Six Flags Season Pass Survey

[robbalvey]

In case you didn't get this email as a Six Flags Season Pass Holder, here's a survey you can take:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Qd_2bR80LpCkFZv4nOsKqn3A_3d_3d

 

--Robb

[niiicolaaah]

I just took the survey, and am a little disappointed in it.

 

When I answered that I had a season pass in 2008, but I definitely won't purchase one in 2009, it should have given me a text box and asked why I won't purchase one. Looks like they're not interested in true feedback, just testing out this idea for a (IMHO not very appealing) rewards program.

 

Boo Six Flags!

[Six Flags Addict]

Thanks for posting the survey, Robb. I think my e-mail recognized it as junk and deleted it so I didn't get it.

 

 

I really like the idea of the rewards program they mentioned in the survey. My favorite reward they're offering is probably the bring a friend for free tickets. I tend to always end up using all of mine and my mom's.

[BeemerBoy]

I think my e-mail recognized it as junk and deleted it so I didn't get it.

 

There's something very funny about that.

[Swimace]

Some of the rewards they were offering were actually pretty solid, I think it sounds like a good promotion. I said in my comment that I think it would be cooler if you got increased points for visiting more Six Flags parks than your home park, as I visited four Six Flags last year and I think it would be cool for the company to recognize that. Where they survey started to go down hill for me was at the suggestion of more reward points for how much money you spend in the parks, I really didn't like the concept of them trying to get me to spend more money by using rewards. I spend money at a theme park when I really like what they have to offer (i.e., really good food when I'm at Disney), when I'm at Six Flags I don't really spend much at the park because I can leave part way through the day and eat the same quality food for much cheaper at a fast food restaurant. If they want me to spend more money in the park they should offer more options rather than rewards.

 

This viewpoint is coming from a SFOG passholder perspective, some of the SF parks do have some cool stuff in their park that is worth spending some money on.

[Turtle Wax]

Ooh! A Six Flags survey I finally get to take!

 

When I visited SFKK this year, I did a survey from one of the employees and put my phone number down in case they wanted to call me.. Just so happens then called while I was getting on the train at Cedar Point and I couldn't hear a word they were saying. They said they'd call me back, and I still haven't received that phone call. Shame.

 

I would definitely love the bring a friend for free tickets as that would help out a lot when planning a trip with someone without a season pass.

[Speeddeamon128]

I took the survey & think the rewards program is an awesome idea. I hope it goes into effect in 2009.

[kumba830]

I liked the rewards program... But i wish they asked you more of what you think needs to be changed at your park! (So I can tell them then need to get some good rides soon!)

[carolinacaniac]

I agree with Nicole's point in that the lack of ability to give an explaination for not renewing a pass isn't going to really help them improve the park. While it does have the section where one can rate their experience, the reasons for answering them in the manner that they did could have various reasons. They won't really now why unless they allow people the chance to explain.

 

On a side note, I found it a little funny how they used the same site (Survey Monkey) as the school my internship is at when they did a climate survey.

 

-Gary T.

[ebl]

This survey was waiting for me at home in my e-mail, and I just happened to finish taking it before stopping here. One thing I found interesting was that there was no distinction between a regular and premium (Xtreme as it's called at SFMM). But I chalked that up to the fact that maybe not all Six Flags parks have a premium pass (I don't know for sure).

 

I also agree that there could (and should) have been more places to put input rather than clicking a button.

 

Eric

[Jds03]

Some of the reward options are really cool. I would be thrilled if the more times I visit the park the more exit passes I get. Unfortunately, though I think I can expect the things like the flip-flops and the "free water bottle" to come way before exit passes. The more exit passes I can get my hands on, the happier I am at Six Flags.

 

Exit Passes=Love

[SharkTums]

The other GIANT problem with this promotion is the tracking system. What if you have a receipt proving you were in the park, but your pass didn't scan right so it doesn't show up in the system.

 

Trust me, I know this happens, especially at parks that are not your home park. Unless this is fixed they could have people complaining about not getting all of their perks.

[carolinacaniac]

^Or how about when on a TPR trip, entrance to the park is done on a group ticket is it not? Those on the trip probably wouldn't get the credit for visiting the park in that case either, unless you and Robb set something up with the park ahead of time.

 

-Gary T.

[ebl]

^ That would be the easiest way to do it. Not a bad idea, really. But like Elissa said, sometimes the passes have problems being scanned. My own 2008 pass had part of the bar code wear off, and they had to enter the number by hand more and more toward the end of the year.

 

Eric

[Yeti762]

I would be afraid of it not scanning all the rides since I had seen this happen before.

 

Kennywood tried something like this when the Phantom's Revenge opened in 2001.

 

You got a little key tag that you scanned every time you rode the ride, and once you got X number of rides, you got free stuff.

 

Unfortunately, the Phantom couldn't count and never got all of my rides nor anyone elses that I talked to at the time.

 

EDIT: added photo of card

Here is what the card looked like, and it had a bar code to scan on the back.

[Jew]

I think a points system is a great idea in theory...but I doubt SF will be able to pull it off.

[nursemelis374]

I think the rewards system is a good idea, but it will have no impact on my desire to renew my pass. I am not renewing this year and even with a strong rewards program I still wouldn't renew.

[travanx]

I was happy to fill this out and make it known that when my gf and I visit that the food is just too expensive for what the park is. I also think that a lot of the offers were very lame. Such as flip flops and hat. I think they should just save their money. Or charge less for the season pass. Or discount the parking.

 

I like the idea of going a lot and getting a free guest pass. I have gone 5 times since Dec and plan to go at least once a month. And it is too bad that they didn't have more comment areas. I just went to Disneyland last week and now see just how different the two parks really are. Maybe they could buy some paint for some rides instead of giving pass holders a bottle of water?

[larrygator]

The bottle of water is more more appealing to me than a fresh coat of paint.

[QueerRudie]

I think of all things the survey, while good for concepts, is a lot like Marxism. It works in THEORY, not in PRACTICE.

 

In order to be able to USE a frequent-rider program, you have to have a product that people are WILLING to buy; a product people would WANT to go back to. Since SixFlags America is (currenttly) my 'home park' I have -little- interest in a frequent rider program. If it were SFGAm, I would be -quite- interested in one.

 

The concept is flawed, as until they come up with a more consistant product at ALL SixFlags parks, then it will be useless, as your customer base will not always recognize the product or brand across the board.

 

In the past, Airlines (Which use the FF Concept) which had a poor product attempted to use said programs to lure people onto their planes. They failed miserably, as the product was so bad they had nobody flying on them. SixFlags, until they get some control over the product, will find that it's the exact same thing.

[Electerik]

I'm more inclined to agree with the painting idea. In my view, Six Flags needs to raise quality and prices along with it. I would consider their season passes to be undervalued, if I had any desire to go to their parks.

 

Many of the things Six Flags has done to improve their image have been the equivalent of Cedar Point's attempts to theme. And then they go right back to "sell more season passes and bring more teens into the park."

 

Dear Six Flags: Why should I go to one of your parks instead of some other chains'? (Degree of difficulty: My parents aren't paying for it, so "it's cheaper" isn't going to impress me much.)

[Teacups Make Me Sick]

Hmm...this questionnaire makes me question where is SF going with this. It sounds like the questions were probing...will you buy more stuff if you get points. I'm sure that the ratio of points you receive from buying crap merchandise will far outweigh the points you'll receive for just walking through the gates with your season pass.

 

Although, I will be looking forward to getting a More Flags, More Fun pair of flip flops.

 

[larrygator]

Looking at this from the business end, Six Flags should not be basing this on frequent riding or attendance if the gift costs money for SF to buy: water, flip flop, t-shirts, food, etc...

 

Bonus incentives should include items such as: exit passes, discounted Fast Passes (provided SF still makes a profit after the discount) 2 for 1 games, upgraded parking, half price soft drink, enter the park before the rope drop to be first in the queue for a coaster.

 

These provide value to the frequent visitor without cutting into the bottom line.

[Electerik]

^ Agreed. "Perceived" value generally trumps physical value anyway, because it makes people feel more special.

[ajinaz]

I'm sure that the ratio of points you receive from buying crap merchandise will far outweigh the points you'll receive for just walking through the gates with your season pass.

 

 

Obviously they are not going to implement a program that they haven't determined will be profitable for them. Looking at some of the "prizes" they are offering I'm sure that they have (or are) figuring out how to make money off of those hats and flip flops. It is no different than the guess my age booth on the midway. It doesn't matter what happens after you hand over your money. It's already a profit for them.

 

I'm really curious about what the trigger for this idea was. Are they selling season passes that aren't being used enough? Is the upgrade to a season pass deal not working? Have they figured out that the one-timers just aren't spending so they need to target the multiple visitors? All of the above?

 

You also have to keep in mind that most of the people on here are not going to be impressed by most of the awards because everyone here seems to be analyzing every part of the survey(including me). But we are probably not the target for this promotion. People like free stuff even if it is crap. I am a hockey season ticketholder and I can't believe how grown adults will trample children to get a free t-shirt with a Geico ad printed on it because it was shot out of a cannon.

 

Personally I would only be impressed by free passes and parking.