CJC Membership?

[Kakama]

Met at Riccarton yesterday with a few good mates, that was by far the highlight of the day.

Initially, I enquired a few weeks back about becoming a member. Now, the $275 fee I thought was rather steep, considering I probably only attend a few times a year not an amazing deal, but if you go far more often, it could be worth it. I was 50/50 on joining, until I also read that there was an initial joining fee of $80? 

Now why on earth would you charge this initial fee....its crazy. Members room average...food was sandwiches....chips + bites, pasta or venison stew....that was it.

Now, as I said, we had great day with mates, we paid the $74 entrance + members between us....and had some good laughs.

But the Mrs said this morning, going out for dinner with same mates.....would seem a far better option.

 

[Shad]

So you won't  be backing up on the second day, I hoped to get there Wednesday, but alas the work thing got in the way, never a cheap outing, having a horse will get you in for free, but we all know that's not cheap either, will be watching  on with interest and keeping  my fingers crossed.

 

 

 

[Newmarket]

Why do they charge $80 joining fee? At a time when membership is falling, you would think clubs would entice new members, rather than charge extra fee? 

I didnt go yesterday, but a mate i talked to said it was the least he had seen in members area. 

[Turny]

I had the meal in the Balmerino Room - very average - have emailed Tim Mills - they have lost there way

Edited August 5, 2018 by Turny

[barryb]

Wow thats bloody expensive.

Its dearer than Ellerslie or Trentham, Te Rapa has comparable meeting numbers &  is $125,  the facilities are nicer than Riccarton, brand new members area. Food is exceptional also at Te Rapa.

It does say it  includes 2 guest passes, which is not bad but its still expensive compared to others.

[Kakama]

10 minutes ago, barryb said:

Wow thats bloody expensive.

Its dearer than Ellerslie or Trentham, Te Rapa has comparable meeting numbers &  is $125,  the facilities are nicer than Riccarton, brand new members area. Food is exceptional also at Te Rapa.

It does say it  includes 2 guest passes, which is not bad but its still expensive compared to others.

Agree with you Barry...

To be honest....I was ready to join, thought it might get me to the track more often....but I changed my mind when told I was up for extra joining fee....

And yes....members crowd way down on previous visits...

[Newmarket]

You can easily see why crowds are dwindling. 

If Kak paid $74 entrance, a few drinks, bit of food and taxi, you are well over $200 before you have a bet? 

Put on $200 on the horses, even if nill return, your up for day. 

Might have to get mrs crossword book or something to keep her amused

[barryb]

10 minutes ago, Newmarket said:

You can easily see why crowds are dwindling. 

If Kak paid $74 entrance, a few drinks, bit of food and taxi, you are well over $200 before you have a bet? 

Put on $200 on the horses, even if nill return, your up for day. 

Might have to get mrs crossword book or something to keep her amused

However Lads,  it was pretty serious money to go to Crusaders game last night and my understanding it wasn’t a sell out either.

Christchurch people get apathetic with Rugby? or the cost just too much to handle?.

[Freda]

I thought crowd was light too....to be fair, probably just as well with the grand old stand out of commission but the general public wouldn't have known that.

Have never had occasion to partake of meal in Balmerino room, but it should be excellent, shame to hear that it was poor.

With all the options available, sub-standard food just doesn't cut it.

I'll make a few enquiries myself.

 

[barryb]

Ask them what the $80 joining fee covers for new members as well Freda.

There is a way around it of course, find out which of the clubs close by have reciprocal rights and join there instead. That would serve the CJC right for theft at $275

[Newmarket]

10 hours ago, barryb said:

However Lads,  it was pretty serious money to go to Crusaders game last night and my understanding it wasn’t a sell out either.

Christchurch people get apathetic with Rugby? or the cost just too much to handle?.

Depends where you sat barry, think 2 adults could have gone to rugby final cheaper than getting to members area riccarton

[Newmarket]

44 minutes ago, barryb said:

Ask them what the $80 joining fee covers for new members as well Freda.

There is a way around it of course, find out which of the clubs close by have reciprocal rights and join there instead. That would serve the CJC right for theft at $275

Would like to know too

[FeelTheFear]

Jus another way to fleece people I expect. I was going to join the local gym, they wanted $100 admin fee up front on top of membership. Lost a customer right there

[wally]

24 minutes ago, FeelTheFear said:

Jus another way to fleece people I expect. I was going to join the local gym, they wanted $100 admin fee up front on top of membership. Lost a customer right there

would have lost me soon as i seen gym sign

[Freda]

Ok,  was asked to find out which room had the average meal..I've just re-read the thread and yes,  Balmerino seems to be the culprit.

Usually it is extremely well received,  so will get back to them and confirm.  

The $80 sign-up fee ?  was told it was up to the promotions man,  and is done by many other clubs as well.

Well, sorry guys,  aren't you trying to get people enthused ?  instead of turning them off?  so passed everyone's opinion about that too.

A indication of being completely out-of-touch I feel.

[Reefton]

Not that i go there(Riccarton) terribly often but when I do i reckon the food in the Balmerino room is excellent.  Overall the catering at Riccarton is excellent I believe.

[Turny]

Agree Reefton normally very good - not so last Saturday but got a good email back from Tim Mills - I am happier now- got a good explanation - 

[hesi]

Why don't some of these clubs come to an agreement with some of the many food trucks that are around.

After all their business is reliant on the excellence and quality of the food they produce......unlike racing clubs. it would appear

[Turny]

2 hours ago, Turny said:

Agree Reefton normally very good - not so last Saturday but got a good email back from Tim Mills - I am happier now- got a good explanation - 

Forgot to add - I won't revisit - my club does it better - but CJC doing what they think meets the market - only wish them well - 

[Shad]

Yep, reefton always good, can't beat the tearooms.

[Newmarket]

10 hours ago, Freda said:

Ok,  was asked to find out which room had the average meal..I've just re-read the thread and yes,  Balmerino seems to be the culprit.

Usually it is extremely well received,  so will get back to them and confirm.  

The $80 sign-up fee ?  was told it was up to the promotions man,  and is done by many other clubs as well.

Well, sorry guys,  aren't you trying to get people enthused ?  instead of turning them off?  so passed everyone's opinion about that too.

A indication of being completely out-of-touch I feel.

Good on you for asking the questions freda. 

If that $80 fee is in the hands of a so called promotions man, i think he needs to go back to basics. 

He wants to get as many people as he can to join, in fact if i was involved, i would be giving new members 20% discount if they join!!