Make pickleball repeatable.Offer a free game when you want a first visit, and prepaid credits with a small bonus when you want a return visit. A free game gets someone through the door once. Credit left on a balance gives a player a reason to come back and use it. The right choice depends on what you want players to do next, so pick the goal first and the offer second.
This article gives a goal-by-goal guide, shows how the two offers work in sequence, and lists the mistakes to avoid. It is part of the guide How to run prepaid credits and promos at a pickleball club.
What is a free game good for?
A free game is good for getting someone to try your club for the first time. It removes the cost of a first visit for a player who does not yet know if they like your courts, your crowd or your schedule.
A free game still costs the club court time, staff time and supplies, so give it a condition that points to a next step. For example, offer it only to players who have never played at your club, or only as part of a first top-up. For a worksheet to price a free game, see what a free game really costs your club.
What are prepaid credits good for?
Prepaid credits are good for getting players to come back. A player who has paid in advance has a balance to use, which works as a standing reminder to book their next game.
A small bonus on a top-up, such as one extra game on a ten-game pack, gives players a reason to commit. The bonus only pays off for the club if players actually return to use the credit, so measure return visits, not just sales.
Before selling packages, set the expiry, refund and peak-hour rules. See 3 questions to answer before selling a prepaid package.
How do you choose between them?
Match the offer to the goal, add a condition that keeps the offer pointed at that goal, and decide in advance how you will measure it.
| Goal | Offer that fits | Condition | What to measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bring in new players | One free game | First visit to the club only | How many play a paid second game |
| Get a first prepaid purchase | Bonus credit on a first top-up | First top-up only | Number of first top-ups |
| Get more repeat visits | Small bonus credit on any top-up | Credit must be used before expiry | Your repeat-play rate |
| Encourage bigger top-ups | Larger bonus on larger packs | Bonus grows with pack size | Average top-up size |
| Fill quiet hours | Free or bonus game at off-peak times | Off-peak hours only | Off-peak attendance |
These pairings are a starting point. Your club's prices, capacity and players decide which ones are worth running.
Can a club use both offers?
Yes, and they work well in sequence: a free game for the first visit, then a bonus credit for the first top-up. The free game gets the player in. The bonus gives them a reason to commit. A follow-up message after the first game connects the two.
An example sequence:
- First visit: a free game for a player new to the club, often brought by a friend.
- Next day: a short follow-up with a real date for their next game.
- Second or third visit: a bonus game when they buy their first pack.
Different players respond to different reasons, so you may run a different sequence for regulars than for first-timers. See why different players need different reasons to return.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Three mistakes come up often:
- A free game with no condition. It brings in players who may never return, and the club pays for each one.
- A bonus sized without a cost check. A generous bonus on every pack can cost more than the extra visits bring in. Work out the cost per pack first.
- Two offers at once for the same players. Players get confused about which one applies. Run one offer per goal and explain it in one sentence.
A sentence to finish before any promo
Before you launch, finish this sentence: "After this offer, I want players to…" If you cannot finish it, the offer does not have a job yet.
How can repickleball help?
repickleball lets a club pick a goal and see ready-made offers, such as bonus credit, points, bring-a-friend and off-peak play, then run them with paid and bonus credit tracked separately. Take the 2-minute fit check.
Frequently asked questions
Should a free game be for first-timers only?
Usually, yes. A free game works best as a first-visit offer. For players who already know your club, a bonus on a top-up gives them a reason to return instead.
Is bonus credit better than a discount?
They do different jobs. A discount lowers the price of something the player was buying. Bonus credit adds value that the player has to come back to use, so it ties the offer to a return visit.
How long should a promo run before I judge it?
Set the period before you start, for example one month, and compare your numbers with the month before. Judge it on the measure you chose for its goal, not on sales alone.