I nearly joined 35 clubs but stopped at payment

I gave 35 AFL and NRL clubs every detail they needed to sign me up — except my credit card. I selected a package, entered my details, got all the way to the payment page — then stopped.

I wanted to see what happened next.

Would I be followed up?

I didn't wait long before Adelaide Football Club sent a "We noticed you left a membership in your cart!" email.

I then received calls from four other AFL clubs:

• Brisbane

• Geelong

• Gold Coast

• Port Adelaide

The Parramatta Eels were the only NRL club to follow up. They sent me this email:

Someone who reaches the payment page and stops isn't uninterested. They're a warm lead who nearly joined. They often just need a nudge.

Research on form abandonment shows 19% of people return to complete an application if the organisation contacts them.

I don't know what the abandoned cart rate is for AFL or NRL membership – but it's high enough that six clubs have a process in place to follow up.

Thirty clubs don't.

How many potential members has your club lost at the payment page — and how many would come back if you asked?