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With the VAT increase from 9% to 21%, museums are facing a significant challenge just as they begin to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Rising ticket prices may make it harder for people to visit. Fortunately, technology provides opportunities for generating additional revenue, such as through donations. Discover how museums are strategically adapting to these changes.
As a result of the VAT increase, museums may need to raise their ticket prices. This could lead to a decline in visitors, particularly among families who are watching their budgets closely. Such a situation can create a vicious cycle: fewer visitors result in lower revenue, which in turn means less funding for exhibitions and educational programs.
To offset the effects of the VAT increase, museums can adopt creative strategies to generate funds. One effective option is to implement QR codes for donations. Visitors can easily scan a QR code with their smartphones to contribute. This approach can help secure additional revenue while decreasing reliance on ticket sales. By utilizing this technology, museums can facilitate contributions and engage a wider audience with their local institutions.
Convenience for Visitors:
QR codes can be easily integrated into exhibitions, brochures, or websites. Visitors simply scan the code to be taken directly to the donation page.
Fast Payments:
After scanning, visitors can donate quickly and securely. It’s that simple!
Flexible Donation Amounts:
Museums can offer various donation amounts, allowing everyone to contribute in a way that suits their budget.
Targeted Campaigns:
Museums can use QR codes for specific fundraising initiatives, such as financing new exhibitions, educational programs, or acquiring new artworks.
With CM Payments, a part of CM.com, Dutch museums can easily manage payments via iDEAL. Museums can use a verified iDEAL QR code, allowing donors to give effortlessly. The donation amount can be preset, but donors also have the flexibility to adjust it according to their preferences.
Thanks to the Mobile Marketing Cloud from CM.com, museums can further expand their donation options. While iDEAL is only available for Dutch banks, the Mobile Marketing Cloud enables museums to offer additional payment methods, such as credit card transactions, making it easy for an international audience to contribute. Furthermore, museums can share additional information with donors, helping them understand how their contributions are being utilized.
Donor data is securely stored in a Customer Data Platform (CDP), providing museums with valuable insights. This information helps them identify regular or high-value donors, allowing for targeted campaigns, such as invitations to special events or educational programs. Additionally, recurring donations can be set up, enabling donors to contribute on a monthly basis.
By integrating the Mobile Marketing Cloud with the ticket sales system, museums can enhance the experience for both visitors and donors. All data is centralized, offering opportunities for intelligent segmentation. Museums can send targeted newsletters and campaigns to improve visitor engagement and foster a deeper connection with their audiences.
Increased Engagement:
QR donations enhance visitor engagement. When individuals have the opportunity to contribute, they often feel a stronger connection to the museum.
Lower Costs:
Donating via QR codes is more cost-effective than traditional fundraising methods. Museums can save on expensive events and allocate resources more efficiently.
Data and Analytics Reporting:
Museums can collect valuable data about their donors, enabling them to communicate more effectively and plan better campaigns.
Expanded Online Presence:
By incorporating QR codes into digital communications and social media, museums can broaden their online reach and engage younger generations.
The VAT increase from 9% to 21% poses a significant challenge for museums in the Netherlands. However, with innovative solutions like QR code donations, they can discover new sources of revenue. By embracing technology and thinking creatively, museums can not only boost their income but also enhance the visitor experience.
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