Client: Six Flags Corporation
Problem:
Each Six Flags park was responsible for planning and executing its own direct mail program to generate prepaid group orders. It was very expensive to produce park-specific campaigns on an individual park basis. In addition, each park had its own order entry system that did not lend itself to reliable tracking for results analysis.
BKV was challenged to develop a more efficient program that could be utilized by all parks, yet would maintain each park's own identity.
Solution:
Establishing a centralized, cost-efficient program that would meet the needs of each park required a number of changes. First, BKV developed a consistent campaign across all parks. The campaign
was designed to allow for photo and copy changes that would accommodate each park's specific rides and shows. A major cost savings was also realized by "gang printing" all four-color mailings across the system. We designed packages that included multifold brochures that showed through oversized window envelopes. This allowed each mailing to look different on the outside while utilizing the same brochure across flights. Efficiencies were realized by printing all the brochures for the year at the same time.
Second, so that we could properly analyze the results for each park and leverage the learning across all parks, a standardized order form was designed for all parks. This form included a 15-character "smart code" to quickly identify park, campaign, list, offer, creative, etc. and allowed us to track data consistently across all parks. We also created the park's computer monitoring system for group sales so that reports could be generated for analysis.
BKV saw another opportunity to increase sales through a referral program and recommended including "Pass Along" order forms. A second order form was included in each package with a "Please pass along" message. This allowed for deeper penetration within the schools/churches at minimal cost. To date, the pass along order forms account for almost 50% of total trackable sales. An annual directmarketing plan was implemented for all parks which incorporated individual plans for each park. By having one central source for analysis and planning, it allowed the parks to benefit greatly from the shared data across all parks.
We created multiple test cells to identify the most responsive lists, titles and offer. We also tested distance from the park and enrollment/congregation size. Once the results were in, we analyzed data on an individual park basis as well as collectively for all parks. Because the data was to be shared, we were able to test several different cells in different parks. While we understood that the results might vary by park in rollout, we were able to share data from different tests that provided valuable direction that could be applied across all parks.
Results:
Based on learning across all parks, we were able to expand mailings to maximize results at specific times of the year (increased fall and winter mailings). With the increased efficiencies, we were able to increase our quantities and utilize high penetration mailings (increased titles into each school) that resulted in a significant increase in ticket sales the first full year of the program. The cost savings also allowed Six Flags to expand the outer market program that incorporated an offer strategy based on distance to the park that resulted in incremental sales.