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Q: membership clubs ( Answered 4 out of 5 stars,   2 Comments )
Question  
Subject: membership clubs
Category: Arts and Entertainment
Asked by: robertaann-ga
List Price: $100.00
Posted: 18 Aug 2003 15:53 PDT
Expires: 17 Sep 2003 15:53 PDT
Question ID: 246176
I am looking for membership programs for nightclubs, sport bars,
theaters and entertainmentlocations.  We are opening 200 seat venues
that will be used by club members only. I need to find other similiar
membership programs.
Can you help?

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 18 Aug 2003 22:52 PDT
Hello, robertaann-ga,

 Can you please explain exactly what you are seeking in an answer? Are
you looking for "examples" of various membership-only entertainment
clubs, or are you looking for details about how to run a club with a
membership program?

 So far, I have found descriptions of some entertainment clubs for
"members-only" which provide basic details about membership fees (some
are actually free but restricted in size.) However, you would have to
contact the individual clubs to find in-depth information concerning
their method of operation.

 Are online descriptive examples of interest or are you seeking
in-depth information concerning operation methods?

 Thanks,

 umiat

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 19 Aug 2003 23:20 PDT
robertaann,

 I've spent several hours searching for information concerning your
question. However, I don't believe I can provide an acceptable answer
until I hear from you and know exactly what you are seeking.

 Is the following example along the lines of what your are looking for
in an answer?

SOHO HOUSE - NEW YORK
=====================
http://www.sohohouseny.com/thehouse.php

"Imagine a shared space that feels private.A club more comfortable
than home.That’s Soho House. It’s a place to lounge with papers or
party with friends; a club for business or movies, parties and
previews.It’s a restaurant, a bar, a lounge and a spa. It’s also a
space to stay."

Membership:
http://www.sohohouseny.com/membership.php
"The annual fee for membership is $900, with a registration fee of
$200. For an application form, please contact our membership secretary
on (212) 627 9800. All application forms go before the committee for
approval. You will be advised in writing if your application has been
accepted.

Rules of membership:
http://www.sohohouseny.com/members/rules.php

Facilities:
http://www.sohohouseny.com/members/facilities.php

Events in July
http://www.sohohouseny.com/members/calendar.php?mes=0308

Events in August:
http://www.sohohouseny.com/members/whatson.php

Clarification of Question by robertaann-ga on 20 Aug 2003 11:22 PDT
Hi,
thank you for your response. CONFIDENTIAL PLEASE....Here is what I am
doing...I am setting up small (100 - 200 seat) VIP club insides a very
large nightclub. This is to be for members only. I am looking at: 1)
what to charge per month or year; 2) what to offer them to sign up; 3)
what the competition does, etc.. This is the first VIP club, but we
hope to roll out 200 nationwide in the next 2 years. This will be
expanded to other entertainment destinations later.

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 20 Aug 2003 13:09 PDT
robertaann,
 Thanks for your clarification. While I may be able to find examples
of VIP programs "within" nightclubs, the exact membership parameters
and incentives to sign on may be elusive. It would also be next to
impossible for me to tell you what to charge per month. I think you
would have to consult a consultant to work on a business plan for you.
 I am willing to pursue background information and see what surfaces.
If I find any good examples for you to consider in formulating your
own plan, I will let you know.
 However, are you accepting of basic background information on other
VIP clubs as opposed to having a researcher try to forumulate a
business plan?

umiat

Clarification of Question by robertaann-ga on 21 Aug 2003 18:07 PDT
Hi, thanks for your response. An example of what I am looking for would be:
1. Club or venue name, address, phone number, e-mail, web site
2. For "my" membership I get: access without waiting in line, t-shirt, mug, etc...
3. Cost per year or per month.

Does this help?
thanks again!
Answer  
Subject: Re: membership clubs
Answered By: umiat-ga on 22 Aug 2003 12:57 PDT
Rated:4 out of 5 stars
 
Hello, robertaann-ga!

 Thank you for your patience and your clear clarifications to my
questions.  This search took a bit longer than I thought it would.

 The major problem is that many of the club websites DO NOT include
information on membership promotions and fees or VIP membership
prices. Most sites do not even mention entrance fees. The information
I have uncovered is gleaned primarily from articles referencing the
various clubs which I then cross-referenced with the Club websites
when available.

 I have highlighted some clubs that do not mention membership fees
simply to include some interesting descriptions of VIP lounges. A few
of the nightclubs are located outside of the United States. I have
also added a few references for marketing ideas in case they might be
of interest.

 One more thing.....you might want to turn down your sound volume
while looking through these club sites. A few of them seem to delight
in blasting loud music :)!!



NIGHTCLUBS WITH VIP ROOMS


===========================
ZANZIBAR ON THE WATERFRONT
===========================
700 Water Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20024
Tel. No. 202-554-9100
http://www.zanzibar-otw.com/


Vip Memberships:
----------------

"Our members are an elite group of international business
professionals who understand the importance of coming together in the
spirit of friendship, to share ideas and experiences.  Zanzibar offers
its members the opportunity to receive VIP treatment while dining,
exchanging information and listening to music from around the world in
a tropical, exciting, waterfront setting."

** "Memberships are limited and granted at Zanzibar’s discretion."  **

"Members receive: complimentary admission for themselves and a guest,
preferred entry (no waiting in line), complimentary parking, access to
our VIP lounge, priority seating, advance notice of special events and
use of the facility for private parties."

** "Dues are currently $550 annually and may be paid by check, or by
all major credit cards." **



===================
RAIN IN THE DESERT
===================
4321 W. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Phone (702) 992-7970
http://www.vegas.com/nightclubs/rain/

A VIP’s Paradise:
-----------------

"For true Vegas-style heavy hitters, a limited number of VIP
memberships are available. Member perks include VIP status at all
DeGraff-Morton properties (Skin Pool Lounge, Nine Steak House and
Ghostbar), access to the sky-box level at Rain and unsurpassed
attention."

"The skybox level is the pinnacle of the Rain in the Desert
experience, DeGraff says. Access to this level is Bond-like. A
biometric thumbprint scanner assures that only members garner access
to the elevator that services the mezzanine/VIP area. Each skybox
accommodates 20 guests and features lavish furnishings, high-tech
environmental controls that run everything from the lights to the
curtains and a private balcony that overlooks the club below."

***

"Corporate VIP memberships are priced at $10,000 and individual
memberships are $3,000 per year."

****

Also read "Rain in the Desert Wows 'Em with Water and Fire," by Steven
Campbell. Nightclub & Bar Magazine. (June 2002)
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/June02/cover.html



==========
RUBY SKYE 
==========
420 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA. 94102
Phone: 415-693-0777
http://www.rubyskye.com/nightclub.html

Read club description:
"Skyes the limit,"by Mike Phelan. Nightclub & Bar.  
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/October01/cover.html

VIP Suite:

"Upstairs on the mezzanine level are another bar, booths and the VIP
suite. The booths run along the side walls and can be rented for the
evening for $340, which includes a $200 bar tab and a $40 gratuity but
excludes cover."

***

"In the right corner overlooking the stage is the VIP suite, which is
available for $600, including cover.

***



===========
AXIS-RADIUS
===========
7340 E. Indian Plaza
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 
http://www.axis-radius.com/information/index.html
http://www.axis-radius.com/information/description.html

From "Radius Goes for the Gold with The Amber Lounge." Nightclub &
Bar. April 2000
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/April00/promotions.html

"Radius, a popular nightclub known for attracting celebrities and
professional athletes in Scottsdale, Ariz., has undergone a $500,000
renovation to create an exclusive VIP lounge. Built upstairs at
Radius, The Amber Lounge is named for the table and bar tops made from
amber. The 30-foot floating bar is internally lighted, with inlaid
insects, twigs, flowers and butterflies. With this type of lighting,
the amber looks as if it's glowing, co-owner Les Corieri said."

"Designer Jeff Zischke suggested amber table tops inlaid with insects.
At first, the owners didn't like the somewhat gory-sounding concept,
but the exclusive VIP area needed something unique, so even though it
was more expensive than traditional table tops, they decided to go
with it."

"Everybody's done wood, granite and marble," Corieri said.    


**  Membership fee: $1,000 **
-----------------------------

"The new lounge features a private dance floor with admission
restricted to Platinum cardholders who will pay a $1,000 annual
membership fee. Amber Lounge will service exclusive clients such as
business professionals, professional athletes, celebrities and hotel."



===================
VINCENT'S NIGHTCLUB
===================
6 Billings Street
Randolph, Ma 02368
Phone: 781-986-4000 
http://www.vincentsnightclub.com/

VIP membership: $250
http://www.vincentsnightclub.com/vip.htm

Benefits of Membership:
http://www.vincentsnightclub.com/vip_application.htm

"You and one guest are entitled to free admission to Vincent’s any
night, with the exception of New Year’s Eve, events that involve
advance ticket sales, any live entertainment, or any night/event as
designated by management. This membership is valid for one year."



===========
INTERACTION
===========
Bruton Way
Gloucester, GL1 1EP
Phone: 01452 302222
http://www.innteraction.com/aboutus.asp

The Loyalty Card:
-----------------
"Our LOYALTY card is more than a membership card and gives reward
points for every pound spent in the club and the pub. The LOYALTY card
will give reduced admission and points redemption towards special
offers and great prizes - including a CAR!"

==

"The club is spread over two floors with four main bars, including an
innovative bottle bar and a cocktail bar which is located in the V.I.P
area where you can chill out on stylish sofas and check out who`s
coming in the club as it is situated within the glass towered
entrance."



=====
TABU
=====
46 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL
Phone: 407-648-8363
Vip Reservations - 407-839-IVIP
http://www.tabunightclub.com/

From "Tabu Takes Their Music Around the Globe with Weekly Web
Broadcast." Promotions Marketing by Shea Stewart. Nightclub & Bar.
(May 2001)
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/May01/promotion.html
 
Year membership - $350:
----------------------

"The grand entrance gives way to different performance and atmosphere
artists on the dance floor and a VIP lounge complete with table
service and sushi from the club's exclusive sushi chef. With VIP
tables going for $150 to $350 per table or a year membership for $350,
the popularity of the club is growing as guests rub elbows with
celebrities of all types."



===============
THE BITTER END
===============
770 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-338-9300
http://www.thebitterend.com/

The Bitter End Black Card:
---------------------------
 Cost - $300. Free admission to the Bitter End ANYTIME for cardholder
and a guest. Front of the line privileges for cardholder and guest.
Invitations to special VIP functions.


The Bitter End Gold Card:
------------------------
 Cost - $900. Free admission to the Bitter End ANYTIME for cardholder
and three guests. Front of the line privileges for cardholder and
three guests. Invitations to special VIP functions.

==

From "Sweet Success at The Bitter End," by Mitchell Diggs. Bar &
Nightclub. (September 1999)
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/September99/bitter.html

"The club's approach to promotions has two facets. First, The Bitter
End participates in monthly events in the Gaslamp Quarter, such as St.
Patrick's Day festivities and Halloween. The club's float won the
Grand Marshal's prize in the district's Mardi Gras parade earlier this
year."

"Internal promotions round out the calendar. The club frequently hosts
parties and themed events, including a viewing party for the final
"Seinfeld" episode and several parties leading up to last season's
Super Bowl, featuring NFL greats Dan Marino, Franco Harris, Jim Kelly
and both Super Bowl teams."

"For regulars, the club also offers a VIP program with two levels, a
gold card and a black card. Both cards allow the holder to enter the
bar without waiting in line or paying a cover. Card holders also are
invited quarterly VIP parties and receive other benefits."



==========
THE LEGEND
===========
3225 NAYLOR ROAD
TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748
Phone: (301) 894-3535 
http://www.thelegendnightclub.com/index.html

VIP Membership:
http://www.thelegendnightclub.com/vip.htm

BENFITS:
1. Free Lifetime Admission on any regular night for VIP member and a
guest.
2. VIP members are entitled to have a free birthday party or other
special celebration - receiving invitations for 30 friends or
associates absolutely free.
3. Every New Years Eve, VIP members attending our celebration receive
a complimentary Bottle of Champagne.
 
COST:
1. The Cost of a Lifetime VIP Membership is $150.00 (one hundred-fifty
dollars) per person.
2. The Cost of replacement of misplaced VIP card is $20.00 (five
dollars).



=====
PURE
=====
8125 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: 858-538-PURE INFO
http://www.puresd.com/index2.htm

Membership Information 
http://www.puresd.com/index2.htm

"For a limited time Pure is offering our VIP cards for a low price.
With your VIP membership you receive the following privileges:"

Free admission for you and one guest. 
(up to $15 per ticket)

Never wait in line, you and one guest 

10 free, 5 min O2 bar 
Invitation to our special VIP Parties 
Discounts to select Special Events 
Backstage entry to meet special guests 
Discounts to booking private parties. 
10% discount on all drinks, billiards and coat check.
 
** All this for $225.00 **

VIP membership is good for one year.



=====================
THE EXPRESS NIGHTCLUB
=====================
3075 N. Maroa Avenue
Fresno California 93704
Telephone: 559-224-1024
http://www.mangen.com/stonewall/history/express/location/location.htm

VIP Customer Program:    

"The Express Nightclub VIP Customer Program identifies and rewards
customers who purchase an annual membership and are identified with
their VIP Card. The program parameters are as follows:

Membership Benefits:
-------------------
$2 reduction off of all club door charges prior to Midnight
Guaranteed "Front Of Line" access to the club prior to Midnight
 (unless prior notification is issued with regard to special events)
20% Discount for all special events
20% Discount on all Myrna's food menu items.
Quarterly Email Newsletter
Annual VIP Membership Theme Party
Personalized VIP Membership Card
 


============
THE KEY CLUB (no prices mentioned)
============
9039Sunset Blvd.
W Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone:310.274.5800
http://www.keyclub.com/

The VIP Plush Club:
http://www.keyclub.com/tour_plush.asp#

"Within Key Club, the exclusive plush club offers members an added
level of luxury, intimacy, and service in their own private lounge.
Plush is located downstairs from the Main Level and offers members
special amenities for an enhanced club experience."

"There are three types of plush memberships available: individual,
corporate, and corporate sponsorship. "Individual" members receive one
plush member VIP card , "Corporate" members receive four VIP cards,
and "Corporate Sponsors" receive six VIP cards and may "sponsor" a
concert or event at Key Club. Each member under one VIP card receives
all the entitlements listed below. (See sidebar)

==

From "KEYED IN - Key Club Redefines L.A. Nightlife," by Howard Riell.
Nightclub & Bar.(March 2002)
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/March02/spotllight_1.html

"A private club downstairs called Plush is for the select few. Only
those who are members or on a list can get in. After performances,
band members have been known to go down to the VIP room and hang out
for late night partying."

"The candle-lit rooms feature walls swathed in velvet. "It's basically
an art gallery," Pressman says. "We have art shows once a month with
amazing, cutting-edge artists. Every time you go (to the VIP room),
there's different art. We're always switching it up, so the look of
the room is always different. The attraction of Plush works (for)
performers and VIPs as well. It's basically their backstage area, this
beautiful room."

"Plush has a capacity of around 500. The crowd is normally dotted with
celebrities, but Pressman is reluctant to drop names. "They like the
privacy," he says. "When they come here, they are treated the same as
everybody else, so I'd rather not document it."



====================
Cocktails and Dreams
=====================
The Mark, Orchid Avenue
Surfers Paradise,
QLD. Australia
Phone: (07) 5592 1955
Email: info@cocktailsanddreams.com.au
http://www.cocktailsanddreams.com.au/html/cocktails.htm

Grab your VIP membership for $20 today and receive all this in return;
http://www.cocktailsanddreams.com.au/html/c_membership.htm

$20 drink voucher (not valid with any other offer) 
For your birthday, you will receive:
$100 BAR ACCOUNT ON FRIDAY WITH 10 GUESTS
$50 BAR ACCOUNT ON SATURDAY WITH 10 GUESTS
$100 BAR ACCOUNT ON SATURDAY WITH 15 GUESTS
Plus complimentary entry for you and your guests.
(Bookings are essential, phone our office to book your party). 
Cocktails and Dreams members party is on the first Friday of every
month. Come along and present your membership card before 10pm and you
will receive a $20 drink voucher.
You will receive a VIP invitation to our Members Christmas Party. 
By attending these parties you will have the chance to win $1000's in
prizes given away each month.
You will receive free entry for you and two others every time you
enter both Cocktails & Dreams and The Party nightclubs.



================
FLUTE - FLATIRON (no prices mentioned)
================
40 E 20th St.
New York City
Phone: 212.529.7870
http://www.flutebar.com/flatiron/about.htm

From "Strike Up the Band: Flute Hits a High Note with Exceptional
Service, Commitment to Excellence," by Rob O'Connor. Nightclub & Bar.
(December 2001)
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/December01/cover.html 
 
"Nightclubbing is all about making the customer feel special. Well,
what could make someone feel more special than having their own
personal key to a downstairs VIP lounge in New York City? Robert
DeNiro and Uma Thurman have already been spotted haunting the Jonathan
Adler-designed Club Piper at Flute. With a 30-person capacity,
however, you either have to show up early - or be Robert DeNiro or Uma
Thurman. This electronic key can be hard to come by, as only 200
persons have them. Steady Flute clients run the chance of receiving
one. But, according to one New York magazine, preferred guests at the
Soho Grand and Plaza hotels can hit the concierge for the electronic
pass."



===========
CLUB CROBAR  (no prices mentioned)
===========
1445 Washington
Miami Beach, FL 30139
Phone: 305-531-8225
http://crobarmiami.com/index.asp

VIP lounges:

Downstairs VIP Area:
 Includes stylish, comfortable seating for up to 100, standing room
for up to 175. One full bar, with 2 bartenders and 3 servers.
Available any time.

Upstairs VIP Room:
 A three-level, 6,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed "club within a
club." Includes seating for up to 200, including private balconies,
and standing room for up to 500. Tables available for 2-15. Two full
bars, with up to 5 bartenders and 8 servers. Features private
entrances and bathrooms, as well as its own sound system and DJ. Music
from the Main Room can be piped into the Upstairs VIP Room upon
request. Available any time Tuesday or Wednesday, or prior to the
club’s regular hours of operation on all other days.

Ultra VIP Room:
 Perched above the Upstairs VIP Room in the old projection room of the
Cameo Theater and separated by a hidden private entrance, this is the
ultimate in intimacy and privacy. Includes seating for up to 30,
standing room for up to 50. Features European-style bottle service, up
to 6 servers, and private rest room. Available any time.

==

From "Big Bucks Boogie - Miami’s Club Crobar," by Taylor Rau.
Nightclub & Bar. (April 2003)
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/April03/coverstory.html 

VIP lounge:
 
"The recipe called for creating the beach’s hottest VIP lounge and
blending it into the madness of a high-energy dance club. Catering to
younger crowds would boost the energy level and having an opulent,
glass-partitioned VIP room would attract the older audience - both of
which would help create the perfect environment for the masses.

"This enabled us to go after a clientele that was as diverse as any we
had ever seen, mixing people from the ages of 21 all the way to 89,"
Smith says. "Our No. 1 customer is Miss Kitty, a very young
89-year-old who’s famous in South Beach and New York City." Whatever
the background or ethnicity, Crobar has positioned itself as the place
to be for crowds in search of Miami Beach’s wildest and most welcoming
club.

"In Miami everyone is a VIP, and our VIP rooms cater to (club goers
with) European bottle service with their setups," Smith says. Guests
who opt for bottle service are exempt from a cover charge



WHAT BENEFIT CAN VIP ROOMS PROVIDE FOR NIGHTCLUBS AND THEIR PATRONS?
====================================================================

 The following paper analyzes the variables that are important to
clubgoers and the methods employed by clubs to maintain customer
loyalty.

From "Loyalty in nightclubs," by Thomas Fahlen and others. (October
26, 1999)
http://www.fek.su.se/home/of/relationship/RM-nightclubs.pdf

"Nightclub guests like to associate with others they consider to be in
their same social circle, or strive to become part of an "elite"
circle by socializing within their presence. Many like the feeling of
being someone "special" at a specific club."

"VIP-rooms can "enhance the feeling of excusivity" by allowing access
to only a selected group of guests. "Being in these rooms is a
statement to those outside and communicates something about those
inside."

"Those members who are attracted to VIP memberships are often "very
conscious about their integrity, social class and consequently who
they associate with." They may often act as informal "marketers" for
the club by telling others of the "celebrities" or important guests
that frequent the facility."

"VIP membership status is a very important means of encouraging
long-term relationships between the club and its influential members.
VIP members have access to special events and can access VIP rooms
that are off limits to regular club-goers. "Membership creates bonds
between the guests and the club and a form of acknowledgement of the
worth of the relationship. The guest knows that if he goes to the
particular club where he has a membership card, he will be treated in
a certain way."



RECRUITING AND MARKETING FOR NEW VIP MEMBERS	
============================================

From "Loyalty in nightclubs," by Thomas Fahlen and others. (October
26, 1999)
http://www.fek.su.se/home/of/relationship/RM-nightclubs.pdf

"When starting up a new club the host initially tries to start a
relationship with the desired target group by sending out VIP/member
cards and invitations. If the gues accepts this invitation a
relationship begins, and the guest may become a supporter of the
club."

"Over time, a guest begins to move up the "loyalty ladder, becoming
recognized by the doorman and employees and consequently feeling
"special" and appreciated. "This feeling of being somebody gives the
club an opportunity to build a long-term loyal relationship with the
guest."

"Clubs find it important to show who the cream of the crop are.....A
good way of doing this is to arrange different kinds of events,
exclusively for such guests where further bonds can be tied between
the clubs and these guest. An example of an event is when a club in
Stockholm arranged a trip to a beach in the archipelago of Stockholm
for its loyal guests. This trip was a way to make these guests feel
special and that the club appreciates them."



Marketing ideas to attract local VIP's:
======================================

From "5 Steps to Superstar Billing."
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/current/middle_4.html
 
"Whether or not a superstar ever passes through your doors, you can
use the same principles to attract local VIPs, who can bring
recognition, credibility and free publicity to your venue. Below are
five steps to putting your club in the limelight:"

1. Creativity. Outlandish ideas rule. "Build the most outrageous club
you can think of," says Frank Ferraro, co-owner of Pangaea in New York
City. Look at other clubs in your city, then create a concept like no
one else has.

2. Contacts. Billy Dec, co-owner of Le Passage in Chicago, suggests
networking with local business owners, sports team owners, society
leaders as well as staffers in positions to funnel visitors in your
direction.

3. Catering. Cater to celebrities’ individual preferences, says Rivka
Paris, special events manager at Studio 54 in Las Vegas. "Some
celebrities ask to be in our private VIP room and some want to just
party like the rest of us."

4. Commitment. Paolo Pincente, co-owner of Crobar in Miami, says, "A
committed staff, a top notch management team, the best sound system
around, creative and well thought out production, interesting events
... It doesn’t get any better," he says.

5. Consistency. Stay focused on what works, says Jody Faison, owner of
12th & Porter in Nashville, Tenn. And, if it doesn’t work, he says,
don’t repeat it.
 



A marketing strategy from Heffron's in Long Island
===================================================

From "Power Surge - Heffron's Keeps Long Island Dancing With High-Tech
Equipment and Aggressive Marketing," by Jennifer Kramer Williams.
Nightclub & Bar Magazine.
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/June98/powersurge.html

Excerpt:

"The club uses an intense marketing program, coordinated by Katherine
O’Halloran, to keep the crowds coming. While the establishment uses
some radio ads, the strategy focuses on direct mail, telemarketing and
direct marketing to continuously promote events, bands and specials.
"We’ll do anything, legally, to get people in here," Jerry said. "We
feel we offer the best deal around, but it’s our job, once they’re in
here, to keep them here."

The "deal" he mentioned truly is hard to beat. O’Halloran cited the
club’s Corporate Dress Down Happy Hour, which runs every Friday, as a
primary focus of the marketing plan. Teams of marketers meet
personally with company representatives to spread the word about it.

"What we offer the local companies is if they come down with about 20
people, they get an open bar for an hour and a free 20-foot carving
board buffet," O’Halloran said. The open bar is such a fabulous deal
that people have trouble believing there isn’t some sort of catch, she
said. The only thing Heffron’s is catching, however, is attention.

"We have to stay fresh," Jerry said. "The people that I had in my
place three or four years ago are gone. They’re not into the club
scene anymore. So we’ve got to keep recycling and trying to get the
younger people to keep coming back."

"Attracting between 3,000 and 4,000 customers a week, Heffron’s seems
to be doing well in the repeat client department. VIP cards are
another promotion that helps attract new customers and bring them
back. Two or three times a year, the club sends out mailers to
advertise the availability of the cards. Patrons must sign up for the
card on one of three nights, then come back on a fourth night to pick
it up. The VIP card is valid for one year and offers such perks as
free cover before 11 p.m. and open bars during selected hours."


The Owners of LePassage realize the importance of building
relationships
========================================================================

From "Fame and Fortune - Pack the House with Star Power," by Brenda
Owen. Nightclub & Bar Magazine.
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/July03/middle_4.html 
 

"Situated in a former speakeasy, Le Passage is one of Chicago’s most
frequented haunts for visiting celebs as well as the city’s own VIPs,
says Billy Dec, co-owner of the club. "Although it’s not a
Hollywood-type town, it’s a huge town and everyone passes through -
whether because of connecting flights or stopovers as guests of the
Oprah show."

"From working VIP rooms in other top clubs, Dec learned the value of
building relationships, not only with celebrities, but with locals who
are most likely to come in contact with celebrities passing through -
cab drivers, doormen, bell hops and even other club owners. "This city
is so tight and word travels," Dec says. "If someone famous is here,
within 20 minutes word gets around, and we help each other by
recommending other places besides our own."

"Dec keeps celebs coming to Le Passage by making friends with them.
"Every person’s different, so you have to get to know each celebrity’s
personality and what they want," he says. "If they want a lot of
privacy, we have separate rooms with bottle service and a bartender to
cater to them. If they want to be seen partying in the tabloids, we
have ways of manipulating space so they can sit away from the traffic
but still be seen."

"Bottle service at the VIP tables can top $250.......



Marketing ideas from THE BEACH
==============================

From "Getting Busy At The Beach - Inland Paradise Rides High-Energy
Wave to Success," By Steven Campbell. Nightclub & Bar magazine.
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/January03/feature_2.html 

"To get the word out about The Beach’s party atmosphere, the venue’s
preferred promotional method is quite simply, word-of-mouth."
 
"The cheapest and easiest form of advertising is to make sure our
customers are telling their friends what a great time they had here,"
Culver says. "When our staff members leave out of here, we want them
to promote the club as well. We give them VIP passes to pass out to
their friends, relatives or just the people they meet. That way, we
have a huge marketing team."

"Although The Beach relies on word-of-mouth advertising, it also
employs many other marketing techniques. Staff members distribute
flyers and VIP passes to hotels, restaurants and bars. Employees hand
out free passes at other popular spots, including the Strip, at malls
and music shops."

"(We go) anywhere we think our clientele might be," Culver says. "It’s
seems to be a very positive way to take care of the locals and get
them in the club."

"Locals are just a small part of The Beach’s target market. Tourists
bring in a healthy amount of business, and the venue markets to them
as well."

"Most tourists get around in taxis," Culver says. "So we know we have
to take care of the taxi drivers. We give them VIP passes to give
away, and we do parties for them. We go out a couple of times a week
and jump in a cab and ask where to go to have fun and dance. If the
cabby says The Beach, we’ll tell the driver to take us there. When we
get there, we’ll give the driver $100 and say, ‘Thanks for promoting
The Beach and keep up the good work.’"

"Besides its unusual marketing efforts, The Beach also relies on
traditional forms of advertising to pull in the crowds. It purchases
ad space in two magazines that are published exclusively for taxi
drivers and in two local newspapers. Commercials for the venue are
played on some of the local hotel networks and on three area radio
stations. However, Culver says, the mainstay of the club’s marketing
efforts is the direct approach. "Most of our budget is dedicated to
guerrilla marketing," Culver says. "We know it works in this town."



Marketing ideas "Excerpted from "Nightclub Promotions Manuel & Source
List" by K.S. Jones.
================================================================================
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/May02/spotlight_3.html

A Club in a Club:

"Everybody wants to be part of something exclusive. You can develop a
club inside your nightclub to help make selected patrons feel special.
The term "club" is used, not like a nightclub, but like a stamp
collecting club or a book club. You can create this club by choosing
certain factors to determine membership like sex, appearance or
special interests. If you wanted to have a club just for the ladies,
create an application and membership card, then scout your bar for the
most attractive women around and sign them up. Membership should
include perks like discounted drinks or no cover charges. Follow-up
with club members by sending e-mails to inform them of membership
specials or special events that would appeal to them."


===


For more marketing ideas, read:

"Head Games - Make Customers Feel at Home and You'll Reap Hefty
Returns," by Dr. Kirk Wakefield. Nightclub & Bar Magazine.
http://www.nightclub.com/magazine/February00/head.html
 

====


 I hope the information I have provided proves useful to you. Your
business idea certainly sounds fun, exciting and extremely
adventurous.  If you need further clarification, please don't hesitate
to ask. I will help if I can!

 I wish you the best of luck.


umiat-ga

Google Search Strategy 
+nightclub +membership
+establishing +VIP +clubs +within +nightclub

Various search parameters in Nightclub & Bar Magazine
http://www.nightclub.com/
 +VIP +membership
 +nightclub +membership
 +VIP +lounges
 +VIP +nightclubs
robertaann-ga rated this answer:4 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $20.00
Thank you very much for this information. I know it was tough to get!

Comments  
Subject: Re: membership clubs
From: umiat-ga on 25 Aug 2003 11:47 PDT
 
Thank you, robertaann, for your generous rating and tip. I am glad I could help!
Subject: Re: membership clubs
From: sarah_iventa-ga on 31 Oct 2003 19:13 PST
 
Roberta Ann -  I would like to get in contact with you about your
question to see if I can be of service. My company specializes
creating tools to allow you to run all aspects of a fan club,
memberships, paid subscription offerings and more, both online and
off. We power some of the most traffic'd fan clubs in the world, like
Metallica's and Pamela Anderson's official fan clubs.

I'd like to talk to you about your idea, packages are tailored to your
size.

Email me at info@iventa.com, subject line "entertainment club venture"

 - Biz dev, Iventa Corp

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