Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1184562
ACH AND EVERY YEAR, the holiday sea- son feels like it sneaks up on us. In the mix of our busiest time, the holi- days present even more opportunities to capitalize on—but how? Are you missing out on additional revenue streams, or are you just missing out on the chance to sell your facility to new customers? Here are a few ways that you can make the most out of the merriest time of year. FILL UP THE BREAKS December usually brings with it at least one week or two where our user groups are on hiatus. Take advantage of the vacant ice and host more frequent, and longer, public skating sessions. Each ses- sion not only keeps your sheet(s) busy, but helps introduce the casual skater to your facility and all you have to offer. A longer session than you might be accus- tomed to will also suit the casual skater. Most folks have busy holiday schedules, so by offering longer sessions you can give the customer some flexibility and help spread the rush over a longer period of time. Don't forget, demand is a nice problem to have, but if you have limited ice and a limited supply of skates, the holiday sea- son helps spread out the numbers so more can enjoy a skate and the rink can handle the higher demand more effectively. WHAT ABOUT PRICING? With longer sessions come questions on how to price them. Do you simply offer longer sessions for the same price you normally charge? Or do you break up your sessions into blocks and then sell the sessions individually? If you are expecting a lot of skaters, it might make more sense to sell in blocks of time (think two-hour blocks). By pricing that way, you can spread out the traffic. There's also as much benefit in pricing out longer and larger skating windows so that skaters are inclined to take advantage of the big windows at one low price. There is no best solution for all, so give each some thought and figure out what will work best for your building. 'Tis the Season The holiday season is among us—are you ready? by T.C. Lewis SURE, ANYONE CAN HAVE A SEATED SANTA SIT AND LISTEN TO WHAT THE KIDS WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, BUT THERE AREN'T MANY FACILITIES OR PLACES THAT LET KIDS AND FAMILIES GET OUT ON THE ICE AND SKATE WITH THE CLAUSES. USICERINKS.COM NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2019 / 27