Online Ticketing Issues 11:31 - Oct 26 with 13038 views | BillyRudd | A friend of mine, an irregular visitor to Dale, mostly from the pay on the gate era, and an internet savvy former business man informed me he would be attending the Bromley game. Champion, so far so good. On Friday afternoon I received a less than complimentary text about our online ticket site, informing me he had given up on it and woud,nt be wasting anymore time on it, and in addition stating he had tried ringing the club several times and not one had been answered. A placatory phone call later, I promised to look into it and would sort it. I attempted myself to purchase a ticket on his behalf and failed miserably. Lo and behold the site now appears to be functioning with the ground schematic available. I informed him of the fact and he said he would take it from there right away. Half an hour later he rang to say he had purchased a ticket, after having to re -register and chose the digital ticket option after downloading the app and having to re register again. To be then notified that his ticket was ready for collection. He lives 20 miles away. Observations The site was presumably down on Friday afternoon, fair enough it happens but the procedure is so counter-intuitive that it was,nt obvious to him, using it for the first time or myself. Failure to answer phone calls well within business hours. Inexcusable. If he had been a casual user without prior arrangements to meet up with myself, would the club have lost a sale. Absolutely. Are the club addressing these issues in pursuit of 5,000 gates. No idea but since everytime I myself purchase a ticket, I have to change my password because I get a banner saying details not recognised, it seems not. Incidentally my friend got the same message. Do the club actually recognise there are issues with the ease of use and functionality of the procedure. Surely in this day and age when data like number of site hits against actual number of sales are monitored, their own figures should be telling them there are issues. In this era when discretional spend money is tight and going to get tighter and with so many competing ways to spend that limited money, it is surely paramount that at the point of sale the operation is quick and easy. That or its lost revenue I,m afraid. We are,nt selling Oasis tickets! | | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 11:41 - Oct 27 with 2863 views | James1980 |
Online Ticketing Issues on 11:19 - Oct 27 by 442Dale | There wasn’t that much detail but I would recommend people watch it and make up their own minds after assessing the information provided. |
I watched but couldn't remember if there had been any specifics. | |
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Online Ticketing Issues on 11:51 - Oct 27 with 2801 views | Rodingdale |
Online Ticketing Issues on 10:48 - Oct 27 by 442Dale | As Dalenet says it’s discussed in the meeting around why it will take time and that things are going on in the background. Yes it could be communicated better but bot sure the owners attitude needs to be anything like Barnet’s manager! They’re new to football, they want to make a real change to the whole community. To change the culture at the club will take time and we have to back them to do that. |
So my local pub stops doing beer I like and changes the menu, pies with my pint? Sorry no can do. The landlord explains the grand plans for a new menu, at some point in the future. In the meantime, it’s Carling and a bag of pork scratchings. I protest, but the landlord shrugs, it’s all going to take time. I decide to try a different pub, heard they do my favourite beer and I can get a pie with it! Some time later, I see the old landlord (he’d have emailed me but he didn’t have my email address) he says hey not seen you for ages, I’ve got the new menu and beer back on. I told him me and my mates liked the new pub thanks, the landlord can’t do enough for his valuable customers, I’ll be staying put - cheers. [Post edited 27 Oct 12:06]
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Online Ticketing Issues on 13:45 - Oct 27 with 2680 views | 442Dale |
Online Ticketing Issues on 11:51 - Oct 27 by Rodingdale | So my local pub stops doing beer I like and changes the menu, pies with my pint? Sorry no can do. The landlord explains the grand plans for a new menu, at some point in the future. In the meantime, it’s Carling and a bag of pork scratchings. I protest, but the landlord shrugs, it’s all going to take time. I decide to try a different pub, heard they do my favourite beer and I can get a pie with it! Some time later, I see the old landlord (he’d have emailed me but he didn’t have my email address) he says hey not seen you for ages, I’ve got the new menu and beer back on. I told him me and my mates liked the new pub thanks, the landlord can’t do enough for his valuable customers, I’ll be staying put - cheers. [Post edited 27 Oct 12:06]
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Did you send in any of your questions/issues to the Trust for their meetings with the club last week to gain further clarification? Attending that Commercial Focus group was also an opportunity to get points across and it was impressed on club representatives present that communication and culture needed change. There’s a post earlier in the thread which explains where the focus is and it makes sense, though they could get more of the simple things right in the meantime. Nobody is claiming things don’t need to be better, but we don’t switch clubs like we do pubs. | |
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Online Ticketing Issues on 13:57 - Oct 27 with 2673 views | 49thseason |
Online Ticketing Issues on 20:36 - Oct 26 by 442Dale | The IT systems inc CRM are discussed in the video in the link above as is the subject of day to day management. |
I know, I watched it, I was number 8... but my point is that they are not integrated into a single entity, hence there are gaps between each system for people' data to disappear into I have kept my thoughts on the evening to myself. There is a point at which you have to stop banging your head against a brick wall...I will wait for the revelations as to how we will achieve 5000 regular fans and off field revenues capable of sustaining the club. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 14:01 - Oct 27 with 2664 views | 442Dale |
Online Ticketing Issues on 13:57 - Oct 27 by 49thseason | I know, I watched it, I was number 8... but my point is that they are not integrated into a single entity, hence there are gaps between each system for people' data to disappear into I have kept my thoughts on the evening to myself. There is a point at which you have to stop banging your head against a brick wall...I will wait for the revelations as to how we will achieve 5000 regular fans and off field revenues capable of sustaining the club. |
They want them to become that single entity. Hence the work that is taking place. That needs to be communicated to the whole fanbase. | |
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Online Ticketing Issues on 14:18 - Oct 27 with 2643 views | TalkingSutty |
Online Ticketing Issues on 09:11 - Oct 27 by Dalenet | But Andy Duff was very clear here and I am surprised you missed what he said. He has to focus on the bigger things that drive revenue rather than cost. So he is more focussed on sponsorship elements rather than seasonal functions. Running events at Christmas etc takes a lot of manpower, does drive revenue, but also drives cost. The true net profit from such events makes it a lower priority than the higher value stuff. Does he use his time to run Christmas party nights that haven't been particularly successful in the past, or does he drive two new sponsors. He was clear on that. Of course over time he said he will work on activities to drive retail revenues in the shop, and functions in the bars. I'd love the club to be a go-to destination on a non football day for events such as Mothers or Fathers Day, or Sunday lunch for example. But the facilities need investment, including the kitchens. As for the free ticket giveaways - didn't we give 5000 free tickets away last Boxing Day? Most didn't come. Of course you could argue that it was a bad day to choose, with no public transport etc etc. In reality we have to win football matches - that gets bums on seats with people paying a fair price to do so. He also told us that there is no CRM system in place regardless what Bottomley said we were getting. So they can't yet target lapsed fans and irregular visitors effectively. And a free ticket can't be targeted with a low cost second ticket very easily. He doesn't have the resources to do it manually. Better to get that right so we don't waste the opportunities. Lets not criticise him when he has already given the fans a detailed explanation of why he is doing what he is doing. And the Ogdens will be well aware of his priorities and plans. |
Thanks for the explanation. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 14:28 - Oct 27 with 2625 views | TalkingSutty |
Online Ticketing Issues on 11:15 - Oct 27 by James1980 | Did Andy mention if any companies have quoted for the kitchen refit? Regarding funding for these infrastructure projects, there are a number of shares that are unsold. Let's convert them to non voting cumulative preference shares with a competitive rate of interest and a minimum purchase amount of £1000 to contribute towards the cost. |
It sounds like the plans might be a bit bigger than putting in a new kitchen. The whole main stand side of the ground needs redevelopment, along with the Ratcliffe/ Dale Bar. They all need to be incorporated under one roof. That would make Andy Duffs job of attracting new sponsors easier and also selling the hospitality packages, hosting functions etc. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 14:39 - Oct 27 with 2591 views | Rodingdale |
Online Ticketing Issues on 13:45 - Oct 27 by 442Dale | Did you send in any of your questions/issues to the Trust for their meetings with the club last week to gain further clarification? Attending that Commercial Focus group was also an opportunity to get points across and it was impressed on club representatives present that communication and culture needed change. There’s a post earlier in the thread which explains where the focus is and it makes sense, though they could get more of the simple things right in the meantime. Nobody is claiming things don’t need to be better, but we don’t switch clubs like we do pubs. |
I have often asked questions for Trust meetings, my points have been made and I’m told the new owners do not want to rock the boat. In my view they should be doing that, with some urgency. Your second point is extremely germaine though, indeed we cannot change clubs; the sense I get though is that the club know that and treat their customers as captive. This approach will not grow revenue, I attend games via a season ticket, which is the lowest cost way of attendance, I opt to have a pre match meal and beer away from RAFC. Even buying a programme is made difficult. So I can and do take my business elsewhere, whilst continuing to support MY club. You have been a great advocate for the fan engagement process over the years, and that is appreciated as a constructive approach. But endless patience is getting us nowhere, we have seen little change, and my point is we need proactive disruption of the status quo to jump start the change we need to see on and off the pitch. | | | | Login to get fewer ads
Online Ticketing Issues on 15:01 - Oct 27 with 2538 views | 442Dale |
Online Ticketing Issues on 14:39 - Oct 27 by Rodingdale | I have often asked questions for Trust meetings, my points have been made and I’m told the new owners do not want to rock the boat. In my view they should be doing that, with some urgency. Your second point is extremely germaine though, indeed we cannot change clubs; the sense I get though is that the club know that and treat their customers as captive. This approach will not grow revenue, I attend games via a season ticket, which is the lowest cost way of attendance, I opt to have a pre match meal and beer away from RAFC. Even buying a programme is made difficult. So I can and do take my business elsewhere, whilst continuing to support MY club. You have been a great advocate for the fan engagement process over the years, and that is appreciated as a constructive approach. But endless patience is getting us nowhere, we have seen little change, and my point is we need proactive disruption of the status quo to jump start the change we need to see on and off the pitch. |
There’s little patience from my end over the failings over the years. Something I’ve expressed on here, to those who know me and to the Trust and the club themselves. The latter two have failed miserably to bring in real change and have treated supporters with little more than lip service at best. The only thing I’m holding onto now is that the newer people at the club will actually see through the “why we can’t do” culture and call it out and make changes. Andy Duff should be under no illusions of that and the issue of lack of supporter engagement after that meeting which was poorly attended because supporters have had enough of such things that have gone nowhere in the past. Onto one of TS’s points - it’s a total guess but a whole new main stand with the ability to seat more fans, maybe 3000 using the available space we could utilise another 10-15 yards of the car park area, with a supporter bar and hospitality for matchday guests would be a possible aim.its a massive commitment and would require substantial planning of course, not least with where we house the current functions during construction. Edit: on a matchday please do try and incorporate a visit to the Ratcliffe pre match - the facility is really good now and the work of the team in there has been recognised as a positive change. Plus you can come and listen to me and TS debate, enough to put you off a second visit admittedly. [Post edited 27 Oct 15:04]
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Online Ticketing Issues on 15:24 - Oct 27 with 2490 views | TalkingSutty |
Online Ticketing Issues on 15:01 - Oct 27 by 442Dale | There’s little patience from my end over the failings over the years. Something I’ve expressed on here, to those who know me and to the Trust and the club themselves. The latter two have failed miserably to bring in real change and have treated supporters with little more than lip service at best. The only thing I’m holding onto now is that the newer people at the club will actually see through the “why we can’t do” culture and call it out and make changes. Andy Duff should be under no illusions of that and the issue of lack of supporter engagement after that meeting which was poorly attended because supporters have had enough of such things that have gone nowhere in the past. Onto one of TS’s points - it’s a total guess but a whole new main stand with the ability to seat more fans, maybe 3000 using the available space we could utilise another 10-15 yards of the car park area, with a supporter bar and hospitality for matchday guests would be a possible aim.its a massive commitment and would require substantial planning of course, not least with where we house the current functions during construction. Edit: on a matchday please do try and incorporate a visit to the Ratcliffe pre match - the facility is really good now and the work of the team in there has been recognised as a positive change. Plus you can come and listen to me and TS debate, enough to put you off a second visit admittedly. [Post edited 27 Oct 15:04]
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Always enjoy your company, even though our views sometimes differ. On the subject of Andy Duff, his job spec is ridiculous really, the sooner he gets some proper help the better. I believe he comes to the club with good credentials, i hope he sees the plans come to fruition and doesn't become disillusioned and look to move on. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 17:32 - Oct 27 with 2349 views | D_Alien |
Online Ticketing Issues on 15:24 - Oct 27 by TalkingSutty | Always enjoy your company, even though our views sometimes differ. On the subject of Andy Duff, his job spec is ridiculous really, the sooner he gets some proper help the better. I believe he comes to the club with good credentials, i hope he sees the plans come to fruition and doesn't become disillusioned and look to move on. |
I really hope so too, and that he's got a direct line to the Ogdens to feed back any of the more salient issues that've cropped up I tuned into the meeting for just a few minutes towards the end. What struck me was his body language, which looked defensive, i.e. arms crossed, slight frown, which no doubt reflected something about what had gone before. I'm sure he's a positive type of guy, but he looked like someone under siege A new main stand would be great, and could increase our capacity (yeah, i know about the empty seats) back beyond 10,000 which i always think of as a minimum for a serious football club, whilst incorporating upgraded commercial facilities. One issue though: light. The side of the pitch that stays frozen whilst other parts of the ground defrost during winter would have to be taken into account, and not made worse. I'm sure some technological solution could be found whereby reflective panelling focused whatever light was available onto that side of the pitch. All at a cost, of course [Post edited 27 Oct 17:35]
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Online Ticketing Issues on 18:18 - Oct 27 with 2238 views | TalkingSutty |
Online Ticketing Issues on 17:32 - Oct 27 by D_Alien | I really hope so too, and that he's got a direct line to the Ogdens to feed back any of the more salient issues that've cropped up I tuned into the meeting for just a few minutes towards the end. What struck me was his body language, which looked defensive, i.e. arms crossed, slight frown, which no doubt reflected something about what had gone before. I'm sure he's a positive type of guy, but he looked like someone under siege A new main stand would be great, and could increase our capacity (yeah, i know about the empty seats) back beyond 10,000 which i always think of as a minimum for a serious football club, whilst incorporating upgraded commercial facilities. One issue though: light. The side of the pitch that stays frozen whilst other parts of the ground defrost during winter would have to be taken into account, and not made worse. I'm sure some technological solution could be found whereby reflective panelling focused whatever light was available onto that side of the pitch. All at a cost, of course [Post edited 27 Oct 17:35]
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I went to Boston for the first game of the season and they have a great set up. The main stand in particular looked a excellent design and incorporated a function room, supporters lounge and hospitality facilities. Something like that would be ideal and no doubt generate increased revenue. We have the space to do that i think without losing much of the car park space on that side. I've criticised the hospitality experience in the past but to be fair the facilities up there are looking very tired. You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear and it's becoming obvious that unless major changes are made we are never going to increase revenue to a sustainable level. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 18:55 - Oct 27 with 2183 views | 49thseason |
Online Ticketing Issues on 17:32 - Oct 27 by D_Alien | I really hope so too, and that he's got a direct line to the Ogdens to feed back any of the more salient issues that've cropped up I tuned into the meeting for just a few minutes towards the end. What struck me was his body language, which looked defensive, i.e. arms crossed, slight frown, which no doubt reflected something about what had gone before. I'm sure he's a positive type of guy, but he looked like someone under siege A new main stand would be great, and could increase our capacity (yeah, i know about the empty seats) back beyond 10,000 which i always think of as a minimum for a serious football club, whilst incorporating upgraded commercial facilities. One issue though: light. The side of the pitch that stays frozen whilst other parts of the ground defrost during winter would have to be taken into account, and not made worse. I'm sure some technological solution could be found whereby reflective panelling focused whatever light was available onto that side of the pitch. All at a cost, of course [Post edited 27 Oct 17:35]
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Wind powered electric blankets........ | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 04:46 - Oct 28 with 1960 views | ThreeLions | I tried to purchase a ticket for Saturday online and failed miserably. Even though I've bought tickets online before many times I seem to now be not on the clubs database with my email address not registered. So I re register continue onto picking a seat on the Pearl Street end to come up against another barrier of sign in details unknown so I can't purchase the ticket. I will give it another try later in the week but if I can't purchase I wont bother going as I'm not being pissed about when my time away from work is very little and precious to me. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 08:08 - Oct 28 with 1863 views | EllDale | Will it be possible to buy a ticket for the Sandy from the Trust desk before the game on Saturday? If so, in view of the above comments, might do it that way. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 15:03 - Oct 28 with 1663 views | Will_RAFC |
Online Ticketing Issues on 04:46 - Oct 28 by ThreeLions | I tried to purchase a ticket for Saturday online and failed miserably. Even though I've bought tickets online before many times I seem to now be not on the clubs database with my email address not registered. So I re register continue onto picking a seat on the Pearl Street end to come up against another barrier of sign in details unknown so I can't purchase the ticket. I will give it another try later in the week but if I can't purchase I wont bother going as I'm not being pissed about when my time away from work is very little and precious to me. |
I had the exact same problem. I re-registered, it still wouldn't recognise me, then I changed my password and it let me purchase a ticket. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 17:31 - Oct 28 with 1537 views | _Windydale | I've had to purchase 4 tickets for a mate who struggled to login on and ended up on a path to oblivion. I found it clunky and and a bit of back and forth logging in twice, once on the main screen portal and then again after selecting tickets and checkout. Also an incorrect ticket price of £5 instead of the discount advertised £3 for sandy lane U14 Juniors. My mates issue: logging in computer says....no. Trying the 'Forgotten password' button it says ironically, 'no account registered with this email.' When trying to reregister it says 'There is an account already registered to this email' Got an email with 4 tickets for the sandy anyway - so at least that's working. [Post edited 28 Oct 17:35]
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Online Ticketing Issues on 17:57 - Oct 28 with 1500 views | Dale69er |
Online Ticketing Issues on 14:28 - Oct 27 by TalkingSutty | It sounds like the plans might be a bit bigger than putting in a new kitchen. The whole main stand side of the ground needs redevelopment, along with the Ratcliffe/ Dale Bar. They all need to be incorporated under one roof. That would make Andy Duffs job of attracting new sponsors easier and also selling the hospitality packages, hosting functions etc. |
Plans appear to be much bigger. Rochdale Online and MEN reporting that Simon has offered the new football regulator a purpose built office at Spotland and that architects are studying the plans for redevelopment of the main stand. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 17:59 - Oct 28 with 1497 views | EllDale | All hypothetical but God knows what might happen systemwise if Dale drew someone like United or City at home in a later round of the competition. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 17:59 - Oct 28 with 1495 views | Dale69er | Just seen post on this by Rodingdale | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 18:17 - Oct 28 with 1460 views | Mass_Debater |
Online Ticketing Issues on 08:08 - Oct 28 by EllDale | Will it be possible to buy a ticket for the Sandy from the Trust desk before the game on Saturday? If so, in view of the above comments, might do it that way. |
Or try the, erm, TICKET office!!!!!! | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 19:22 - Oct 28 with 1371 views | EllDale |
Online Ticketing Issues on 18:17 - Oct 28 by Mass_Debater | Or try the, erm, TICKET office!!!!!! |
As you so rightly say the ticket office is always the first option. I was merely trying to establish if there is an alternative should I turn up between 2.00pm and 2.30pm to find a large queue outside the ticket office containing people trying to purchase particular seating tickets. | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 19:32 - Oct 28 with 1360 views | Mass_Debater |
Online Ticketing Issues on 19:22 - Oct 28 by EllDale | As you so rightly say the ticket office is always the first option. I was merely trying to establish if there is an alternative should I turn up between 2.00pm and 2.30pm to find a large queue outside the ticket office containing people trying to purchase particular seating tickets. |
Doubt there’ll be a large queue for Rochdale v Bromley!!! | | | |
Online Ticketing Issues on 11:30 - Oct 30 with 831 views | ThreeLions | I've re tried to buy a ticket today and still can't purchase a ticket as it won't recognise the account details. Will find something else to do on Saturday now not pissing about anymore with it. | | | |
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