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As an important step toward fulfilling one of the Cultural Alliance’s main goals – increasing participation and attendance at cultural institutions – we created a consumer-oriented permission-based email program, FunSavers. Launched in January 2003, FunSavers is now sent to over 67,000 subscribers every Thursday.
Since it's launch, this last-minute, half price email initiative has generated over $2.6 million dollars in revenue for our members and sold over 161,000 seats that otherwise would have gone empty.
What is FunSavers?
FunSavers is a weekly permission-based email that provides consumers with last minute offers of half-price tickets to entertainment events for the upcoming week.
Why did the Cultural Alliance create FunSavers?
To increase attendance at arts and culture events. Cultural Alliance research identified a number of barriers to greater consumer participation in arts and culture events, including price and spontaneity. By offering discounted admission and the ability to make decisions about leisure-time spending with a shorter lead time, FunSavers allows consumers a new way to increase their arts and culture participation – and spending.
How is this different from other discount ticket offers out there?
FunSavers is unique because it offers consumers a substantial discount (50%) on seats made available at the last minute. For cultural consumers who are flexible in their interests and willing to make a spontaneous decision, the program offers the chance to explore different cultural disciplines.
How much does it cost to list an offer in FunSavers?
Participating in FunSavers is FREE for current Cultural Alliance members as a benefit of membership. Other non-member organizations are also encouraged to participate, fees apply.
If you would like to learn how to participate in FunSavers, please email Len Neely at lenn@philaculture.org or contact her via phone at 215-557-7811, ext. 39.
How will FunSavers help my organization?
FunSavers is an opportunity for arts and culture organizations to sell excess inventory and to increase paid admission during slow periods. FunSavers helps organizations introduce consumers to new experiences by reducing the "entry" cost, while also providing them with a way to selectively fill seats or exhibition spaces that would otherwise be unsold. FunSavers also provides organizations the chance to diversify their audience by advertising to a targeted demographic that their current advertising may not be reaching, and ultimately increase attendance.
How, and when, does the Cultural Alliance collect FunSavers offers?
Friday: Marketing contacts receive email soliciting half-price ticket offers for the following week. The email contains a link to an online submission form so you can submit your offer.
Monday: Offers due by 12:00 noon!
Wednesday: Email sent confirming your inclusion in FunSavers.
Thursday: FunSavers email sent by 12 noon to 67,000 subscribers.
Where can I find the online link to submit a FunSavers offer?
Use the online form available at http://www.philaculture.org/misc/esavers.cfm
How can I start receiving the FunSavers solicitation email every Friday?
Contact the FunSavers Manager, Ms. Len Neely at lenn@philaculture.org or 215-557-7811, ext. 39.
How will I know if my offer has been chosen?
You will receive a confirmation email on the Wednesday immediately prior to the FunSaver. This confirmation email will also include a link to a reporting form to report the results of your FunSavers offer once it has been concluded, a requirement for ongoing participation.
- Why would my offer not be included?
- If the offer was submitted late (past Monday at noon).
- If results from previous FunSavers offers were never submitted.
- If you had already been listed in the two previous FunSavers emails.
Does my organization’s offer have to be half-price?
Yes. This program is marketed as a "half-price ticket" program to maximize the appeal and simplicity of FunSavers to consumers.
Can I restrict the events my organization gives to the Cultural Alliance for FunSavers?
Yes. For example, you may want to specify that your half-price offer cannot be combined with other discounts, or you might want to limit the number of tickets or admissions sold to each customer. You can choose which ticket prices you would like to offer at half-price, as well as the number of half-price tickets to be sold. You can also specify specific days or times for your offers – the discount does not have to be valid for every price point, or performance date and time you offer at full price.
How will consumers redeem my FunSavers offer?
Either online, by telephone or in person.
How can I specify how I want my FunSavers offer redeemed?
The FunSavers submission form contains a redemption section in which you can provide us with clear instructions as to how you would like consumers to redeem the offer-- either online, by telephone or in person.
Why should I create a FunSavers offer code?
We encourage you to specify an offer "code" or title for customers to use when purchasing FunSavers tickets to make redemption easier for the customer and your staff; this will also help you track the results of your FunSavers offer on an ongoing basis.
Am I required to offer online redemption to be in FunSavers?
While we do not require that you offer online FunSavers ticket sales, we do encourage it, and your offer will receive preferred placement if you offer it.
What if my organization does not have an online ticketing vendor?
If you are interested in offering online FunSavers tickets, but you do not currently use an online ticketing vendor, we recommend contacting Tix.com.
Please contact Ms. Len Neely at lenn@philaculture.org or 215-557-7811, ext. 39 for more information.
What do I need to do after my FunSavers offer runs?
The Cultural Alliance asks that you report your FunSavers sales as soon as possible after your FunSavers offer has occurred.
How do I report my FunSavers offer results?
Use the online form found here: http://philaculture.org/misc/esavers_results.cfm
What if I forget to report my FunSavers results?
You will receive an email reminding you to submit your results through an online reporting form the following week after your offer has run.
What happens if I do not report my results?
You will not be included in future FunSavers until the results have been reported.
Whom should I contact about FunSavers?
Ms. Len Neely, Electronic Marketing Manager, manages the FunSavers program. She can be reached at 215-557-7811, ext. 39 or at lenn@philaculture.org .
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