Hey FJ
How about this... I am a member of the Cameron Club, and have been since 2005. I love the concept and the way Scotty sells select items on his site, with advance notice going to "members."
Since you are setting up a similar thing here, why not take it to that level; establishing a FJ Ambassador Club. Set an annual fee ($100). Provide membership kit with items for those that "pay in." Then establish a page where some of these items can be sold to general FJ patrons.
I was thinking about this because I really would like to add one of the FJ belt buckles to my collection. And I'm sure there can be some additional sweet items that you craft for members, maybe even in partnership with Scotty Cameron. After all, he is the King of Stainless!
Think about it Chris. I believe that (based on all the chatter here) there are many who would opt in.
Tar Heel, The idea of a membership sounds nice, but I don't think that a high fee as proposed makes it any more desireable. Members may be more forthcoming in time if the fee were in the areas of, say, $ 25 to $30 and done on yearly membership basis. You could also offer a lifetime membership for the higher fee if so desired by the mmember. Incentives could be offered at those levels if it could be worked out with FootJoy & Acushnet as sponsors. Might be really nice if that could be arranged
Hey Tar Heel,
Thanks for the comment/idea. It's certainly something to consider and we're obviously very aware of Scotty's model and the success he's realized over the years. We're also pretty close to the person who manages Scotty's site (literally, he sits upstairs from us) so we're also aware of the opportunities and challenges it presents. Since this community is still so new to us, we're open to hearing all of your suggestions and will consider them all. At this time we don't intend on switching to or offering a fee-based club, or offering products for sale on the site, but if that's something a lot of people would support, we could give it some thought. Our intention was for this to be an educational, entertaining, free forum for golf fans and fans of FootJoy to talk about the courses, players, rules, experiences and equipment that make golf a game for life. This community was built for our fans and we want you to help shape it's direction so continue to let us know what you think of the site as well as enhancements that might make it better. I assure you, we're listening. And we'll give you plenty of opportunities to win that sweet FJ belt buckle as well as other exclusive and premium FJ products!
As for your idea, Tar Heel, let's leave this topic open and see what other members think!Regards,
Chris
Chris, wow! You are right on the spot here...
Thanks for the reply and any consideration. All points well understood and spot on. I know it's a challenge to spin up any and all opportunities to make sense for a brand, business, and product. Been there myself!
I will be very keen to see what others think on the topic. As always, you guys are doing a fine job. And I will look forward to finding a way to win that buckle!
Cheers!
Chris,
I think that idea has some merit, especially with cool items that aren't necessarily available to the public at large. As I stated in another post, I would love to have the opportunity to purchase items that are only available to the pros. I've always wondered why FJ and other apparel companies don't make their TOUR stuff available to the general public. I know for the most part the difference may only be a logo on the collar (or symbol on the chest), but alot of guys like the TOUR-look.
Having said that, the site is great as it is and I look forward to future contests.
Thus far, I enjoy the site how it is. I do not see the need to expand into a fee based community at this time.
I think part of the allure is the ability to win these tour only or exclsuive/limited edition items in the various contests FJ puts on through the community.
In all, it's a good idea that I could see implamented in the future after the beta site has been further established and grows into a larger community. I do not believe now would be the appropriate time to begin a fee based site, I would like to see an increase in registration AND participation before anything drastic happens.
I also enjoy the site as it is. I would also like to see more member contests/drawings, but of course that would mean that FJ would have to put up more items!!!
Either way, make sure to keep the contests coming where we can win some gear not typically available.
I would agree with this assessment of the current standing of this site. I haven't enjoyed one this much and it doesn't go into politics. The ideas expressed here and the responses are really great and it does give one a certain feeling of community among golfers of all ages.
I think you should make special items available for ambassnors only without the fee.
Well said. I also think a fee based site needs to be well into the future, after the community has grow and the site becomes more popular.
If that ever happens, it should be an option, like it is on the Cameron site.
19hole: Well said. I also think a fee based site needs to be well into the future, after the community has grow and the site becomes more popular. If that ever happens, it should be an option, like it is on the Cameron site.
A big thank you to everyone who put in their thoughts here. I for one am interested in how much folks exchange here at FJ. Very well done and thanks.
i like the idea of the ambassador being free, but i wonder if footjoy wants to keep it "exclusive"? it takes time, but everyone can write stuff and comment and earn points. i'm also a member of club cameron, but i wonder about how exclusive they want to make this. just a thought.
I couldnt disagree with that idea more. Right now, we have a group that is based on earning your way in, not buying into it. If we start charging a premium, then anyone can walk in and join and become an "elite" member. Here we have to work at it, and that proves one worthy of the title "ambassador" much more than a fee can do. Plus, I wouldnt want some of the conflicts that have been started as in Camerons groups.