I went to Langtree Park today to renew my season ticket. I pay by direct debit. I was told that if I renewed today - to pay by direct debit again for the 2013 season - I would have to pay concurrent with my present direct debit until the year is up on my present direct debit. In other words, I would be paying two direct debits at the same time until the 2012 one is finished. While I was very early in getting signed up last year and so this would only involve one month's double payment, some people signed later and so may have to pay two DDs for a few months if they want to get the discount. Apparently Saints are doing this in order to 'encourage' everyone to start their DDs at the same time. However, so far as I can see there is no warning of this on any of the promotional material.

I hadn't given any thought to this before I went to the stadium as I just assumed it would be like delayed payments on furniture or something: the new DD would kick in when the old was done, even though I signed up for the new one now. Other people may be more clued up than me but for those who aren't I just thought I'd let them know so that they are prepared before they renew.

That may put a few off having to pay double, especially for some hard up familes.

It seems a little harsh to say the least.

Surely the idea is to get people to commmit to a season ticket for next year (around 6 months time). That being the case, and they are simply not short of dosh (perish the thought), then there is no earthly reason why the new direct debit for next year can't start the month after this season's direct debit payments finish.

I'm suggesting that just for a change, they haven't thought this through and that the intention to get all (including DDM payers) to renew early has given rise to unintended consequences. There is no reason why they can't instruct their bank to start collecting payments at a date in the future. I think a letter to whoever is in charge of the marketing or Eammon (in the absence of any CEO) may do the trick as the club is OK for cash at present.

Good luck.
I pay in one go.

They've done it now because traditionally July and August are the weakest months for income at the club. Merchandising and attendances dip during these months due to holidays and the fact that it's closer to the end of the season now. It's done to try and bring some extra money into the club at a time when it's needed rather than at a time which is convenient to AN Other.

What about the £6M+ of cash put into the club at the back end of 2011? Its not all gone on the fit out.
At the end of Oct 2011 there was £860K in the bank.

Perhaps its Cladding money?



No, I just think they didn't realise the effect which is very easily solved.

But if these are lean months for cash, moving everybody forwards will just make other months lean for cash. In the end the cash comes in when it comes in. The best they can hope from this is a little extra interest.

I think people who think its unfair should write to saints stating how they feel. It's pretty tough for familes who are struggling at the moment to be paying two drift debits.

In effect, this could cost saints season tickets as some just can't afford it.

The woman behind the counter said they have done it because they want all the DDs to start at the same time. Regardless of the reason they have not advertised this in their promotional literature and it could hamper some people from being able to take advantage of the renewal offers. If that is the case, fewer people will opt for the DD facility which will mean fewer season tickets. I certainly can't afford to pay a lump sump. Without the DD option I don't get a season ticket. A lot of people will be in the same boat as me.

And that's the reason as many people as possible should write/email saints to complain, I honestly think its going to cost saints a few quid as some people just can't afford to pay two direct debits.

I can't see the point as a business to become less flexible for your customers, sure you may want to encourage people to pay in one particular way, but to make sure you get the business there should be other options for methods of payment, to make sure you get the sale.

The fact they haven't stated this on the promo that was sent out is wrong on all levels.

It should be stated very clearly!

Looking from the outside with a completely neutral view (await the abuse) it looks as though things are not maybe as rosy as Mr. Teflon would have you all believe.

However it'll be 12 or maybe 24 months before we will all know the reality.