one price tickets for everyone

[steve101]

I just read that it would cost $212 per person to attend buringman if everyone paid that price and that the higher cost tickets basically subsidizes the lower cost tickets. Although i have a lot of sympathy for those who can't afford the price of a ticket (either short of cash, lost a job, something came up) i still think that everyone should pay the same price for the tickets just to be fair. Instead why not just charge everyone $260 or something like that and have everyone subsidize a little than making some subsidize more just because they buy later. or have some tickets at a cheaper price and have those people volunteer in some way that will make the event cost less. Or as much as i hate to say this, maybe have them sell something that can make up the difference (ie. iced coffee drinks or snow cones). A special booth just for that purpose.My two cents.

[Isotopia]

Or as much as i hate to say this, maybe have them sell something that can make up the difference (ie. iced coffee drinks or snow cones).

I think back in the middle-ages they referred to that as endentured servitude.

Thanks, but I'll pass on that idea.

[Ranger Genius]

The idea is not to punish those who buy their tickets late, but to reward those who are willing to buy their tickets early. Tickets purchased early mean cash on hand to pay for the event, vendors, equipment, et cetera. You buy a ticket a week beforehand, it's too late. They've already had to take out a loan to pay for everything. If anything, those who buy their tickets early are subsidizing YOUR sorry ass. Get your shit together and stop complaining.

[geekster]

It costs a lot of money to pay people and stuff to get the thing cleaned up from last year, planned for next year, built, etc. BMORG tends to end up with pretty close to zero funds left over. That means they start the cycle with no money. In order to get money, they need people to buy tickets early. If all tickets were the same price, what incentive would people have to buy tickets early to "prime the pump" with money to get things rolling for the next year? Everyone would wait to buy tickets. People wouldn't get paid, things wouldn't get done.

The only way around that problem would be to have this year's tickets fund next year's event. In order for THAT to happen, one year's event would have to be funded from sources other than ticket sales, meaning BMORG would have to hit the lottery or be willed the money from someone's estate or something. Both unlikely scenarios.

Time sensative pricing means time sensative revenue. Cool idea.

[Chai Guy]

Or as much as i hate to say this, maybe have them sell something that can make up the difference (ie. iced coffee drinks or snow cones). A special booth just for that purpose.My two cents.

Apparently it ain't workin' steve, cause they already sell iced coffee, chai and lemonade. At $3.00 a pop it's apparently not the financial windfall you'd expect it to be (that or the money is being diverted to Larry's hot tub and booze fund)

[Elemental666]

You buy a ticket a week beforehand, it's too late. They've already had to take out a loan to pay for everything.

on the other hand, that money could be stuffed in an interest bearing account and be more effective come next year. just another perspective on that arguement. however I like the idea of getting my tickets A.S.A.P. next year and SAVING a bundle for to apply to my camp fund. Since I actually lost the first ticket I purchased and have purchased another will call ticket in case I don't find it I think I can presume to speak on why its done this way. To prevent my very actions. I know next year I'll buy my ticket as soon as I can and then i'll mount it my mantle so I won't loose it!

[geekster]

I keep checking my ticket several times per hour to make sure it is still there. The routine is something like ... check door locks, check the stove, check the iron, wash hands, check ticket, repeat.

[Kinetic IV]

I keep checking my ticket several times per hour to make sure it is still there. The routine is something like ... check door locks, check the stove, check the iron, wash hands, check ticket, repeat.

I thought I was the only one that did that. And on the day of departure it's beyond obsessive. One of my nightmares is to drive all that way, get to the gate and I can't find my ticket. Or when I ordered through will-call that they lost it. That almost happened my first year. I get to the ticket booth and they looked through one big book, then a second...they finally found me! That wait was rough.

[Will]

Keep the gate price sky high though. It'll deter frat boys from saying to each other, "Let's go to Burning Man and get wasted!" at the last momment. Helps to ensure they'll be prepared, and won't completly sponge off of everyone.

[HughMungus]

I keep checking my ticket several times per hour to make sure it is still there. The routine is something like ... check door locks, check the stove, check the iron, wash hands, check ticket, repeat.

Haha. I just found my six tickets. What's weird is that I bought them not knowing how many were going and there are exactly six going. I wouldn't have minded making $100 per spare ticket, though, at the front gate...

[Gabilicious]

[quote="steve101"] Although i have a lot of sympathy for those who can't afford the price of a ticket (either short of cash, lost a job, something came up) i still think that everyone should pay the same price for the tickets just to be fair.[/quote]

Integrity my friend, not sympathy. This year, thank god for low income tickets! We almost re-sold them twice (not a penny over what we bought them for) because our family is growing (new 13mo babylicious). Watching hummingbird outside window. We give back in many ways which cannot be mearsured "fairly" by you or anyone else. I measure my own intergity thank you. Yes, unfortunately some have none, but thats life. And what about our starving artists who have to give.....

It really is my "golden ticket"

[robbidobbs]

I wouldn't have minded making $100 per spare ticket, though, at the front gate...

Not at the Gate, dear. One can sell a ticket at Gate for face value or less. If one hopes for profit, go outside the city limits. It's a vending thing.

[ZaphodBurner]

I keep checking my ticket several times per hour to make sure it is still there. The routine is something like ... check door locks, check the stove, check the iron, wash hands, check ticket, repeat.

I thought I was the only one that did that.

Heh. Nope.

By the time we get there the greeter will be lucky if he doesn't find superglue and forehead skin on the back of my ticket. He'll go "Aw, jeez. Another one."

-zb

[theCryptofishist]

I keep checking my ticket several times per hour to make sure it is still there. The routine is something like ... check door locks, check the stove, check the iron, wash hands, check ticket, repeat.

I thought I was the only one that did that.

Heh. Nope.

By the time we get there the greeter will be lucky if he doesn't find superglue and forehead skin on the back of my ticket. He'll go "Aw, jeez. Another one."

-zb

My solution. Put ticket in small credit card holder. Chain to piercing. Shower carefully, if at all for 6 months.

[steve101]

here's the quote:
"Believe it or not, we did the math and it costs approximately $212 per person to make Burning Man happen! Every ticket sold for less than $212 is subsidized by every ticket sold over that price. We do our best to make as many tickets available at different prices. Please help us and do your part by purchasing tickets at the highest price level you can afford to help other community members be able to do the same."

its seems that the reason for the different price's is to help those that can't afford the to pay the regular rate. although some of u talked enticing people to purchase early and stopping others from going last minute that's not the main reason for the prices, at least from the quote. So if that's the main reason then it doesn't make sense because most of the poeple who can purchase early obviously have the money(months ahead of time). Whereas those who live pay check by pay check, can't get time off approved yet, or need to save up the cash, are exclueded from the early/cheap purchase by default. Therefore the cheap tix only realy benefit those who don't need it. Who has heard of someone buying $350 tix when the $250 are avaliable.
I also don't see any difference in selling coffee or ice(extra ice vendors would be nice) to help subsidize tix's and selling higher price tix's for the same reason. I think the people who are most disadvantage are subsidizing those who don't need any help. So what if u decide to go 2 weeks before the event. Doesn't make them less deserving or stupid. It's a big commitment and not everyone can make that commitment months in advance. All the people on their high horse about better planning sound like bankers. The goal is to get as many people to go that want's to go. Not punish people. All i'm trying to say is that a single price tix benefits everyone. No one will ever feel like they paid more than their friend (and have to hear the gloating). No scalping. No bargan hunting. Everyone paying the same price for the same thing. And more people will probably attend the event that want to go. It seems more fair to me.

[MoisturePup]

The idea is not to punish those who buy their tickets late, but to reward those who are willing to buy their tickets early. Tickets purchased early mean cash on hand to pay for the event, vendors, equipment, et cetera. You buy a ticket a week beforehand, it's too late. They've already had to take out a loan to pay for everything. If anything, those who buy their tickets early are subsidizing YOUR sorry ass. Get your shit together and stop complaining.

Not to mention that people who buy tickets early are probably people planning theme camps. The people who plan theme camps are basically the people who make this event happen, because otherwise the BMorg would never have enough money to put togethor all the amazing shit we see out on the playa. there'd only be a fraction of what is there now.

So, in other words, lower ticket prices for earlier planning serves as an incentive to begin planning sooner. People who start planning sooner are undoubtedly going to be in a better position to bring something cooler, better, bigger to the playa.

[DeFalco]

I'm for one price for all. The people I know go for the cheaper tickets regardless of income ... just because they can! And I agree that those who are living paycheck to paycheck will not purchase a ticket 3 months in advance. Mostly what happens is friends end up subsidizing each other (like I did an exchange with my extra ticket).

I think the mailing idea was to benefit those registered with BM before we did the online thing (which was HORRENDOUS - took 4 hours to purchase a ticket) so if you feel you want to keep these "special" prices available then schedule the buying times with pass codes that are mailed (or emailed) to registrants in advance. Think of how colleges give you "windows" to register for a class.[color=darkblue][/color]

[diane o'thirst]

The people I know go for the cheaper tickets regardless of income ... just because they can

My point exactly.

Say you have three apples on the shelf, each of similar quality, from the same grower, etc. One is priced 90¢, one is priced $3, one is priced $8. Which are you going to pick up? <i><b>The 90-cent one, Jackson!</i></b> And it makes no difference whether you have a pocketful of nickels or a pocketful of Ben Franklins.

So what happens? The Burners who need the low-price tickets the most get buffaloed out of it in the Tickets On Sale stampede when everyone else is rushing to get the cheap seats, and they're gone in hours.

I'm for one price for all tickets. Say, $250, the over-and-above going into an interest-yielding account for startup money next year. I don't think there'd be any worry about tickets selling slowly, since there's no cap; but they would sell steadily.

[The Bass]

i buy a higher priced ticket because i can.

BM is a great time to suspend "rational" economic behavior, at a relatively low cost.

[theCryptofishist]

There are those who work for the event and would be eligible for discounted or even free tix who pay full price.

Kudus. (I don't know what a kudo is, but I know antelope!)

[Lassen Forge]

There are those who work for the event and would be eligible for discounted or even free tix who pay full price.

And save the "gift" ticket as their souvineer of tthe event. I know people (some quite intimately) that do just that. Kind of like collecting duck stamps if you're not a hunter - benefits the rest of the programs (like waterfoul conservation)...

Someday that collection of those tix will make an awful noce plaque on the wall... something to hand down to the kids.

As to the pricing structure - it makes sense from a business standpoint. One, you get a big influx of cash at the outset (which is desparately needed out the gate - ask anyone who has managed a big event about this), you get a hard plannable income through the midrange tickets which covers yor setup costs (and gives you an idea roughly of your gate for that event), and the "full price" ones are steady income leading to the event. The overpriced ones at the gate defray the expense of having to prepare for "unexpected participants" which is higher than managing for the known quantity, and promotes buying a ticket beforehand (makng the thing more managable).

So as "fair and eglitarian" sas the one price for all plan is, from a business standpoint for an event (any event, ot just BRC) it's not a good idea. For after all, this is not just an event, but a business. And ou can't run a business if you got no money...

bb

[theCryptofishist]

Someday that collection of those tix will make an awful noce plaque on the wall... something to hand down to the kids.

Yeah, and those kids will be able to sell it for a LOT of money on ebay as ephemera--if they don't trip off the alarm bell set by the lawyers...

One, you get a big influx of cash at the outset (which is desparately needed out the gate - ask anyone who has managed a big event about this

I'd like to remind everyone once again that there was NOTHING in the bm bank account Jan 2004

[can't sit still]

""I also don't see any difference in selling coffee or ice(extra ice vendors would be nice) to help subsidize tix's and selling higher price tix's for the same reason.""

Camp Arctica sold 17 trailer loads of ice this year. It was all volunteer labor and the price wasn't a giveaway so I assume that there was a pretty good margin. I believe that the profit went to local charities. I understand that our tips went to Katrina relief.
I suppose you could reorganize the whole thing so that it subsidised tickets, but I'm not sure that would be a good idea.
BMORG has costs. Tickets pay the costs. If you sell ice to offset the cost of tickets[BMORG's costs] you have a more difficult time claiming "no commercialism" I don't really have a gripe one way or another.
I volunteer X number of hours. It either helps BMORG or it helps people who have trouble affording a ticket.
If BMORG honestly had no funds in the bank in Jan. , I've got no problem volunteering next year. If the deception and greed of the default world is to be the M.O. of BMORG , then I'll give BMORG the same treatment that I give the dirty side of the default world. I'll absent myself.
Dan

[Chai Guy]

At one time the ticket system worked on an incremental increase by DATE, i.e. tickets would cost X amount of dollars until March 1st, and then would be raised to the second tier and so on. This seems like a much more reasonable solution than the current chaos of spending all day online trying to get your early ticket, then being charged twice by the ticketing agent (happened to me 2 years running now), sending in a check only to have it sent back (because the ticket price you sent them sold out).

Oh and the best part is that you could walk into an outlet and buy tickets as soon as they went on sale!

I can't see how this idea would not SAVE the ticket agent and Burning Man money by not dealing with the headaches listed above.

[geekster]

I think part of the "thing" will selling X number of tickets for $175 is that you can be pretty sure that you will have X * 175 dollars on the way at the end of that first day or two. It gives you a known amount of start money. Doing it by date is fine if you have a little surplus from last year and can afford to cruise for a couple of months while the money comes in. But doing it by date and not limiting the number also means that you reduce your revenue as people far and wide vie for that unlimited number of cheap tickets available on the last day of the first window.

I believe (correct me if I am wrong) that while there were a limited number at $175, that was cheaper than the early tickets the previous year. I suppose I will be buying "regular price" tickets this year because I can and I have realized that the delta in ticket price is such a tiny amount of the total expense of going to burning man that it really doesn't matter to me. The difference between $250 and $175 is $75. I gifted way more than that to my camp just in gas and incidental donations for expenses. I bought a lot of crap this year that I won't need to buy next year (new shade structure, new tent, new battery for the camper trailer, new generator, etc.) that I will still make out a lot cheaper next year even if I do buy the more expensive ticket. I realized that the $75 would have been a small part of the total expense this year.

As others have pointed out, turn the process "inside out" and buy a higher priced ticket if you can.

[Chai Guy]

Good point Geekster. I may have to wait to purchase my ticket however simply because I don't know if I will have the funds to be charged 2X again and then have to wait to be refunded.