Many Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Fees Fail Participants
How do you feel about exorbitant jigsaw puzzle competition fees? I’ve noticed lately that the prices of the bigger events keep getting higher. The chatter around the “special puzzle events” is making many puzzle competitions farther and farther a reality for the everyday puzzle lover. I’m quite surprised about the greedy folks who are demanding the cash.
Personally, I think twice before handing over cash for bloated a competition fee to anyone that claims it helps me “rank” in puzzle competition standings. Let me say it here: there are about a dozen jigsaw puzzle competitions, especially at the national and regional levels, that come with steep entry fees. What good does a rank do, when in fact, I’m playing to have fun, meet new people and learn about puzzles?
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Unlike other sporting events that offer significant financial rewards or sponsorships, most puzzle competitions fail to provide participants with monetary incentives or meaningful prizes to the common puzzle player. Plus I’ve always been disappointed as the freebie bag of donated items (which they obviously didn’t use my competition fee for.) And the petty gossip around the tables? The bigger the competition fee, the nastier the tongues.
This creates a disparity where only well-funded players without jobs, influencers who have worked the ropes or professional puzzle players can afford to participate. Plus the high costs of going to an event often include venue rentals, registration fees, and travel expenses, which can add up quickly, making these events feel more exclusive than inclusive. Honestly, it’s becoming ridiculous.
Should There Be a Registration Fee for Participating in a Jigsaw Puzzle Competition?
Yes, there should be a registration fee for puzzle events. When it comes to a community jigsaw puzzle competitions, I absolutely support it. For example, Speed puzzle events that are local should strive to remain affordable while still charging a minimum fee to cover organizational expenses. A small entry fee helps ensure that event costs like venue rentals, supplies, and promotional materials are covered, allowing organizers to host successful and enjoyable events. These fees can also support local communities by fostering connections and encouraging participation. And what about a few prizes to encourage people to be part of the moment?
I don’t mind paying a fee knowing it helps everyone and even helps the organizer. By keeping costs reasonable, community puzzle events can remain accessible to enthusiasts of all skill levels, creating a welcoming environment that celebrates the love of puzzles. It’s a stark different than the competitions put together by players who are currently profiting from their fellow players in hopes to dominate the sport.
When organizing a jigsaw puzzle competition, one of the key considerations is whether to implement a registration fee for participants. Here are some points to consider:
Advantages of Charging a Registration Fee:
- Funding the Event: Registration fees can help cover the costs associated with the event, such as venue rental, prizes, promotional materials, and refreshments.
- Commitment from Participants: A small fee often encourages participants to take the event more seriously. This reduces the likelihood of no-shows, ensuring a better turnout.
- Enhanced Experience: With additional funds, you can provide a higher quality experience, including professional event organization and better amenities for participants.
Benefits of Free Registration:
- Increased Participation: A free event is more accessible to a wider audience, potentially leading to higher participation rates.
- Community Engagement: Free registration can foster a sense of community and inclusivity, especially if your goal is to bring people together for a fun and casual competition.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: You can offset event costs through sponsorships from local businesses, puzzle manufacturers, and other community entities.
Creating a Balanced Approach:
- Tiered Registration: You could offer different levels of registration. For example, a basic free tier with optional paid tiers that provide additional benefits such as exclusive merchandise or premium seating.
- Early Bird Discounts: Encourage early sign-ups by offering a discount for those who register in advance.
- Fundraising Option: If charging a fee, consider donating a portion of the registration revenue to a charitable cause. This approach can make participants more willing to pay, knowing that their money is going to a good cause.
Reasonable Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Fees
As someone who is involved in jigsaw puzzle solving, speed puzzling, education and even sharing puzzles, I believe there needs to be a balance. If you are charging $50 for an event, then the attendees need to be taking home more than a grab bag from donated items. If you are having a community puzzle event, then the role of a fee could help cover costs, share enthusiasm or even be part of a puzzle project.
Whether or not to charge a registration fee depends largely on your goals for the competition. If it’s a community-centric event, free registration might align better with your objectives. However, if you aim to create a more formal and well-funded event, introducing a registration fee with thoughtful structuring can be beneficial. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to make the best decision for your specific jigsaw puzzle competition.
I Pay Fees And I Donate Too
In case you are wondering, I definitely don’t have a problem paying jigsaw puzzle competition fees. Plus I donate puzzles to local organizations and I support local events too. However, I won’t pretend how I feel taken advantage at some of these national and regional events. I’m not alone either. I’ve talked to dozens of participants who paid $50 or more dollars to play at puzzle events. Not only did they leave feeling left out, they too experienced gossip-driven drama that wasn’t positive to their puzzle play.
