The Olympics is due to begin with a lavish and obscenely expensive opening event later today…
But the soccer tournament kicked off a couple of days ago.
Seeing as one of the matches, Brazil vs Egypt was taking place down my neck of the woods in Cardiff, it seemed the perfect opportunity to be “part of the event” and watch the Brazilian national team live.
Due to queueing and poor preparation on our part, we missed the first 10 minutes and first goal of the match…
But nobody seemed to care, seeing as the magnificent Millennium Stadium was well under half full.
Contrary to the hype and fanfare, Olympic soccer isn’t capturing the imagination and the organisers are struggling to sell tickets.
Huge sections of the stadium were closed off yesterday and tickets “withdrawn” from sale – no doubt to try and “massage” the attendance figures and appease the sponsors with news of a “near sell out”.
The cheapest available was £20 ($30) which I think is a lot for what’s little more than a glorified friendly match.
But, soccer tickets are not the only Olympic-related items that fans are shunning…
Official merchandise has seen its prices slashed because the public refused to be ripped off.
For example:
A plain old canvas bag which had an Olympic logo stamped on it was originally sold for £14 ($21)…
A bizarre “novelty” fish-and-chip fork that you press out from a plastic card cost £10 ($15)…
And an Olympic-themed teddy bear had an eye-watering price tag of £85 ($128) compared to a similar one sold at a department store at around the £12 ($18) mark.
When you’re pricing up your own stuff, make sure the cost reflects the value you provide…
Marketers will tell you to charge as high as you possibly can (get away with) and that’s acceptable as long as you can follow through on what you promised.
But, just keep in mind people don’t like getting taken for a ride.
I’ve got a brand new training coming out next week and it’s got a price-tag to suit all pockets – FREE!
Of course, I have some other stuff you need to pay for but that’s hardly surprising, is it?
All will be revealed on Monday – stay tuned!
Talk Soon,
P.S. I will help coach you to an Olympic-level list builder and email marketer!
Free, world-class training from me will be available Monday!
Image Attributed to: joncandy
Hi David,
I haven’t been to Cardiff for about 23 years I guess, but that was to the Tattoo as a Military Guest, and we had a cracking good time (apart from spending the night in some very dingy student accommodation!).
I know just what you mean about “Tat” – it beggars belief really, but we ought to be immune to it by now!!
Let’s just hope that we can put the right flags up from now on, and encourage our overpaid prima donna footballers to sing for their suppers when they are expected to!!
Now where was I/ Oh yes, I’ll be watching for your emails for ongoing details of the tatless training – Haha. Thanks
John
John Reed recently posted..The Bright Side of Life – Lies in Streamlining
Well – that Opening Ceremony was dynamic, emotional and sheer bloody marvellous!! I know I shouldn’t have been but frankly, I was amazed – it was SPECTACULAR!
Stuff the negativity – Danny Boyle and his 10,000 volunteers pulled it off. Still too long and with too many gratuitous shots of young (mainly males) being idiotic when the cameras were directed on them – but as Opening Ceremonies go I definitely rate it highly, and it restored some pride and faith in what we CAN do.
Great shots of Becks coming up the Thames by Speedboat, and a wonderful Light-Up with the young athletes, and that breathtaking copper “Flower”. I was stunned! Off to bed now feeling much happier….
John