Last week, the city of Dayton sent out a letter outlining the membership fees for this upcoming year.
Pros:
- The fees did not change from last year.
-Membership dues may be paid over 90 days.
Cons:
-The fees did not change from last year.
-Membership dues may be paid over 90 days.
Overall, I think this is a good marketing move as this allows people the chance to pay their membership dues interest free over a three month period. Furthermore, people will not be paying any more for their membership from last year. Obviously, this is good with the economy in such bad shape and people having less of a disposable income.
However, no increase in fees means any shortfall in the balance sheet must be made up elsewhere or there will be more financial losses. Also, if a person chooses to take the 90 day plan, that person would be able to use the golf course over that time interest free. There is also the chance that some may sign up for the plan, play golf for three months, and then not ever pay the remaining dues.
I do hope this plan attracts more people to purchase golf memberships, which makes for a better balance sheet. I will have another posting tomorrow afternoon/evening.
I hope everyone had a safe weekend.
How long have these rates remained the same and how has the membership increased over this same period of time? I feel that these rate should have been increased. Has it worked over the last several years? This would have been prior to the economy and it's decline.
ReplyDeleteThe rates were increased last year by the advisory board. So this will only be the second season at this rate. The 90 day payment plan has been used in the past with good results. You end up getting people to join that otherwise could'nt afford to. They also tend to spend a little more in the clubhouse. They feel they can afford it since they did'nt have to lay out all the cash(membership) in one lump sum.
ReplyDeleteThe Parks & Rec Board will be looking over the budget and other financials over the next several weeks. We will be looking for ways to trim the budget and ways for the colfcourse to make more money.
Please be patient. Thanks
Al