Following the difficult decision taken last week to end our doorstep lottery cash collection and to try and rebuild a new lottery based on Direct Debit payments, the Club has been overwhelmed and extremely thankful for the response of our supporters.
We would like to state again our sincere thanks and gratitude to our loyal Agents, many of whom have served the Club for several decades. Covid-19 has made us make changes to the way we operate, as so many businesses are now having to adapt to survive.
In order to recommence our lottery, we need to reach a minimum number of members signing up via Direct Debit to operate legally and properly. We would like to urge as many supporters as possible, if you haven’t already done so, to take a few minutes to complete the online Direct Debit form and sign up to £2 per week. Please show your support and be in with the chance of winning cash prizes every week: www.paymymembership.co.uk/dale
For every 100th person that signs up on a rolling basis we will also award a prize of 2 x hospitality tickets for Dale’s first home game in front of crowds.
Following the incredible response over the weekend, we have had a number of supporters and Agents contact us for clarification. Below is a Q&A in response to those queries.
DALE LOTTO Q&A
How do I sign up to Direct Debit?
If you have received a letter from us, you can either complete and return the application form using the free post stamped addressed envelope, or anybody can sign up online by visiting the website: www.paymymembership.co.uk/dale The application takes only a matter of minutes to complete.
Is the FREEPOST address on the return envelope correct?
Yes - the FREEPOST address on the envelope is correct and is simply FREEPOST PMM.
All you need to do is pop your completed application form in the FREEPOST envelope and drop this in a post box. This will be received safely by our Lottery Partner and your application will be processed.
When will the Lottery recommence?
We will recommence our Lottery as soon as we have the minimum number of members paying via Direct Debit.
Why have cash collections stopped?
Due to the global pandemic that is affecting the world, for the safety of our Agents, Staff and Members we have had to cancel our cash collections.
Why has the lottery been suspended?
The majority of our lottery members pay cash and we do not have enough members paying electronically to run our lottery. We are appealing for members to sign up to electronic payment to allow us to recommence our lottery as soon as possible and to support the Club during this pandemic.
What happens if I have paid cash upfront via an Agent?
All players’ pre-paid money is safe and credited to your account whether it is by cash, Standing Order, Direct Debit or cheque.
As soon as our lottery recommences, you will be credited the cash amounts you have paid and entered into the draw for the number of weeks you have paid up front.
- ie) If you have paid £10 upfront and normally pay £1 a week, you will be entered for the first 10 x weeks at £1 per week.
What happens if I have paid cash up front and sign up to Direct Debit?
Your account will simply be credited with the correct amount and you will be entered into all future draws once the lottery recommences.
My Direct Debit / Standing Order payments have still been taken whilst the Lottery has been suspended. What will happen to my money?
As soon as we are able to recommence our Lottery, your payments will be credited to your account and you will remain in the draw until your credits run out.
If you no longer wish to take part in Dale Lotto you should cancel your Direct Debit / Standing Order payment with your bank.
Can I still pay £0.50 per week?
Unfortunately, we no longer accept £0.50 entries into the weekly draw.
Members can either pay £1 per week and receive 2 x entries into the draw, or £2 per week and receive 4 entries into the draw, doubling your chances of winning.
Will I still receive a weekly results sheet?
Unfortunately, our Agents will no longer be delivering the weekly results sheets. We will be publishing the results on our website and, where possible, we will email members with the results.
I usually pay cash to an Agent or my Newsagent, should I keep paying this?
No, we are asking all cash paying members to stop paying via cash and to please sign up to payment via Direct Debit.
What will happen with the Rollover Prize Fund?
As soon as we are able to recommence our Lottery, we will draw 4 x £1,000 winners from the Rollover Prize Fund over the first 4 weeks of the Lottery recommencing to ensure there is a £1,000 winner every week.
I have been paying by cash, will I still be entered into the draw to win the Rollover Prize Fund?
The rollover is drawn every week. Whilst the lottery was running there were no winners. If your account has credit you will be entered into the draw once this recommences and the opportunity to win the roll over. We will continue to draw the roll over until we have a winner.
If you have no credit on your account but still want to be entered into the draw and be in with a chance of winning the Rollover Prize you must sign up to pay via Direct Debit. You can do so online: www.paymymembership.co.uk/dale
I am an Agent, will I still receive commission for any of my members who sign up to Direct Debit?
Unfortunately, Agents commission will no longer be payable.
I am an Agent, will I still be entitled to a reduced Season Ticket next season?
The Club will contact all Agents once details of the 2020/21 season are confirmed. All Agents will be rewarded for their loyalty by the Club.
I am an Agent but have not received a letter.
If you have not received a letter from the Club, please email us your correct address to us so we can update our records and ensure you receive all future correspondence addressed to Agents: dale.lotto@rochdaleafc.co.uk
I am an Agent but I am owed commission from the Club, how will this be paid to me?
Some Agents like to build up their commission all season and receive a lump sum payment. Cheques have now been issued to all Agents who had commission owed to them. If an Agent requires any further information please email: dale.lotto@rochdaleafc.co.uk
Finally, Rochdale AFC are aware of the community service many of our Agents provided to our members, going above and beyond their duties. Dale in the Community Sports Trust can offer an outreach service to anybody struggling with isolation or require help and assistance during the pandemic. Please contact Keith Hicks on Tel: 07958 593121 or Email: keith.hicks@rochdaleafc.co.uk for help or information.