Our union's art gallery, movie theatre, and games room have recently moved from programming to retail operations - does anybody have any advice or creative marketing ideas for running these as revenue-generating operations?  Thanks!

Stephanie C.

 Stephanie,

Here are my suggestions based on what we do here at the K-State Student Union at Kansas State University:

1) for any piece of artwork that sells in the art gallery, take a commission.  Maybe 15-20%.  Definitely put this in a contract so the artist will know and can adjust prices accordingly on the front side.

2) For the movie theatre, charge admission.  We charge $1 on Friday nights, $2 on Saturdays/Sundays for students and military, and $2/$3 for non-students.

3) Try a "snack deal" where you get popcorn, pop, and the movie for $5 or other concessions such as candy for a special package price.

4) I don't know what you have in your games room, but most things there make money, i.e., bowling (including bowling leagues and classes), billiards, and video games.  We also do maybe 100-200 kids' birthday parties each year which bring in revenue.

Let me know if you want to talk further.  I can give you contact names/numbers.

Beth Bailey

K-State Student Union

785-532-7326 (direct)

lebailey@ksu.edu