The Fergus Grand Theatre will have a new and better means of selling tickets to events there through a new system that can be used to sell tickets for other attractions in Centre Wellington, too.
Council on July 14 approved the purchase of an On-line Box Office Software system from TixHub Inc., of Mississauga, for $13,000.
That purchase is one of the goals in the Parks and Recreation strategic plan.
Treasurer Wes Snarr stated in his report that the system is included in the 2008 budget.
“The township requires a new system to improve customer access and sales through the ability to accept debit and internet based credit card payments,” Snarr said in his report. “Further, user friendly functionality in a web based interface is required to enable volunteers to access and use the system outside of the office hours and from various locations. The functionality required includes ticketing, marketing, event scheduling, and gift certificates.”
Snarr said staff researched the market and noted there are numerous sources for the equipment.
But, he added, “The TixHub system is unique it its ability to meet the township’s requirements.” He said it comes with other features that include:
– licensing is based on ownership and not facility. That means that, unlike other systems, it can be used for any facility from any location, for any group or organization.
– the company providing it is located, and support is provided, in Ontario. The other vendors tended to be from the United States.
– the product is geared to the Ontario Market. Clientele include the River Run Centre in Guelph, the Oakville Performing Arts Centre, the Markham Theatre, and the Kiwanis Theatre in Chatham.
Snarr added that TixHub also provides its software services via an applications service provider model, so the software resides on the company service and services are provided via the internet. “This has the advantage of minimizing the impact on [information technology] resources.”
Snarr’s report noted other benefits.
“There is also an opportunity to expand the use of the box office system for other non-theatre uses, like the RCMP Musical Ride, Fergus Festival concert, Truck Show concert, tourism events, and for the planned outdoor performing area in Bissell Park.”
Snarr said the bid is close to budget, and staff will negotiate a price that is within budget. The monthly support fee is $350, plus a $1 per ticket internet transaction fee.
When council considered the report, councillor Bob Foster pointed out the theatre revenue is $25,000 a year, and the cost to operate it is $75,000, leaving a deficit of $50,000.
“Will this new software help address the difference?” Foster asked.
Snarr said that it could help much more in marketing. Currently, sales are limited there is being no online internet capability, so people can’t buy tickets online. He said that capability will likely improve revenue.
Foster said his concern is spending money on the theatre when there is no business plan.
But councillor Fred Morris pointed out the software system is not just for the theatre, but for the entire community, with “multiple events.”
