I just wanted to reply (query?) on the issue of "member repeat visitations."  I am at a loss to understand how this could be consideded lost revenue.  I would think that repeats by members would be positive and an incentive for them to join.  Likewise, if they were not members would their
visit frequency be as great?  The more that your members visit suggests a higher greater level of their satisfaction and ... enhanced opportunity for them to make referrals to non-members.  How about incentive to existing members to bring in new members?

Vera Uyehara wrote:

> Colleen:  This is a very important question for our museum.  We, similar
> to most museums in the US, don't receive tax dollars or any governmental
> subsidy as a rule (except through competitive grant processes for
> federal programs), and therefore we are always looking at what the costs
> and benefits are of our programs.  We are conscientiously trying to
> develop revenue generating activities, that relate to (or at least don't
> compromise) our mission.
>
> I would be very interested in hearing what others have to say on this
> subject! Many thanks.  V
>
> ========================
> Wendt, Colleen wrote:
> >
> > We are grappling with some interesting membership issues.  Could I ask
> > the following questions about what others are doing?
> >
> > Does anyone calculate profit for their membership program?
> > If so, how?  (Is it just revenue less costs of operation?)
> > Does anyone tract retail/catering spend for their members? Is this
> > used in profit calculations?
> > Does anyone estimate or measure lost admission revenue (through member
> > repeat visitation)?  Is this incorporated in calculation of profit?
>
> --
>
> Vera L.Y. Uyehara               [log in to unmask]
> Executive Director              (701) 795-8500 (Voice)
> Dakota Science Center   (701) 739-3150 (cell)
> P.O. Box 5023                   (701) 777-2339 (FAX)
> Grand Forks, ND  58206
>
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