Season Ticket Refunds-Help/Clarification Needed.

[John Johnson 1605]

First of all apologies if covered elsewhere. I did refer to the “Season Ticket Refunds” thread but it is now locked and lacking answers.

I’m a ST holder in JML. I’ve no interest in attending any game following a ballot as don’t want to watch games on my own in a partially full stadium. I’d have this view even if we’d had a much better start.

Would I now be better to cancel my DD and wait for the club to refund the 2020/21 payments made (with the possibility that I might lose my seat when we are back to normal, whenever that is).

OR

Continue to pay and wait for official direction from the club (downside more DD payments made and BFC notoriously slow in offering refunds).

Would really appreciate some advice and insight into what others are doing.

Thank you.

[ClaretTony]

First of all apologies if covered elsewhere. I did refer to the “Season Ticket Refunds” thread but it is now locked and lacking answers.

I’m a ST holder in JML. I’ve no interest in attending any game following a ballot as don’t want to watch games on my own in a partially full stadium. I’d have this view even if we’d had a much better start.

Would I now be better to cancel my DD and wait for the club to refund the 2020/21 payments made (with the possibility that I might lose my seat when we are back to normal, whenever that is).

OR

Continue to pay and wait for official direction from the club (downside more DD payments made and BFC notoriously slow in offering refunds).

Would really appreciate some advice and insight into what others are doing.

Thank you.

If you can afford to continue with your payments then I would honestly advise doing that. If you choose not to go into a ballot for a game if and when they allow reduced numbers, you won't be penalised and will be refunded at some point in time. You won't lose a penny by keeping up your payments and you won't lose your seat either.

I'm not sure what the situation would be if you opted to cancel now regards any refunds and retention of seat.

You are certainly not going to be on your own in not wishing to sit watching on your own in a partially full stadium.

[John Johnson 1605]

Thanks Tony, my instinct did tell me that cancelling would potentially make for a break of contract and subsequent difficulties claiming a refund. I’ll now take your advice and hope that refunds when they are administered are swifter coming.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Everyone should check out the club website, an update is now on it. I’m sure a proper thread will reopen on here soon.

Seems some sensible options though it looks like we cannot attend this season in a ballot if we choose a refund, otherwise money paid will fund our 2021-22 ticket.

Opinion will vary as to fairness of that (some people have lost jobs but could afford a game or two), and the other thing that occurs is what happens if the club enters administration, given fans will have paid up to May 2022? Given the financial pessimism that cannot be ruled out.

[bumba]

After reading the update it doesn't sound like the club are hopeful of a full capacity at any point throughout this season.
Grounds across Europe are starting to fill up again but we had Wembley last night with the size of it unable to have any fans at all.
Something has to give soon

[claretblue]

info published today

all here:

https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/con ... nds-update

[Belial]

Continue to pay and wait for official direction from the club (downside more DD payments made and BFC notoriously slow in offering refunds).

I emailed the club a week or 2 ago and was told this is the best option, and to not cancel DD until there has been an update

[GaryClaret]

It’s the people with less money being penalised.

Those who have less money will want the refund so can’t be in the ballot and will have to, possibly, pay more the following season.

Doesn’t feel fair to me.

[Sean Dyche's Watch]

It’s the people with less money being penalised.

Those who have less money will want the refund so can’t be in the ballot and will have to, possibly, pay more the following season.

Doesn’t feel fair to me.

And potentially have to pay it all in one lump sum, the statement indicates that monthly payments may not be an option.

[ClaretTony]

It’s the people with less money being penalised.

Those who have less money will want the refund so can’t be in the ballot and will have to, possibly, pay more the following season.

Doesn’t feel fair to me.

Couldn't agree more

[Grumps]

Carnt believe people moaning about this.
There's an option for everyone
The only thing you could possibly miss out on is an entry into a ballot you might not win anyway, and might never actually take place.

[Sean Dyche's Watch]

The statement advises regarding possible season ticket price increases and possibly not having the option for monthly instalments. Does this indicate a possible change at the decision-making level, i.e. possible take-over?

[ClaretTony]

The statement advises regarding possible season ticket price increases and possibly not having the option for monthly instalments. Does this indicate a possible change at the decision-making level, i.e. possible take-over?

Probably means more that Dave Baldwin has left. Two of the things he was very sure on was direct debit and not increasing ticket prices.

[Grumps]

The statement advises regarding possible season ticket price increases and possibly not having the option for monthly instalments. Does this indicate a possible change at the decision-making level, i.e. possible take-over?

Or just that in these uncertain times,no business would promise now, what prices etc would be next year

[Granny WeatherWax]

horrific by Burnley to link the ballot to season ticket refunds. Bang out of order.

[ClaretTony]

horrific by Burnley to link the ballot to season ticket refunds. Bang out of order.

Again, couldn't agree more. Talk about alienating fans who had paid up front, had their money held for potentially eight months and might need to get it refunded.

[Jenny55]

Carnt believe people moaning about this.
There's an option for everyone
The only thing you could possibly miss out on is an entry into a ballot you might not win anyway, and might never actually take place.

No, the message from the club should have been if you ask for a refund the only penalty should be not being entered into a ballot for tickets for current season. Many loyal supporters who have paid year on year for ST’s could be really struggling financially now or in a few months time and really need their money back. They shouldn’t be penalised next season for requesting it.

[Grumps]

horrific by Burnley to link the ballot to season ticket refunds. Bang out of order.

Horrific?

[Granny WeatherWax]

Again, couldn't agree more. Talk about alienating fans who had paid up front, had their money held for potentially eight months and might need to get it refunded.

Yep, I am lucky as I can afford to continue to pay but so many of our fans wont be in that position.

They have completely ignored their morale obligation, it stinks.

[Granny WeatherWax]

Horrific?

Soz

[Grumps]

No, the message from the club should have been if you ask for a refund the only penalty should be not being entered into a ballot for tickets for current season. Many loyal supporters who have paid year on year for ST’s could be really struggling financially now or in a few months time and really need their money back. They shouldn’t be penalised next season for requesting it.

They might not be penalised...it only says any possible increase, who knows what will happen.

[Sean Dyche's Watch]

They might not be penalised...it only says any possible increase, who knows what will happen.

In my opinion the statement is worded in such a way so as to persuade people to not claim a refund or stop direct debit payments by using a couple of possibles/maybes/unknowns.

Also known as scare tactics, which in my view is completely unacceptable in the current climate.

[Jenny55]

In my opinion the statement is worded in such a way so as to persuade people to not claim a refund or stop direct debit payments by using a couple of possibles/maybes/unknowns.

Also known as scare tactics, which in my view is completely unacceptable in the current climate.

Spot on!

[ClaretTony]

No, the message from the club should have been if you ask for a refund the only penalty should be not being entered into a ballot for tickets for current season. Many loyal supporters who have paid year on year for ST’s could be really struggling financially now or in a few months time and really need their money back. They shouldn’t be penalised next season for requesting it.

And they shouldn't be excluded from any ballot - I think that's a shameful decision.

[ClaretTony]

They might not be penalised...it only says any possible increase, who knows what will happen.

Oh be sure there will be an increase - it was only departed staff who have prevented it for the last couple of years.

[Jenny55]

Oh be sure there will be an increase - it was only departed staff who have prevented it for the last couple of years.

Tony, do you think we are now moving away from being a ‘community’ club in light of the way BFC have operated during the Covid outbreak? During difficult times like this I believe they should be doing their utmost to keep supporters onside and retaining the community feel. This latest announcement from the club and little things like not producing match day programmes because there is no profit in doing so just sends out the message that money is more important than looking after loyal supporters.

[Grumps]

And they shouldn't be excluded from any ballot - I think that's a shameful decision.

I cannot think of one business which if you stopped paying, and/or removed all your funds would allow you to still receive benefits over those who paid into said business or kept their funds invested with them.

[Grumps]

Oh be sure there will be an increase - it was only departed staff who have prevented it for the last couple of years.

With all the money clubs have lost during this pandemic, I think its safe to say that if an increase was deemed necessary it would happen whoever was in charge.

[ClaretTony]

Tony, do you think we are now moving away from being a ‘community’ club in light of the way BFC have operated during the Covid outbreak? During difficult times like this I believe they should be doing their utmost to keep supporters onside and retaining the community feel. This latest announcement from the club and little things like not producing match day programmes because there is no profit in doing so just sends out the message that money is more important than looking after loyal supporters.

I brought up the programme situation at a meeting this week and got a "It's not cost effective", comment and that was it. I think this community club and one club for all slogan is a bit of a joke to be honest. And it's got worse I think.

[ClaretTony]

With all the money clubs have lost during this pandemic, I think its safe to say that if an increase was deemed necessary it would happen whoever was in charge.

Given what I'm told and what I know, I'm not sure of that at all.

[GaryClaret]

Couldn't agree more

Yep, I’ve written to complain and said I’m taking the refund and not renewing until they reverse this decision.

[CrosspoolClarets]

I’ve long since held the view that financial prudence doesn’t necessarily lead to hero worship, despite being someone who advises on financial prudence for a living.

They have done well to keep the club financially above water, but I’ve never been convinced the fans have particularly benefitted (I tend to hold Dyche in credit for us being in the PL, mainly, plenty of clubs spend more and don’t make it).

So I can fully understand where those who criticise are coming from. Smacks of taking for granted, and the poor should always be thought about.

[Quickenthetempo]

It's a sad sign if we get the CEO from the Community side and it gets worse for the community.

[Grumps]

I get free travel insurance with my bank account

If I remove all my funds, and stop paying money to them, should I still get that benefit?

[evensteadiereddie]

I cannot think of one business which if you stopped paying, and/or removed all your funds would allow you to still receive benefits over those who paid into said business or kept their funds invested with them.

Absolutely. If and when Clarets fans are allowed to return, it will be in limited numbers. Those numbers aren't clear and neither, so it appears, is the number of ST holders we currently have,
As discussed earlier, ST holders, because of the commitment they have made, should get first bite. Those fans who aren't - including those who will have requested refunds and given up any right to preferential treatment- will have to wait.
It's a simple choice - the club have done their best.

[Leisure]

I’ve long since held the view that financial prudence doesn’t necessarily lead to hero worship, despite being someone who advises on financial prudence for a living.

They have done well to keep the club financially above water, but I’ve never been convinced the fans have particularly benefitted (I tend to hold Dyche in credit for us being in the PL, mainly, plenty of clubs spend more and don’t make it).

So I can fully understand where those who criticise are coming from. Smacks of taking for granted, and the poor should always be thought about.

Season tickets haven't increased for 7 years, so the fans have benefited financially.

[Leisure]

Tony, do you think we are now moving away from being a ‘community’ club in light of the way BFC have operated during the Covid outbreak? During difficult times like this I believe they should be doing their utmost to keep supporters onside and retaining the community feel. This latest announcement from the club and little things like not producing match day programmes because there is no profit in doing so just sends out the message that money is more important than looking after loyal supporters.

Loyal supporters will be leaving their ST money with the club.

[Leisure]

In my opinion the statement is worded in such a way so as to persuade people to not claim a refund or stop direct debit payments by using a couple of possibles/maybes/unknowns.

Also known as scare tactics, which in my view is completely unacceptable in the current climate.

Why would a business not encourage/incentivise their supporters/customers to leave their money in the business? It's just common sense to do that.

[Parkvilla]

Loyal supporters will be leaving their ST money with the club.

What a

[Dy1geo]

Ridiculous that people who ask for a refund may be excluded from a ballot.

But people have to get in the real world regarding our finances, you can’t moan about not signing players and then moan about possible ST increases. The wage bill has to be paid and TV revenue may reduce this on top of lack of matchday income. Can see a prized asset sold without a replacement this year.

[Leisure]

horrific by Burnley to link the ballot to season ticket refunds. Bang out of order.

It’s linked to St holders, who surely should be given preference over non- ST holders.

[Leisure]

What a

What's your definition of a loyal supporter?

[wilks_bfc]

If they allowed those that requested a refund to be included in the ballot, and they are successful doesnt that mean they would see the game for free?

[Jenny55]

Loyal supporters will be leaving their ST money with the club.

Not if they are desperate for a few hundred quid. What if someone has had to self isolate, or recently lost their job?

[ClaretTony]

Season tickets haven't increased for 7 years, so the fans have benefited financially.

They haven't gone up since Lee Hoos left, he was determined that they should go up every year. I believe Dave Baldwin was eventually fighting a losing battle to keep the prices as they are. We are not the only club, Stoke's haven't gone up since 2006.

[keith1879]

I cannot think of one business which if you stopped paying, and/or removed all your funds would allow you to still receive benefits over those who paid into said business or kept their funds invested with them.

Exactly so.

[Leisure]

Not if they are desperate for a few hundred quid. What if someone has had to self isolate, or recently lost their job?

That's obviously very unfortunate for them but the club can't legislate for every unfortunate circumstance.

[keith1879]

Ridiculous that people who ask for a refund may be excluded from a ballot.

But people have to get in the real world regarding our finances, you can’t moan about not signing players and then moan about possible ST increases. The wage bill has to be paid and TV revenue may reduce this on top of lack of matchday income. Can see a prized asset sold without a replacement this year.

As ridiculous as the idea that those who have paid money to the club should have no better chance than those who have not??

[Leisure]

They haven't gone up since Lee Hoos left, he was determined that they should go up every year. I believe Dave Baldwin was eventually fighting a losing battle to keep the prices as they are. We are not the only club, Stoke's haven't gone up since 2006.

That may be so but I'll bet that the vast majority of clubs have had annual increases. We've been very fortunate.

[Grumps]

Not if they are desperate for a few hundred quid. What if someone has had to self isolate, or recently lost their job?

In that case, would they have been able to afford a ticket had they been successful in a ballot?