Membership options

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Buddle's guide to membership

Membership fees and subs are often the main sources of income for community groups.

Ideally, your fees and subs should cover your costs. However, it's also important to be accessible and inclusive. If it costs too much, then it could be a barrier for certain groups in your community.

This might mean being more flexible, so that you can welcome everyone who'd like to join in.

Here are some of the options that you could consider...

Membership options

These options can help you to cater for all your local community.

In addition to a full membership, you could consider introducing one or more of the following...

Subsidised membership

Your full price membership might not be affordable for people on low incomes or from low income families. Can you offer a subsidised (reduced price) option so they're able to participate?

Pay as you go/flexible

Offering flexible options like ‘pay monthly’ and ‘pay as you go’ can be really helpful for some people. It's good for people who can't afford a one-off yearly cost or commit to the full term.

Families/couples

If you’re a family-friendly organisation, how about offering a family or group membership option?

This could help you boost your membership numbers and make your organisation even more welcoming and inclusive.

You could also offer deals for couples.

Other options/discounts

These could include:

A half season (or similar) offer.
A discount for older adults.
A discount for people who can pay early.
Student discount.
Sibling discount.
Discounts for volunteers – this may help with volunteer recruitment and retention.
Bursaries and support funds – offer a confidential application process for a limited number of individuals facing financial hardship. You might offer free membership, training, kit or equipment.

Promote any offers to your local community. Letting everyone know that you want to be financially accessible could encourage more people to get involved. 

Top tips if you're changing your subs

Thinking of your changing your membership options?

Here are some things to consider before you change the prices...

Be fair

Make sure the price is fair and reflective of what you are offering. This includes the programme of activities, coaching and social events.

Talk your existing members

Discuss any current membership offers. See what people think about introducing new options. 

Consult the community

Consult with groups of people in your local community. Find out what offers would make your organisation more accessible and appealing to them.

Check out the competition

Review the membership offers available from similar organisations in your area. Consider what you can do to make sure you have a competitive offer.

Look at your finances

Review your current financial position. Assess what kind of changes you might need - and when you might need any extra money.

Top tips for membership subscriptions

Many groups rely heavily on their annual subs. Here's how you can increase the money you get - and reduce the admin...

Be strict

If someone doesn't pay, they can't play. This strict approach will benefit the group in the long term.

However if you suspect that someone is having financial difficulties, then do see if you can support them.

Give discounts for earlybirds

Offer a discount to anyone who wants to pay upfront, in one instalment.

This is great for your cashflow... although it won't work for everyone.

Be inclusive with your membership options

Consider different types of membership, to suit all of your members.

For example, offer discounted rates for juniors, students, the unemployed and pensioners.

Some clubs also offer 'half season' and 'week day only' memberships.

Use bank transfers

Encourage people to use bank transfers to make their payments. This cuts down on your admin and trips to the bank.

NB: Someone will need to monitor your bank account, to check who's paid - and who still needs to.

Go cashless

It's easy to lose track of notes and small change - so cut down on admin, by going cashless for your subs.

Encourage direct debits

Direct debits allow people to pay every month, or at intervals that suit you and them. The club can increase payments or change the date in the future.

You'll need to get 'sponsorship' from your bank. This involves a robust vetting process that could involve audits and investigations. You'll need to say where your customer and payment data will be stored.

There are companies that will take this work on for you - but you'll need to establish if their costs are worth it.