If you ever wondered why some kids only come down once a month or once a year to your park, maybe you need to wow them every time they are there. This sounds like a lot of work, but really what I am talking about is the little things, the things that matter to a customer. How do your people interact with the skaters and the parents? Can they improve? How clean is the park? Can it be cleaner? Fresh paint, new trash can lids, and new posters can really make a difference. Could you spend a few hours patching things a little before the vacation holidays to make the park shine for the guests that haven't been able to come since their last school break? Could you get your screw gun out and make a new little fun box, pull out an old rail, put in a little vert extension on the mini-ramp? These little tweaks aren't going to put your business over the edge cost wise but they could very well be the difference in getting repeat customers. So part of your go-plan should include tidying up for the crowds, and re-emphasizing customer service and friendliness to you staff.
As long as we are on plans for retraining your staff, a holiday membership drive could be another needed emphasis this xmas. Every entrance should have membership details in their hands. What sort of cheap advertising can you get them to take home? How about a calendar of events, or a calendar of park photos, friends and associates of theirs ripping it up at your park. Bulk orders of these bring your cost per person down, and what a great add on to that membership. While you're at it, why not blow up some kid photos to poster size and decorate your park with them? If you have someone on staff with a great camera, pay them to take some photos and throw the stuff together. It is well worth the effort and the employee will really enjoy the "promotion". With all the new people coming down with their friends from out of town, make the most of their visit to encourage them to be members, talk the park up, and come back again! Happy Holidays.
