Premium Memberships

[Jakubclaret]

Then I would bet a pretty penny that ticket touts are taking advantage of this, and seats going for sale in the away end at Spurs for £100+ shortly after going on sale is evidence of this.

It’s ridiculous in this day and age that there aren’t systems in place to prevent this.

As long as the tickets are initially being sold at face value there's no motivation to act because for all intent & purposes money isn't being lost. It's not necessarily fair on the fans that are unable to purchase the tickets but as long as the tickets are selling the powers that be don't give a hoot.

[Corky]

This presents an interesting conundrum. I initially looked at the Premium Membership scheme and decided against it as I thought it was morally questionable me just paying £150 and then, in effect, being able to jump the queue for getting Away tickets. I appreciate that those parents who have the 2000 points but their children did not, have a valid reason to become members, so that the family as a whole can get tickets for Away matches but for me it just didn’t seem right. However now that the management of BFC decided not to take the full allocation of tickets for the Spurs game then I will have to reevaluate my decision. And it has left me wondering if that was the hope of the club. Disgruntled supporters like me based in the South who can afford to pay the fee will now do so to stand a much better chance of getting tickets.

[Foshiznik]

I mean surely the idea of the membership is also to try and incentivise more of our younger fans to attend games too. Many won’t have been alive long enough to have 30+ years of season tickets but that doesn’t make them less of a loyal fan than those old enough. It’s the abuse of the system that needs urgent reform not the system itself.

[Cabbage]

There seems to an opinion by some that the membership provides benefits to those that can’t get season tickets, for whatever reason. However, what bugs me is that the membership does not put those on the same standing as season ticket holders, it puts them ahead.
If you’re going to offer such a scheme the most they should get is the same as season ticket holders not priority. Whether that’s 2000 points or entry level I don’t know. But on a par with hospitality people just isn’t fair.

[Rileybobs]

There seems to an opinion by some that the membership provides benefits to those that can’t get season tickets, for whatever reason. However, what bugs me is that the membership does not put those on the same standing as season ticket holders, it puts them ahead.
If you’re going to offer such a scheme the most they should get is the same as season ticket holders not priority. Whether that’s 2000 points or entry level I don’t know. But on a par with hospitality people just isn’t fair.

Perhaps, but then people would be paying for a membership without guaranteeing a ticket. The Spurs game sold out within a working day didn’t it?

[equinox]

It's all about the Dollar, the sooner you realise that the sooner you'll be comfortable in your underpants

[Cabbage]

Is that the purpose of membership though, to guarantee you a ticket? Or, is it to put you into the position season tickets holders who take their turn after hospitality? I posted earlier where membership should place you in the season ticket priority, maybe it should be at the beginning of that queue, surely then there could be no argument. I assume there are other “perks” to membership? Shop discount, player events?

[Jakubclaret]

As long as them tickets sell you could have a long established ST holder effectively missing out to somebody who's only supported the club for 2 mins & got some cash to burn & prepared to pay more. It doesn't matter to them the only thing that matters is that the tickets are sold regardless of who's buying them.

[claret wizard]

I mean surely the idea of the membership is also to try and incentivise more of our younger fans to attend games too. Many won’t have been alive long enough to have 30+ years of season tickets but that doesn’t make them less of a loyal fan than those old enough. It’s the abuse of the system that needs urgent reform not the system itself.

Loyalty points are only 5 rolling seasons now, so longevity is not an issue anymore.

[Cabbage]

I wonder how many premium members there actually are? Maybe the quick sale of Tottenham tickets was more to do with hospitality snapping up tickets rather than the premium members. Premier league football brings more attraction to the corporate world. Tottenham v Burnley is an easy pitch to clients/customers. Burnley v Plymouth is more of a tough sell.

[Foshiznik]

There seems to an opinion by some that the membership provides benefits to those that can’t get season tickets, for whatever reason. However, what bugs me is that the membership does not put those on the same standing as season ticket holders, it puts them ahead.
If you’re going to offer such a scheme the most they should get is the same as season ticket holders not priority. Whether that’s 2000 points or entry level I don’t know. But on a par with hospitality people just isn’t fair.

I’d imagine the reason they have for that is so that ST holders also buy memberships as without that, there would be no selling point

[Rileybobs]

I wonder how many premium members there actually are? Maybe the quick sale of Tottenham tickets was more to do with hospitality snapping up tickets rather than the premium members. Premier league football brings more attraction to the corporate world. Tottenham v Burnley is an easy pitch to clients/customers. Burnley v Plymouth is more of a tough sell.

I’m not sure how many premium members there are, but the number of tickets made available to premium members for each match are limited.

[Leisure]

Perhaps, but then people would be paying for a membership without guaranteeing a ticket. The Spurs game sold out within a working day didn’t it?

Having a Premium membership doesn't/shouldn't actually guarantee you a ticket, as when the scheme was launched it was stated that a maximum of 5% of each away allocation was ringfenced for members but that figure (5%) seems to have disappeared from the membership information now. Based on it there should have only been just over 100 Spurs tickets available for members.

[Rileybobs]

Having a Premium membership doesn't/shouldn't actually guarantee you a ticket, as when the scheme was launched it was stated that a maximum of 5% of each away allocation was ringfenced for members but that figure (5%) seems to have disappeared from the membership information now. Based on it there should have only been just over 100 Spurs tickets available for members.

Yes that’s a fair point.

[Spijed]

Why has it never been made a criminal offence to sell tickets for events above face value?

[Jakubclaret]

Why has it never been made a criminal offence to sell tickets for events above face value?

If you buy something at £50 as an example & decide to make a profit on it & somebody wants it or daft enough to pay over the odds for it it's that person's look out. That principle could apply to any item not just tickets although tickets are usually 1 off purchases & number limited. The system allows it it's difficult to control.

[dougcollins]

Having a Premium membership doesn't/shouldn't actually guarantee you a ticket, as when the scheme was launched it was stated that a maximum of 5% of each away allocation was ringfenced for members but that figure (5%) seems to have disappeared from the membership information now. Based on it there should have only been just over 100 Spurs tickets available for members.

Heresay suggests that figure was actually unlimited.

[Leisure]

Heresay suggests that figure was actually unlimited.

As you say, it's just heresy and whilst there were well over 5% sold before they went on sale at 2000 points, in addition to Premium members, early tickets were also available to Hospitality holders.

[Papabendi]

Can't stand premium memberships. Taken me years and thousands to get our family over the 2k barrier. Now...... a few quid does it and puts you further ahead.

Someone can start watching this year and be more valued than a 32 year season ticket holder. Sound.

Looking at my 'fancy' new seat in the new away home section of the CFS I don't think I fancy that, or getting soaked in block 1 of the Longside.

I did more than my fair share of traipsing around the lower leagues watching Burnley, now no longer live in Burnley and due to work and family commitments can no longer justify a season ticket or get to a requisite number of games overall to get to the right level of points needed to even be in the queue. Should this mean I stand no chance of getting to a game? Situations are different, and I don't think anyone should feel they have an absolute right to attend, but some ability to have a chance is nice.

[Leisure]

Having a Premium membership doesn't/shouldn't actually guarantee you a ticket, as when the scheme was launched it was stated that a maximum of 5% of each away allocation was ringfenced for members but that figure (5%) seems to have disappeared from the membership information now. Based on it there should have only been just over 100 Spurs tickets available for members.

Correction - Just found this on the Club website -

Clarets Premium (£150)
Tailored for life long supporters hitting almost every home fixture, big away matches included.

Enhanced away-ticket access (5% pre-release) and near-guaranteed seat supply.

[Orangebernard]

Correction - Just found this on the Club website -

Clarets Premium (£150)
Tailored for life long supporters hitting almost every home fixture, big away matches included.

Enhanced away-ticket access (5% pre-release) and near-guaranteed seat supply.

Not only are Clarets Premium memberships ‘tailored towards life long supporters’ they are ideal for ticket touts, day tippers and anyone else who fancies attending the ‘fashionable games’. If these memberships are here to stay they shouldn’t jump ahead of those with hard earned and expensively assembled points totals they should at most be on par with the 2000 point group. Maybe the long term strategy, as pointed out further up this thread,is to eventually force even those with 2000 points and more to also buy a membership as the numbers in the 2000 point group increase.

[BobHaidong]

It is a complete farce that someone paying £150 gets preferential treatment over someone who pays £500. A system clearly thought up by someone who doesn’t pay for their tickets

Agree to a point, my daughter had been a season ticket holder for around 20 years, and regularly went to away matches over the last 2 seasons or more.

She moved to Kent early during last season so hasn’t renewed, but paid the £150 so she could go to away games with there being so many down South.

She would’ve had over 2000 points but we didn’t know if they carry over unless you renew your ticket. Think she tried to look at her points balance in the app and they weren’t showing.

Obviously for her the membership make a lots of sense. In my opinion, someone in this position should be able to get their away tickets in the first window, but this should be the same window as season ticket holders with 2000 points.

I guess no matter the system, someone is always going to be upset that they seem to unfairly miss out compared to others. I don’t have the answer but is there ever a perfectly fair system?

[Leisure]

I guess no matter the system, someone is always going to be upset that they seem to unfairly miss out compared to others. I don’t have the answer but is there ever a perfectly fair system?

No, there is no system anywhere which everyone will consider to be fair. Every club has a slight variation based on Membership and loyalty points.

[wilks_bfc]

Agree to a point, my daughter had been a season ticket holder for around 20 years, and regularly went to away matches over the last 2 seasons or more.

She moved to Kent early during last season so hasn’t renewed, but paid the £150 so she could go to away games with there being so many down South.

She would’ve had over 2000 points but we didn’t know if they carry over unless you renew your ticket. Think she tried to look at her points balance in the app and they weren’t showing.

Obviously for her the membership make a lots of sense. In my opinion, someone in this position should be able to get their away tickets in the first window, but this should be the same window as season ticket holders with 2000 points.

I guess no matter the system, someone is always going to be upset that they seem to unfairly miss out compared to others. I don’t have the answer but is there ever a perfectly fair system?

Do you still get points if you buy tickets but not a STH (cup games & walk ons)?
Points are worthless without a ST but as you say, it unclear from the club (no surprises there) if you buy a ST next season, your existing points return minus the relevant rolling seasons or you start again on 0

[quoonbeatz]

I don’t have the answer but is there ever a perfectly fair system?

Yes, been saying it for years. Season ticket holders first, then general sale. There’s nothing fairer to the largest number of supporters than that.

[Leisure]

Do you still get points if you buy tickets but not a STH (cup games & walk ons)?
Points are worthless without a ST but as you say, it unclear from the club (no surprises there) if you buy a ST next season, your existing points return minus the relevant rolling seasons or you start again on 0

My understanding is that they are only awarded to ST holders. Probably to encourage more ST sales.

[Leisure]

Yes, been saying it for years. Season ticket holders first, then general sale. There’s nothing fairer to the largest number of supporters than that.

I'll play devil's advocate! So it's fair that a new ST holder has the same purchase rights as someone who has been a ST holder for many years and has been to numerous away games?

[quoonbeatz]

I'll play devil's advocate! So it's fair that a new ST holder has the same purchase rights as someone who has been a ST holder for many years and has been to numerous away games?

Yes. A ST holder has committed to paying for all home games, often before we even know what division we’ll be playing in. That’s all the ‘loyalty’ you need.

Getting rid of points removes the barriers of age, of families/friends having different points and it makes it more inclusive than exclusive. Every ST holder who wants a ticket has an equal chance of getting one and that’s the way it should be.

The current system works better for me as I’ve got loads of points but I can see that it isn’t a particularly fair system and creates a bit of a closed shop.

[Leisure]

Yes. A ST holder has committed to paying for all home games, often before we even know what division we’ll be playing in. That’s all the ‘loyalty’ you need.

Getting rid of points removes the barriers of age, of families/friends having different points and it makes it more inclusive than exclusive. Every ST holder who wants a ticket has an equal chance of getting one and that’s the way it should be.

The current system works better for me as I’ve got loads of points but I can see that it isn’t a particularly fair system and creates a bit of a closed shop.

Just having a ST maybe your definition of Loyalty but possibly not everyone's.

[quoonbeatz]

Just having a ST maybe your definition of Loyalty but possibly not everyone's.

I don’t have a definition of loyalty, hence ‘loyalty’. It’s bo11ocks. We’re all Burnley fans.

[Row x]

I don’t have a definition of loyalty, hence ‘loyalty’. It’s bo11ocks. We’re all Burnley fans.

Some clubs have away season tickets. Those that go to every game could buy those, then open sales to season ticket holders, more kids would get to go which should be a bonus.

[Leisure]

Some clubs have away season tickets. Those that go to every game could buy those, then open sales to season ticket holders, more kids would get to go which should be a bonus.

That's just 1 of the many many alternative options but that won't appear fair to everyone, hence I keep saying that there is no system that suits/is fair to everyone.

[Leisure]

I don’t have a definition of loyalty, hence ‘loyalty’. It’s bo11ocks. We’re all Burnley fans.

But some people do.

[wilks_bfc]

As has been said, there will be no system implemented that everyone will be happy with

Tbh, as somebody that has had a ST since the original points system came in, I’d never thought about the system we had in place until nephew started coming on and got a ST, then we realised how difficult it was to get away tickets for him, as obviously he didn’t have enough points.

Now in no way am I saying he as an 8yr old was more or equally as “loyal” as somebody that had been going on 20+ yrs like myself, but the way the system was made it near Impossible for him to ever catch up

At least now with a rolling system, he is now more in line with us and now more likely to be able to get a ticket for away games

[Row x]

That's just 1 of the many many alternative options but that won't appear fair to everyone, hence I keep saying that there is no system that suits/is fair to everyone.

Agreed, you'll never find a system to suit everyone

This allows those that travel to every game a guaranteed ticket, and then treats season ticket holders equally, the club did away with rewarding long standing season tickets holders several years ago.

[taio]

The previous loyalty points system was unfair despite me benefiting from it. I do think there has to be some recognition of longstanding season ticket holders, so feel the club has got the right balance with the new system.

[Leisure]

Agreed, you'll never find a system to suit everyone

This allows those that travel to every game a guaranteed ticket, and then treats season ticket holders equally, the club did away with rewarding long standing season tickets holders several years ago.

But then it only suits those who can afford to pay upfront at the start of the season for away game.

[quoonbeatz]

But some people do.

Cool. I’m more arsed about fairness than loyalty tbh.

[wilks_bfc]

Cool. I’m more arsed about fairness than loyalty tbh.

So are you saying that somebody who has moved to the area, has never seen a game at Turf Moor before and decides to buy a ST is equally entitled to somebody that has had a ST and been to away games over 5/10/15+ yrs?

[Row x]

But then it only suits those who can afford to pay upfront at the start of the season for away game.

Probably do it in installments similar to home tickets.

[littlemissclaret]

As you say, it's just heresy and whilst there were well over 5% sold before they went on sale at 2000 points, in addition to Premium members, early tickets were also available to Hospitality holders.

I didn't count them, but it looked like about 80 tickets had been blocked out/taken prior to the Premium Membership windows. Maybe supporter groups? Next time I'll make an effort to analyse things accurately.

[wilks_bfc]

I didn't count them, but it looked like about 80 tickets had been blocked out/taken prior to the Premium Membership windows. Maybe supporter groups? Next time I'll make an effort to analyse things accurately.

I doubt supporter groups would be able to have ticket prior to the membership window

It’ll more likely be for player comps

[Spijed]

Cool. I’m more arsed about fairness than loyalty tbh.

Premium membership removes all fairness

[Leisure]

Probably do it in installments similar to home tickets.

Possibly but then to guarantee them a ticket for every away game they would have to limit the membership to the lowest allocation ie 1400, Bournemouth and then if they got 1400 members there would be no tickets left for anyone else at that game. Like a keep saying, there is no perfect system/scheme.

[Leisure]

Premium membership removes all fairness

Unfortunately, such is life.

[Rileybobs]

But then it only suits those who can afford to pay upfront at the start of the season for away game.

But the whole loyalty points system only suits people who can afford to buy a season ticket, and then prioritises those who can afford to travel to every away game.

[Big Vinny K]

Not sure how many hospitality season ticket holders we have this season - you’d think it’s at least 500.
They are allowed to purchase 4 tickets per away game.

You would think that’s going to take a pretty significant chunk of our away allocations this season.
Whilst you could argue that it’s fair enough them getting priority for an away ticket with the money they are putting into the club not sure why they are allowed to get 4. I’m assuming the other 3 they can get don’t have to be hospitality season ticket holders.

[wilks_bfc]

Not sure how many hospitality season ticket holders we have this season - you’d think it’s at least 500.
They are allowed to purchase 4 tickets per away game.

You would think that’s going to take a pretty significant chunk of our away allocations this season.
Whilst you could argue that it’s fair enough them getting priority for an away ticket with the money they are putting into the club not sure why they are allowed to get 4. I’m assuming the other 3 they can get don’t have to be hospitality season ticket holders.

Is that correct they can get 4 on a membership?

[Leisure]

But the whole loyalty points system only suits people who can afford to buy a season ticket, and then prioritises those who can afford to travel to every away game.

Why does it prioritise those who can go to every away game and not those who can make some but not all away games?

[Big Vinny K]

Is that correct they can get 4 on a membership?

Don’t know about that
I am talking about hospitality