 10:46*
I understand that the offering has become overly complicated in recent seasons and will be simplified. I presume they mean that some of the extras will be trimmed.

There will also be a different coloured card for anyone who has held a season ticket for 10 or more years.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 11:51*
While the official launch hasn't happened, you can see the pricing details on the ticketing part of the website now. Here's screen grabs comparing 2019/20 and 2020/21 prices:

2019/20
(https://i.ibb.co/ZxSJPyD/image.png)

2020/21
(https://i.ibb.co/6gG8z6K/image.png)
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: T-Bone on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:17*
Hmmm, big hike for Jester
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: finknottle on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:19*
Suspect this will cause a riot...

Q: Do I have access to the Honours Bar at The Stoop?
A: Honours Bar access is an exclusive benefit for our Gold and Premier Season Ticket
Members. New Gold and Premier Members will also have access to the bar. Due to limited
capacity, Club, Touchline and Jester Members will unfortunately not be allowed access.
From 20/21 this will include all non-Gold or Premier Members who were previously offered
access to the bar. Access will be denoted by your new Season Ticket Membership card.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DazzaS on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:31*
Bloody hell that is a hell of a hike, that may make my decision whether or not to renew a little bit easier to make
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: harlequins on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:32*
Looking at the renewal cost changes, the jester increase is unreal!

Gold   £710   £750   £40   6%
Premier   £585   £625   £40   7%
Club   £465   £475   £10   2%
Touchline   £345   £375   £30   9%
Jester   £215   £275   £60   28%
Accessible   £335   £345   £10   3%
Accessible Pitch Level   £250   £260   £10   4%
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: MonsterQuin on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:41*
Looking at the renewal cost changes, the jester increase is unreal!

Gold   £710   £750   £40   6%
Premier   £585   £625   £40   7%
Club   £465   £475   £10   2%
Touchline   £345   £375   £30   9%
Jester   £215   £275   £60   28%
Accessible   £335   £345   £10   3%
Accessible Pitch Level   £250   £260   £10   4%
It certainly is a big hike for the Jester, although I’ve always thought that the uplift to Touchline was a bit high, so maybe they’re just levelling things out. If this is the case, I’d rather they would just reduce Touchline!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Quintessential on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:47*
As a Premier member with a few seats for the last 7yrs I'm seriously thinking about not renewing. The increase isn't that big but I've been getting less and less out of my membership each year.
I know you all love Saturday 3pm matches, but, as a dad of 3 kids, the lack of Friday night matches (and more Sundays as well) drastically reduces my chances of attending all the key matches, or having a beer and bringing mates along. (And my wife and kids are sadly only up for coming a few times a season, not every fortnight)

That's not Quins fault exactly, but combined with the price increases, ongoing terrible beer/bars/food, train and parking hassles, and lacklustre results on the pitch, I'm not sure I can stomach the 4-figure bill anymore.

And there always seems to be seats available when I do want to come or BT Sport live coverage.....

I'm out ...Now we're guaranteed to win the Prem next season!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: MonsterQuin on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:51*
As a Premier member with a few seats for the last 7yrs I'm seriously thinking about not renewing. The increase isn't that big but I've been getting less and less out of my membership each year.
I know you all love Saturday 3pm matches, but, as a dad of 3 kids, the lack of Friday night matches (and more Sundays as well) drastically reduces my chances of attending all the key matches, or having a beer and bringing mates along. (And my wife and kids are sadly only up for coming a few times a season, not every fortnight)

That's not Quins fault exactly, but combined with the price increases, ongoing terrible beer/bars/food, train and parking hassles, and lacklustre results on the pitch, I'm not sure I can stomach the 4-figure bill anymore.

And there always seems to be seats available when I do want to come or BT Sport live coverage.....

I'm out ...Now we're guaranteed to win the Prem next season!

Maybe we should share a Premier Membership as I really struggle to get to Friday & Sunday games!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: harlequins on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 12:53*
They need to take these large increases and sort out the bars.
 - better staff who know what they are doing, for example go and get staff from pubs and employ them for the period of the game
- replace the managers who seem to think having someone pouring and someone else just waiting to take the card payment is a good idea
 - quadruple the number of glass return points instead of just using it as a means to make more money by making it difficult to return
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DOK on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 13:35*
If you had a season ticket this season, and buy one next season but in a lower price band, does that count as a renewed season ticket or a new season ticket?
And no, I'm not going to ring the club.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Nico Wilson on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 13:47*
Fairly sure that it’s a renewal as I know someone who did this a few years ago.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: never sleep on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 13:56*
If you had a season ticket this season, and buy one next season but in a lower price band, does that count as a renewed season ticket or a new season ticket?
And no, I'm not going to ring the club.
Moan Moan Moan
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 14:00*
I'm pretty certain that counts as a renewal too. They expect a number of people each year to move seats & include details about that in the FAQs.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DazzaS on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 14:12*
It does count as renewal, when I dropped from touchline to jester it was counted as renewal.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Jedzi on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 14:54*

If I've read this right - mine has gone down quite significantly.

One adult, one child, Touchline renewal was £510 (£345 + £165).  If I've read the new family membership right - that is down to £420.  That's a £90 saving.

I was thinking about not renewing, mainly as my son is a teenager now & less interested, but that might make it worth it anyway.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 15:10*
If I've read this right - mine has gone down quite significantly.

One adult, one child, Touchline renewal was £510 (£345 + £165).  If I've read the new family membership right - that is down to £420.  That's a £90 saving.

I was thinking about not renewing, mainly as my son is a teenager now & less interested, but that might make it worth it anyway.

I think you might be reading that wrong. The first picture with the 2019/20 pricing didn't include the Family (1 Adult & 1 Junior) pricing. This season (2019/20) the price for that was:

Premier £645 Renewal (not available as a new membership option)
Club £485 Renewal, £535 New
Touchline £385 Renewal, £435 New

If you've bought two separate memberships (One Adult and one Junior) not at family pricing, then yes, they add up to £510. However, you shouldn't be paying that!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 15:51*
And here's the official launch

Next Season (https://www.quins.co.uk/news/202021-season-ticket-membership-launched/)
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: never sleep on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 16:30*
If I've read this right - mine has gone down quite significantly.

One adult, one child, Touchline renewal was £510 (£345 + £165).  If I've read the new family membership right - that is down to £420.  That's a £90 saving.

I was thinking about not renewing, mainly as my son is a teenager now & less interested, but that might make it worth it anyway.


Last year the Family renewal was 385.  It is now 420  (this is for a family of 1 x adult + 1 x child in touchline)
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Quins-Az on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 16:39*
As a jester member, a 28% rise doesn't sit well with me

I will most likely renew because I love quins and love coming to the stoop and watching rugby but I would love to know the clubs thinking behind the 28% rise.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: harlequins on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 17:33*
Renewed
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: T-Bone on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 17:36*
With no discernible improvement on the pitch, bar service as bad as ever, reduced space in the Kings Bar (since they shut the players lounge) and food offering as lousy as ever, I'll be interested to read the justification for 20% increase. Something beyond a trite hashtag would be helpful.

I can't take advantage of a lot of the benefits, such as attended training sessions and team runs, because I have a job.

I'm sure I'll still renew, but it does feel that they are slightly taking the mick when there has been no progress on or off the pitch (unless you include the women's team, but that doesn't really interest me)
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: N.G.A. on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 18:48*
When it comes to price rises for a product that has not improved for several years they rely on the "I will most likely renew because I love Quins" view of most current ST holders.

As each year goes by I get more cynical about the business side of Quins, and how they only want me there to take my money.

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Saintquin on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 19:17*
They seem to take a little bit away from us every year and want us to pay a bit more for it.
I know the annual rise has been quite small till now but, it's not the Stoop I enjoyed so much as before.
After around 20 years it will be sad not to renew and will miss a lot of friends my wife and I have made over those years but, we'll possibly not renew next year!
Oh well at least my golf handicap may improve.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: AlbyS on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 19:31*
Before renewing, I think I'm going to see what happens if they have to play behind closed doors.  I don't want the club to suffer financially but equally I don't fancy having paid full ST price for a handful of matches that I can't see. It will be interesting to see what they do for ST holders as I think they'll have to refund any ticket purchases.

Just a thought...
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: honkytonk on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 19:35*
Im not sure they will.  I also have a West ham season ticket and I am pretty sure if any games are cancelled it is tough luck. 
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: AlbyS on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 19:39*
Yeah that's what I'm expecting but I will be disappointed if that's the case.

Oh yeah and car parking has gone up from £70 (I think?) to £120 - that's a 70% increase !
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: honkytonk on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 19:44*
I wondered if clubs affected with games behind closed doors (in all sports), rather than refunding supports (which I dont think will happen) may offer one or two other bonuses to soften the blow.  Depends on the club what that may be.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Quinky on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 20:08*
Im not sure they will.  I also have a West ham season ticket and I am pretty sure if any games are cancelled it is tough luck. 
Ah, a fellow suffering Hammers fan...
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: French Grey on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 21:07*
There was a note in the programme the other week that made me think we would seem some price rises. The gist of it was that having so many season ticket holders (9,000 I think it said) was a bad thing because season ticket holders tend not to attend every game and therefore aren't buying food, beers, merchandise etc.  which the club make loadsa money from. The point seemed to be that it was better to sell more tickets on a match by match basis because those ticket buyers pay more per game for a seat and will turn up and spend on the peripherals. I guess a lot of Jester tickets would prove this argument as they have been such good value I'm sure % attendance is low versus other season ticket types - and that's why we see the biggest rise here. The logic makes sense but does mean you have to have a product that the occassional punter is prepared to shell out on to have enough of those punters going to every game. It also doesn't help if you have to play games behind closed doors (as may yet happen with Corona) because season tickets are guaranteed income - but I guess that's next season's potential problem!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: T-Bone on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 21:37*
Why not improve the offering so that season ticket holders are happy to spend more at the ground. I'd eat there if the food was half decent and spend longer at the ground if the drink wasn't foul and service awful
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: harlequins on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 21:44*
To me the one area that has to improve is service. Get people who can run a bar. Don’t just keep employing people who have no idea. Don’t blame the fact it is only every two weeks work, go and talk to real bar people and pay more. You will get it back in sales.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: dinsdale on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 21:45*
Yeah that's what I'm expecting but I will be disappointed if that's the case.

Oh yeah and car parking has gone up from £70 (I think?) to £120 - that's a 70% increase !
Parking has gone up from zero if you have been a Premier member for a few years.

I mostly accept the on pitch action for what it is - ups and downs - and acknowlege that the owners are subsidising us and would like to break even (thanks Saracens / other gutless club owners)

The difficulty is with continual price rises while the facilities are poor and show no signs of improvement.  I don't eat or drink at the ground due to the poor quality - Quins have to remember they are in the middle of a London suburb with loads of food/drink choices - we're not a captive audience.

I'll probably renew but the decision making process has been getting longer each year.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Domestos on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 22:13*
When it comes to price rises for a product that has not improved for several years they rely on the "I will most likely renew because I love Quins" view of most current ST holders.

As each year goes by I get more cynical about the business side of Quins, and how they only want me there to take my money.

Well, just like any business enterprise, it's well, a business enterprise. just like Tesco, you are free to take your custom elsewhere. Now that might mean Waitrose, or it might mean one of the small corner shops - if you get my drift?
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: N.G.A. on Wednesday 11-Mar-2020, 22:21*
Well, just like any business enterprise, it's well, a business enterprise. just like Tesco, you are free to take your custom elsewhere. Now that might mean Waitrose, or it might mean one of the small corner shops - if you get my drift?

But it's not like going to the shops. If Tesco wind me up I'll go to Sainsburys because I'm not emotionally invested. When the experience and value drop at the Stoop I'm still not about to go and watch LI because Harlequins are my team. This is one of the reasons why the Quins business can push the fan base harder with increased prices for a weaker product.

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Salisbury Plain Drifter on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 08:10*
Yes, it's a hike, £60 a year more for me but that's £5 a month - pretty much the price of a pint of beer in SW London. I can handle that.

To put things in perspective my mate has a season ticket at Bath. He pays twice as much as me (including the increase) for a seat in a temporary stand with no roof. 
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: A222Quin on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 08:20*
In Club I've only got a 2% rise but losing the Members Bar access that I kept when they gave us the option of a few beer tokens a few years back. I can understand why they're doing that but I'd rather they policed the guests properly first. 1 ticket 1 entry was the rule as I understood it but there's frequently lots more than that going in.

I can see some logic in the rises. The club loses money, ideally I'm sure the owner wants the gap to be narrowed. At some point some areas of the sport are going to have to get real about the finances. Either that or accept that benefactors such as our own or Landsdown, Craig, Wray etc are the only way the professional game is going to keep going in its current form.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: southcoastQuins on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 09:20*
The clubs answer to the 28% rise in jester tickets

Thank you for your email into the club querying the price changes for the 2020/21 season.

The Club is focused on improving the experience of supporters and Season Ticket Members attending matches at The Stoop and recent investments demonstrate this e.g. in 19/20 we have introduced two new giant screens, two new scoreboards, over 110 interactive TV’s throughout the stadium, increased investment in entertainment on a matchday pre match. Furthermore, following feedback, the 20/21 Membership programme includes many new elements that will be highly valued by Season Ticket Members e.g. new card, new gift, enhanced digital content.

The Club has reviewed Jester/ Touchline and Club Memberships in great detail and determined that the level of discount previously offered as unsustainable. In 19/20 season, a renewing adult Jester received 50% discount and paid just over £13 per match. This level of discount is disproportionate vs other categories at Quins, vs the local marketplace and indeed the sports and entertainment industry. It is in short unsustainable for Quins to continue to offer this level of discount as the Club seeks to increase investment into the matchday experience at The Stoop.

The first payment for all Season Ticket Members on direct debit will be the 1st of April 2020. Members should expect further communication regarding membership for the 2020/21 season via the post.

Thank you for your support this season.

Membership & Rewards Executive



The first paragraph is corporate B.S. and applies to all member and any one with a match ticket. It might justify a 6 to 9 percent rise other members have. The second paragraph is basically, tough rubbish, as we know there is demand there, so if you don’t renew someone else will take them!

I’m not sure what 50% discount relates to, as this season (2019/20) it was a 23% discount for renewal against new.

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: TankQuin on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 09:29*

I’m not sure what 50% discount relates to, as this season (2019/20) it was a 23% discount for renewal against new.

This probably relates to the cost savings in buying a season ticket vs a ticket for every game separately.

For example in the Gold seats, it is on average £60 a ticket so 18 tickets a season would cost £1080 versus £710 this season (not exact as a lot of the early games were discounted), so about a third of the cost. Jester tickets are about £38 (I think) so £684 for the season compared to the season ticket cost of £215.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 09:29*
Could it (the 50%) refer to the cost difference between a Jester Membership price and the equivalent cost of buying individual tickets to all 16 games covered under a membership?
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: guest783 on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 09:35*
Renewed
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: HamptonCourtJester on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 09:58*
I pay by directdebit and I believe, looking in my basket, this means I automatically renew.
I probably would have anyway. I am fairly new in terms of the number of years I have been a member, compared to you guys (20/21 will be my 5th). Therefore I am only used to the offerings of The Stoop in its more recent guise, so/and I have always thought the Jester membership to be very very good value, so it was due an increase........
HOWEVER.......for a SUCH a large % increase to our tickets I think the club should have offered up the response on the previous page, explaining the reasons for this, BEFORE they rolled it out. It is a bit out of order to just try and sneak an increase of that much (amongst other items) under the radar.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: N.G.A. on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 10:54*
"the 20/21 Membership programme includes many new elements that will be highly valued by Season Ticket Members e.g. new card, new gift, enhanced digital content."

Do they honestly think I value a "new card" or their "digital content" where Gussy tells me that they trained well all week after another loss.

If a buy a ST it's because I want a ticket to all the games, it has nothing to do with any schemes they come up with to "add value".

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: raedarius on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 11:02*
I'm not sure that using the new screens as justification makes sense given their positioning relative to many of the Jester seats. 

That said the next category up's seats are not much better than Jester other than in the South Stand and still cost a lot more, so no real incentive to change.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: AdrianB on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 11:21*
I have been in my Jester seat for quite a few years now, and although it is a big price hike it is still less than I paid several years ago when it was a Touchline seat. 
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: toast on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 12:07*
Couldn't see/find the 'latest' renewal date to keep your existing seat on the literature sent out by the club, it is however in the Season 20/21 FAQ section on the web and its

Tuesday 9th June - If anyone is interested....
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: T-Bone on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 12:10*
I agree that the Jester seats are still very good value, which is why I'll renew but it's not great to have a large price hike in one go. Direct debit certainly softens the blow.

"New card, new gift, enhanced digital content" - who cares. Nothing wrong with my existing card, not sure what the gift is but presumably £5 off a very overpriced short or similar. Digital content - I'm quite happy to just see what the general public gets. The post match analysis and pre-match stuff is largely hot air anyway. We trained well, we're not blaming injuries (but we are), etc.

Not sure what all these interactive TVs are around the ground. The new screens are decent though and the new scoreboards long overdue.

No mention of improving the awful bar service and getting some decent food in. Time to replace Jolly Hog with someone who actually does a decent hog roast for less than £10. Gave up on them long ago when they started serving up a small amount of boiled pork in a stale bun, mostly filled with a heap of stodgy stuffing.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 12:23*
The new card(s) are apparently needed as they have the ability for use in paying for things outside the Stoop. Not sure whether that means it's like the sort of card you can have for a child where you can load a fixed amount on & use anywhere as a contactless payment, or it's tied to specific local outlets isn't clear.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: T-Bone on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 12:24*
Oh well, I've had my moan but will still renew, though one of our group isn't so will have to put up with a stranger next year - or rather they'll have to put up with us!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: poorfour on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 12:25*
We were thinking about dropping down from 2 adults and 3 kids as our kids often have other things on and can't always make the game - but Premier family and child tickets are no longer available new, so we are keeping them on for at least another year (when our eldest will be 16 and so we'll have to change something). The price hike isn't huge, but it's enough to be noticeable.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DOK on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 15:23*
Suspect this will cause a riot...

Q: Do I have access to the Honours Bar at The Stoop?
A: Honours Bar access is an exclusive benefit for our Gold and Premier Season Ticket
Members. New Gold and Premier Members will also have access to the bar. Due to limited
capacity, Club, Touchline and Jester Members will unfortunately not be allowed access.
From 20/21 this will include all non-Gold or Premier Members who were previously offered
access to the bar. Access will be denoted by your new Season Ticket Membership card.

Not true. I have a Club ticket (due to being in front 4 rows of FD) and under Season Ticket benefits it says "Exclusive access to Honours Bar on matchday".
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 15:41*
Not true. I have a Club ticket (due to being in front 4 rows of FD) and under Season Ticket benefits it says "Exclusive access to Honours Bar on matchday".
Umm, DOK, they're issuing new cards & changing the conditions. You won't have the access anymore. I can't find any exception in the FAQs or the Brochure.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: HamptonCourtJester on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 16:11*
Presume its this passage thats the change to the Club members going forward
"Due to limited capacity, Club, Touchline and Jester Members will unfortunately not be allowed access."
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 16:22*
I think it's more the sentence after that:

Quote
From 20/21 this will include all non-Gold or Premier Members who were previously offered access to the bar. Access will be denoted by your new Season Ticket Membership card.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DOK on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 16:51*
Umm, DOK, they're issuing new cards & changing the conditions. You won't have the access anymore. I can't find any exception in the FAQs or the Brochure.

[attachimg=1]

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: #COYQ on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 18:04*
I've been a Jester member for over 12 years. I knew I'd miss some games this year due to moving and other stuff but still renewed for this season. As it happens I have only made it to one match!

I'm not sure where I'm going to be based next year so with this price hike it makes the decision to renew this year a difficult one for me.

If I'm totally honest a matchday at the Stoop isn't what it used to be. I always used to go to the bar after a game to catch up with friends and see the bands. Since they closed off the players lounge the bar is way too crowded after matches now so I just head straight off after.

Yes we go to see the matches, but it's essentially entertainment and the entertainment value at The Stoop is less and less IMHO.

I need to consider the cost of renewal V buying selected tickets and maybe more away matches instead.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Fearless Fred on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 18:18*
Fair enough, DOK. I've just got home to receive the same letter as you. All the online details says non Gold or Premier members *wouldn't* be allowed into the Honours Bar, even if they had it this year. It may be something specific to the two blocks by the entrance to the bar, as it would be hard to separate out who's going in to use the toilets, and who's going to the bar at half time, when the "facilities" get their heaviest use.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: AdrianB on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 19:33*
(Attachment Link)
* Subject to T&Cs
The T&Cs state on pg 20
 2.2  Any non-Gold or Premier Member who historically requested and received access to the “Honours Bar” will no longer be permitted access from the 2020/21 season onwards.

My Jester seat letter shows the same benefits
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DOK on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 19:51*
Well I never really believed it would be true, but it'd be interesting what the law has to say on that. Surely you can't splash a benefit like that out on a personalised statement of benefits and then hide the fact the benefit doesn't apply in the Ts and Cs?
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: GuildfordQuin on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 21:39*
I’ve seen the £275 cost for both my wife and me who are Jesters.

However according to the membership section our son will also be charged £275.

HE’S 4 YEARS OLD!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: RodneyRegis on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 22:01*
Yeah, might miss a season to be honest, for the amount I go probably better to buy the odd ticket if prices are going up 30%. Doubtless the revolting beer will also be raised by a quid a pint again, and thw food will still be overpriced muck. Oh, and we'll still be pretty rubbish on the pitch most of the time too...
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: AdrianB on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 22:23*
I’ve seen the £275 cost for both my wife and me who are Jesters.

However according to the membership section our son will also be charged £275.

HE’S 4 YEARS OLD!
£140 renewal, £145 new for U16 in Jester
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: T-Bone on Thursday 12-Mar-2020, 23:00*
Yeah, might miss a season to be honest, for the amount I go probably better to buy the odd ticket if prices are going up 30%. Doubtless the revolting beer will also be raised by a quid a pint again, and thw food will still be overpriced muck. Oh, and we'll still be pretty rubbish on the pitch most of the time too...

This.

Bar prices will go up. £5 for a pint of off jesters. £5.20 for off Heineken. A home game used to mean about 6 hours at the ground, now it's about 2.5 as it's a pretty poor experience.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Rocker on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 01:49*
We've had ours through now, 16 years for my wife and I... Might well be the last, the prices on our direct debit statements are totally out of whack when you add up what should be the cost of 2 family packages based on the website and what they seem to want us to pay 🙄
As others have said the beer gets worse and more expensive each season, just like the food and the bars get more and more overcrowded as they section off bits for corporate or "players" or whatever. The kids used to love the bouncy castles in the players bar before the match. But that's corporate only now in there.
The offering on the pitch isn't getting any better either sadly 😥
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Domestos on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 07:26*
But it's not like going to the shops. If Tesco wind me up I'll go to Sainsburys because I'm not emotionally invested. When the experience and value drop at the Stoop I'm still not about to go and watch LI because Harlequins are my team. This is one of the reasons why the Quins business can push the fan base harder with increased prices for a weaker product.

Understand all that. At what point will you crack and say, that was the last straw?

How did you get into rugby? Did you play at school? Is there an old boys side that you could support?

Obviously I don't know where you live, but there a plenty of sides in the lower leagues that you could support, many/most of them not charging any admission. Decent pint of beer at sensible prices. Food? Same thing. What's not to like?

I live within a few miles of Twickenham and there are no end of clubs where I can watch a game on a Saturday afternoon - not Friday evening not Sunday. If it's too wet, go in the clubhouse and watch one of the top games on the telly.

Loyalty and support is a two way street.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: guest465 on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 07:30*
Just buy the cheapest available ticket and sit in the best available seat
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: never sleep on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 09:01*

Obviously I don't know where you live, but there a plenty of sides in the lower leagues that you could support, many/most of them not charging any admission. Decent pint of beer at sensible prices. Food? Same thing. What's not to like?

I live within a few miles of Twickenham and there are no end of clubs where I can watch a game on a Saturday afternoon - not Friday evening not Sunday. If it's too wet, go in the clubhouse and watch one of the top games on the telly.


I kind of agree with this - but . . .

In my instance, I live almost as close to the Richmond Athletic Ground (RAG) as I do to the Stoop.
So, I also support Richmond (mainly at home - but I have also been to 2 away Richmond away games this season too).
I really enjoy trips to the RAG.  As mentioned, it is close to where I live; there is a nice clubhouse; and the secondary club house (i.e. The Sun in Richmond) is one of my favourite pubs in the area.

However, you don't get the "big game" feeling.  In this, I mean the feeling you get when Quins score a last minute penalty try against Chiefs in front of my seat in the South Stand.
Now, I know that you don't get this feeling often.  (In fact, a lot of weeks can be disappointing.)  But, I think that is the feeling that you buy a season ticket for to experience.

Now, I know that you could argue that you could watch games on TV and just buy the occasional ticket. 
But, would you really?  You would probably go to games like the Big Game once per year.  But, would you have bought a ticket to go and watch Quins v Chiefs.  I think that most people would have expected Quins to get a hammering at that match and would have decided to save their money and go to watch a more winnable game (like London Irish at home :-)  ). 

But, I would really encourage everyone to go and seek out these lower league teams and see what the competition is.  In the area you have Richmond, London Scottish, Rosslyn Park (which has a nice setup in my opinion) and Ealing.  These teams would be very thankful if you were to spend a few quid in their clubhouses on a Saturday.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: T-Bone on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 10:23*
I kind of agree with this - but . . .

In my instance, I live almost as close to the Richmond Athletic Ground (RAG) as I do to the Stoop.
So, I also support Richmond (mainly at home - but I have also been to 2 away Richmond away games this season too).
I really enjoy trips to the RAG.  As mentioned, it is close to where I live; there is a nice clubhouse; and the secondary club house (i.e. The Sun in Richmond) is one of my favourite pubs in the area.

However, you don't get the "big game" feeling.  In this, I mean the feeling you get when Quins score a last minute penalty try against Chiefs in front of my seat in the South Stand.
Now, I know that you don't get this feeling often.  (In fact, a lot of weeks can be disappointing.)  But, I think that is the feeling that you buy a season ticket for to experience.

Now, I know that you could argue that you could watch games on TV and just buy the occasional ticket. 
But, would you really?  You would probably go to games like the Big Game once per year.  But, would you have bought a ticket to go and watch Quins v Chiefs.  I think that most people would have expected Quins to get a hammering at that match and would have decided to save their money and go to watch a more winnable game (like London Irish at home :-)  ). 

But, I would really encourage everyone to go and seek out these lower league teams and see what the competition is.  In the area you have Richmond, London Scottish, Rosslyn Park (which has a nice setup in my opinion) and Ealing.  These teams would be very thankful if you were to spend a few quid in their clubhouses on a Saturday.

Do you ever go to the triple crown pub? If so then what's it like on a matchday?
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: HamptonCourtJester on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 10:32*
I kind of agree with this - but . . .

In my instance, I live almost as close to the Richmond Athletic Ground (RAG) as I do to the Stoop.
So, I also support Richmond (mainly at home - but I have also been to 2 away Richmond away games this season too).
I really enjoy trips to the RAG.  As mentioned, it is close to where I live; there is a nice clubhouse; and the secondary club house (i.e. The Sun in Richmond) is one of my favourite pubs in the area.

However, you don't get the "big game" feeling.  In this, I mean the feeling you get when Quins score a last minute penalty try against Chiefs in front of my seat in the South Stand.
Now, I know that you don't get this feeling often.  (In fact, a lot of weeks can be disappointing.)  But, I think that is the feeling that you buy a season ticket for to experience.

Now, I know that you could argue that you could watch games on TV and just buy the occasional ticket. 
But, would you really?  You would probably go to games like the Big Game once per year.  But, would you have bought a ticket to go and watch Quins v Chiefs.  I think that most people would have expected Quins to get a hammering at that match and would have decided to save their money and go to watch a more winnable game (like London Irish at home :-)  ). 

But, I would really encourage everyone to go and seek out these lower league teams and see what the competition is.  In the area you have Richmond, London Scottish, Rosslyn Park (which has a nice setup in my opinion) and Ealing.  These teams would be very thankful if you were to spend a few quid in their clubhouses on a Saturday.

The Sun Inn is a great pub. Used to nip in there for a crafty pint when coming out of Richmond station on the way home from work :)
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: never sleep on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 10:42*
Do you ever go to the triple crown pub? If so then what's it like on a matchday?
Obviously, it is quite a small pub.  It is good on matchdays.  Sometimes, it is where visiting teams meet up after the game - e.g. if Richmond Vikings have played Sidcup "B", then the Sidcup "B"s take over the bar.
But - I still prefer the Sun
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DOK on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 10:59*
The Triple Crown is a good alternative to the Richmond bars at half time.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: never sleep on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 15:16*
I am in the Touchline category in the South Stand.

On my letter it says:
""Exclusive access to Honours Bar on matchday"

1. Is the "Honours Bar" and the "Members Bar" the same thing?
2. Is this new?  I certainly don't remember it as a benefit before?



*edit* -  I have just re-read the thread and see that others have the same.
Maybe a misprint
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: never sleep on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 15:30*
Email from club -

Please note that for the 2020/21 season, access to the Honours Bar will remain exclusively for our Gold and Premier Season Ticket Members.



Due to an unfortunate printing error, this benefit may have been incorrectly included in your list of 2020/21 benefits. A full list of benefits is available via the 2020/21 Season Ticket Membership T&Cs that can be read here. We apologise for any confusion caused.


All Season Ticket Members who currently have access to the Honours Bar will still be able to enjoy this benefit for the remainder of the season.

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: 2bobjimbob on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 16:28*
I’ve been a Jester member/STH for the last 6 seasons and due to a demanding job (aren’t they all) and 2 young kids I’ve only made it to 2 or 3 games a season for the last couple. I’ve been convincing myself it’s still worth it but the price hike has pushed it over the edge.
I tried calling the club but they aren’t taking calls, couldn’t see how to cancel it (DD) on the brochure or website so sent an email.
To be fair they were quick to respond.
But it just said:
‘I can confirm your membership has been cancelled, Regards.’

Maybe I’m just being needy but I thought they might at least ask why I was cancelling.

I figured if I’m only going to go to a couple a season I might as well buy the good seats but to be honest I can’t see that happening.
Think I’ll stick to watching it on telly and maybe pop down to Richmond now and again.
Like the previous poster said though, I’ll really miss the stoop going nuts on one of those rare last gasp tries!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Mayor West on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 17:03*
Looks like I will no longer Be able refer to my North stand Jester position as the “cheap seats”
     I still think it’s good value if you can attend everything available. ( don’t tell the club).
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DOK on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 17:21*
The club has about a 20-25% churn in season tickets every season. One of the unfortunate side effects of being in London where everything is expensive and lots of competition for the pound in your pocket. So while, yes it would be nice if they asked why you were leaving, they probably already know in that they have estimated they'll lose a certain %age of jesters due to the big hike.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Samquin on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 17:37*
I am a STH with a Club Membership and currently ca  access the Members Bar.  If I lose this access I won't feel like a member unless I'm prepared to shell out another few hundred quid to get Premium/Gold.

Is it worthwhile renewing? I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: stoquin on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 18:04*
how on earth can they say a printing error, it printed fine the error was in proof reading or some one sending them the wrong text
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: N.G.A. on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 18:32*
Given that these mailings are personalised, to print that you have access to the Honours Bar then hide that you don't in the T&Cs that aren't on the leaflet is a very poor reflection on the organisation.

Why is it so hard for them to get things right?

The real issue with overcrowding in the Honours Bar is that there is very little control over who is allowed in.

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: MadMax on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 18:36*
how on earth can they say a printing error, it printed fine the error was in proof reading or some one sending them the wrong text

It sounds like the printing error was in the contract which they gave to their proof reader.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Saintquin on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 18:55*
It's necessarily the price rise on it's own that is stopping us renewing but, the whole matchday experience being poorer than before!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Mayor West on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 21:32*
What’s the big deal regarding getting into a specific bar? Nobody likes the beer or food anyway. Is it some kind of kudos or status thing.

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: DOK on Friday 13-Mar-2020, 23:51*
The pie and chips is good in the honours bar. The beer less so. Frankly it always looks rammed to me. I'm sure the bars in the South West corner are infinitely quicker/more efficient. I love real ale but the real ale bar serves vinegar. I did my share of the fighting getting us the flipping thing, it's time for someone else to step up and get the club to sort the quality.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Bucksquin on Saturday 14-Mar-2020, 10:06*
Can someone tell me what's the difference between the Honours Bar and the Members' Bar?
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Mayor West on Saturday 14-Mar-2020, 10:13*
Social status perception?
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Safri-quin on Saturday 14-Mar-2020, 10:33*
Can someone tell me what's the difference between the Honours Bar and the Members' Bar?

I suspect some bright young thing in the office proposed it was more WOKE and inclusive not to call it the members bar anymore (sod the history) , and given all the boards with names of players who have achieved international call ups are on the wall, it was 'logical' to rename it to that...

If wanted to be totally honest they should rename it The 'We pay more than others, but not as much a Debenture holders, for our seasontickets' membership bar...
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: MadMax on Saturday 14-Mar-2020, 12:45*
Reading DOK's post maybe they should rename the Honours Bar the Pie & Chips Bar to highlight its main selling point.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: M3quin on Saturday 14-Mar-2020, 19:32*
Plenty of good places to eat and drink in the warm and dry in and around Twickenham. Just leave in enough time to get to the ground and get the atmosphere. Only if they loose income will things change. I enjoy my match day experience, but don't spend much time other than the match at the ground.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: guest465 on Sunday 15-Mar-2020, 07:03*
Not knowing what is happening next season will deter many from shelling out money for a season ticket
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: IlfordQuin on Sunday 15-Mar-2020, 14:28*
Alternatively it’s not ‘WOKE’ at all but instead it reflects the fact that Jester & Club memberships no longer come with access to the bar. Hence the need to rename it from ‘Members Bar’.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Safri-quin on Monday 16-Mar-2020, 12:49*
Alternatively it’s not ‘WOKE’ at all but instead it reflects the fact that Jester & Club memberships no longer come with access to the bar. Hence the need to rename it from ‘Members Bar’.

Um, not correct.  In recent past (i.e up to this season), if you didn't have a more expensive Season ticket (Premier & Gold) and you wanted access to bar, you could purchase a 'Membership package" that allowed access amongst other things, like 6N ticket draw, reduced cost of hire of boxes at stoop etc. 
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: RocQuin on Tuesday 17-Mar-2020, 08:55*
I would be very reluctant to renew if there is still nearly half of 2019/2020 to go. Anything might happen in this chaotic period.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: RocQuin on Tuesday 17-Mar-2020, 10:47*
Because I purchased PRC Final tickets direct from Sale, I have just received an email from Sharks which, amongst other things, states that the season ticket arrangements foe 2020/2021 will be deferred until more information is available regarding the shape and timing of next season.
This seems to be a very sensible idea, and one which I think all clubs should follow, rather than asking supporters to buy a pig in a poke.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: SO50 Quin on Friday 20-Mar-2020, 18:40*
I spoke with the club today regarding the "Club" members who had access to the Honours (Members) bar....

I argued my case and told them this decision was made without any consultation to those it affects, they sympathised and said they acted for H&S reasons and upon feedback received regarding the overcrowding and they want to make the "Gold" and "Premier" members match day experience better!!... What about the "Club" members experience? Oh yeah.... you can use the Kings Bar, Oh that's ok then, because that's not overcrowded is it? Sorry Quins you're just creating another problem elsewhere. How long before the Kings Bar gets access restrictions on it?

Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Grubs on Friday 20-Mar-2020, 19:08*
I spoke with the club today regarding the "Club" members who had access to the Honours (Members) bar....

I argued my case and told them this decision was made without any consultation to those it affects, they sympathised and said they acted for H&S reasons and upon feedback received regarding the overcrowding and they want to make the "Gold" and "Premier" members match day experience better!!... What about the "Club" members experience? Oh yeah.... you can use the Kings Bar, Oh that's ok then, because that's not overcrowded is it? Sorry Quins you're just creating another problem elsewhere. How long before the Kings Bar gets access restrictions on it?


There’s a chance that the club may have one or two slightly more pressing things to deal with at the moment.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: SO50 Quin on Friday 20-Mar-2020, 21:53*
There’s a chance that the club may have one or two slightly more pressing things to deal with at the moment.

That may well be the case... we all have!! But they phoned me!!
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: deadlyfrom5yardsout on Saturday 21-Mar-2020, 09:09*
I spoke with the club today regarding the "Club" members who had access to the Honours (Members) bar....

I argued my case and told them this decision was made without any consultation to those it affects, they sympathised and said they acted for H&S reasons and upon feedback received regarding the overcrowding and they want to make the "Gold" and "Premier" members match day experience better!!... What about the "Club" members experience? Oh yeah.... you can use the Kings Bar, Oh that's ok then, because that's not overcrowded is it? Sorry Quins you're just creating another problem elsewhere. How long before the Kings Bar gets access restrictions on it?



Not quite sure what you are saying. Surely if entrance to the Honours Bar is important then a Club Member is free to upgrade their seat to achieve this?
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Seequin on Saturday 21-Mar-2020, 18:19*
Also easier to get an England ticket if you are a member of a club like Richmond.
Title: Re: Membership 2020/21
Post by: Grubs on Saturday 21-Mar-2020, 20:39*
That may well be the case... we all have!! But they phoned me!!

They probably thought they could do with a laugh 🙂