We wrote to Tony Keohane (CAFC Chief Operating Officer) on Monday to raise the issue of the £1.50 eSRO transaction fee commission which has appeared on the club's ticketing website:
Dear Tony,
We were surprised to learn today about the introduction of a £1.50 transaction fee which will be payable for match tickets purchased on line, even if printed at home. The fee is not levied on tickets bought in person at the ticket office.
It would have been very helpful if some sort of explanation or justification for the new fee had been given as it seems to be completely at odds with the message we have been given for the last three years that the club is trying to encourage people to buy online. Has this policy changed and, if so, what is the thinking behind the change?
As you are aware, there is a lot of demoralisation among Charlton supporters at present and there is every reason to expect that attendances will continue to decline in the new season unless there is a change of ownership. The low level of attendance at the Welling game on Saturday is an indicator of this. We are astonished that the decision has been taken to introduce this charge at a time when demand for tickets is dwindling and without any attempt to explain why the club think it is necessary or advisable to introduce it.
There was no mention of this fee when the new ticketing system was presented at the Fans Forum earlier this year and, as far as I am aware, there has been no attempt since to consult with supporter groups about it. We would be very grateful if you would give us some more background information as to why the club has chosen to introduce it.
We would also like strongly to urge you to reconsider the matter. It contradicts previous club policy. It will increase queues at the ticket office. Most importantly, it runs the risk of alienating supporters who feel they are being taken for a ride. It will do nothing to encourage people to attend games at a time when the club is in desperate need to shore up its support.