I need some unique/unusual advertising ideas!?!?

thekitchendesigner · Aug 11, 2006

I'm in the throws of choosing a designer to design a nice leaflet for the retail side of my business - designing and selling my own range of kitchens. I wont have showrooms, which could be used as a USP! The kitchen range i have if big and will be for the mid-upper market.

I'd like to try some other ideas for advertising rather than just a leaflet, but wanted to make it different and unique, but without costing the earth, and not cheesy!

I have no intentions of buying advertising space in the local papers.

I'm not really up on unique advertising ideas, so just wondered if any creative forum members have any???

Cheers

Yorganic · Aug 11, 2006

Have you thought about search engine marketing - optimsation/SEO or Google Adwords/PPC etc?

I can send you a PM with some ideas.

thekitchendesigner · Aug 11, 2006

Hi Yorganic,

I have thought about it but it doesnt really interest me. It may be more viable once i have designers in a few areas, but to start with it will be my area (Wiltshire, Bath Bristol etc) and parts of Essex.

Cheers anyway

Jayne · Aug 11, 2006

What about an old fashioned way, the sandwich board. The type that people used to ware. I'm sure for a small fee a student at your local drama college would be glad for the chance to be centre of attention.

Jayne

thekitchendesigner · Aug 12, 2006

how bizarre - had an email saying there was a post from Essential Assistant, but its not here!

Hi Jayne - could be a possibility. Any ideas where i couod buy a sandwich board? Most sites coming up on google seem to go towards 'A' frames!??

EssentialAssistant · Aug 12, 2006

Hi

I did post but for some reason, it's disapeered.
I can't quite remember what I said now, but its best to find forums etc which are relevant to your business. Create flyers and send them around, targetting those potential clients, etc.

Liz
x

SuffolkDesigns · Aug 12, 2006

Get a bunch of students with placards so it looks like they are having a protest about something, but maybe chanting "we want better kitchens" or something similar, can also hand out flyers etc at the same time.

FunkyBears · Aug 12, 2006

Hi,
I think Vshostings idea is excellent! 'Campaign for Better Kitchens' I'm sure this could be pulled off without a great deal of expense. Few students in Campaign T-Shirts a few placards maybe a sandwich board as well. Tip off local press, get it filmed for viral ad use. You could use your USP no showroom to explain the benefits of using your company and the tone of the communication appealing telling them how you will solve their problem of having a Naff kitchen and your campaign for better kitchens is there to help them out. I'm sure the marketing guys on this forum who be glad to help you out with this. You may think this is a bit wacky but having dressed up in a full Teddy Bear suit to promote my offering something like Vshostings advice could work very well for you and promote your offering way beyond what traditional advertising and marketing could achieve. Everyone talks about cutting through the clutter I'm sure The Campaign for Better Kitchens would do just that. Hey for very little cost you never know.Do it and let us know how you get on
Paul

bwglaw · Aug 12, 2006

If you do take the 'protest' route you will need to inform the Local Authority and the Police to save problems later such as getting arrested for breach of the peace!

Jonathan

FunkyBears · Aug 12, 2006

Breaking News. Three members of The Campaign for Better Kitchens arrested outside the Town Hall. Mrs Gill Jones told our reporter. 'I'm fed up with having a Naff Kitchen I can't be expected to cook all those fancy recipies under the current conditions I'm forced to work under. I'm not protesting but feel I should take a stance and bring to the public eye the fact that everyone should have a Beautifully Designed Kitchen.
Sorry but the idea really appeals to me!

bwglaw · Aug 12, 2006

You can joke....but the Local Authority may not agree with your ideas. I am sure everyone would have done it by now if it was acceptable to that Authority. No doubt you will need a licence and there may be certain conditions attached to it

You may not have an issue with the Police provided that you do not obstruct the highway or cause a breach of the peace so you will be responsible for the 'campaigners'

However, I do think it is a good idea if planned very well.

Jonathan

FunkyBears · Aug 12, 2006

Hi Jonathan,
Sorry to sound flipant but I'm sure if planned well it would work. You are right
I didn't mean to advocate breaking the law and would advise obtaining all the necessary permits etc.
Paul

bwglaw · Aug 12, 2006

Paul, no worries, I do see your humour behind it but would not want to see Mark eating porridge at Her Majesty's Pleasure! (unless made by Yorkshire lass Jayne!)

I am sure it could work to provide the public with entertainment using a dummy kitchen and perhaps get someone professional to do this to draw in the crowd

thekitchendesigner · Aug 12, 2006

Well, i have to say i kinda like the idea, it certainly ticks the 'unique' box! Thanks vs! And flying cards, lol! Sounds like you like the idea too!

Good to have the legal aspect Jon, many thanks.

How much do you think it might cost to get a local drama (or similar) group to get involved? What sort of planning would be involved in something like this, and what kind of people would do it, if i couldnt plan it myself?

This could also work with my plans to have designers in various areas (as Jon knows all about!) as the same sort of thing could be repeated in any high street!

Hmmm......

bwglaw · Aug 12, 2006

What about having an OLD kitchen demonstrating someone not being able to cook efficiently (cupboards droop, draws fall out, etc) and a NEW kitchen demonstrating someone cooking like a professional with slide-in drawers etc?

Can be like a slap-stick comedy!

Jonathan

thekitchendesigner · Aug 12, 2006

Hmm. Liking the idea, but how could this be made mobile to take it round the high street???

bwglaw · Aug 12, 2006

That's your department

Perhaps attach old and new kitchen back to back with a supporting board in the middle and add wheels to the bottom. Obviously you will have to transport it via trailer (for everyone to see on the M1!) or in a box van

Jonathan

thekitchendesigner · Aug 12, 2006

Hmm, might be tricky, at least for the first time.

I'd be interested to hear what people think it may cost to get a local drama or performing group involved?

I could very easily get some 'Campaign for better kitchens' T-shirts printed, maybe with the name of the group on them as part "payment" - i.e. promotion for them?

Our local 'main' high street is pedestrianised which will help i'm sure.

Just had another thought - what about a catwalk in the middle of town with a models carrying a kitchen door down the catwalk, and modelling the doors??? i.e. a fashion show for kitchens??

Virtually9-5 · Aug 12, 2006

Why not cook up a storm! Approach a local butcher/restaurant who have the facility to outside cookery and offer a prize draw for a meal or freezer pack with each kitchen you could park up your van with the kitchen.... Our local butcher every saturday at 11 rolls out the bbq and cooks sausages for the passing punters....the smell drags them in!

thekitchendesigner · Aug 14, 2006

I've just been reading another post which prompted abother thought (something i had already thought about) - a kitchen concession within local garden centres - a small display (only a couple of units) with a leaflet dispenser? Would that be feasable?

Hi Virtually 9-5 - many thanks for your post. Another good one there! My own town only has a butchers in a shopping centre, but a couple of the surrounding towns might be viable!

Cheers,

Mark

Kevy · Aug 14, 2006

Try these guys http://www.coolbillboards.com/cool-lite48.html never used them but i think its a cool idea

Jayne · Aug 14, 2006

thekitchendesigner said:
how bizarre - had an email saying there was a post from Essential Assistant, but its not here!

Hi Jayne - could be a possibility. Any ideas where i couod buy a sandwich board? Most sites coming up on google seem to go towards 'A' frames!??

Make one, all you need is two bits of plywood and shoulder straps, A boards are way too expensive and really heavy. You can have a poster printed then to fit it!

Even I could make one and i'm a girl! lol

Jayne

Pete Williams · Aug 14, 2006

Only got back off hols last night and found this post tonight. I am loving the "campaign for better kitchens" idea! I already want to sign the petition for parliament.

Pete Williams · Aug 14, 2006

Blair out Kitchens in!!

Profit Generation Systems · Aug 15, 2006

If you do not have a showroom and you are expecting people to buy premium kitchens on the basis of a leaflet then I think you may be expecting quite a lot. My advice would be to use the leaflet to get, say 5 - 10 buyers on a special referral / testimonial deal (lower prices for referrals, testimonials and possible future client visits). Word of Mouth for a product like yours is the best possible method of marketing as everyone likes to feel comfortable with such a purchase therefore recommendations go a long way. Your initial "portfolio" of customers are therefore pivitol in this strategy as they could pave the way to you local reputation.

Also look at joining a local networking group like the BNI - if the group is strong you will soon get orders from members or the acquiantances of members provided you are seen to be doing your bit for them.

Best of luck

profitgenerationsystems.com

thekitchendesigner · Aug 15, 2006

Hi PGS,

Thanks for your post. I was of course concerned that a good leaflet/flyer woulnt be the only way to get customers, which was the main reason for asking the Q about different ideas.

I worry about offering discounts or incentives for the first x amount of customers as i know how cheesy some, not all, offers like this can appear when used in kitchen marketing.

I have put together some different/unique aspects, and have some to put in place. These include:

Old kitchen and all packaging professionally removed and recycled where possible (using a local company)

i'm considering offering a professional cleaning company to come in and clean a kitchen when finished (as a standard service)

I'll collaborate with a local tile shop who i'm hoping will offer a discount for any of my customers who purchase tiles from them, and i'll have a discount voucher printed for this (me supplying tiles is not cost effective)

I buy a bottle of wine or bubbly and a thank you card for all customers

Someone also suggested offering a meal voucher for recommendations, for which i would team up with a local resaurant to achieve

I do see where you're coming from, but in the back of my mind i dont want to come across as gimmicky. What do you think?

thekitchendesigner · Aug 15, 2006

Pete Williams said:
Only got back off hols last night and found this post tonight. I am loving the "campaign for better kitchens" idea! I already want to sign the petition for parliament.

Hi Pete - Glad your liking it!

Not sure about the petition for parliament (althought that would be an attention grabber!), but i can sort you out with a fantastic new kitchen........

Virtually9-5 · Aug 15, 2006

The only downside to doing a kitchen display in a garden centre would be that people try to escape this. I know cos at our local garden centre there are blinds and conservatories!!

Go to B&Q /Wickes watch how many people pick up a leaflet from their displays in passing.

I had another thought the other night -use a bit of cheek! DIY SOS find out if they have anybody in your region and offer to project manage the kitchen installation and a discount on the kitchen.... you will get a double wammy national and local recognition. Do you have a local magezine - we have Yorkshire Life (its not as bad as it sounds its a social mag with v expensive features honestly) you could do a similar exercise - you have experience in the fitting so use this to your advantage - create a check list will approved local suppliers....

I had to turn my kitchen installation around with 2 weeks notice (joy of being married to trade! begged for 2 years get it in 2 weeks) if I had a check list and suppliers it would have been a whole lot less stressful.

Not sure when typing this where you are but I read an article in Good Housekeeping (I am not that old sent by Mother in Law!!) about two ladies who set up a company called dress to sell - they do the house doctor thing....might be worth looking for people like this.

Just a thought - well ok a few!

Marketingmind · Aug 21, 2006

Hi Mark,

You could do a joint venture with other companies who target the same type of customers as your. You would get them to do a mailing to their cusrrent customers and you could agree for any new customer that is referred through them you will give them a % of the profits or if they need a new kitchen designed in their office offer your service for free if they give you 10 new customers a month.

You could also do a mailing to all your cusrrent customers asking for any referrals and if this creates any new business offer to send them a cheque for £50

Just a few ideas

J

"Helping You Grow Your Business"

JohnOvManchester · Oct 21, 2006

got to say though, I personally wouldn't buy a full kitchen without seeing it in real life...
how do you pitch to people who are reluctant like me who might want to buy one from your range but need to see it first?

Marketing?
I'd go to specifiers at local authorities and housing associations and new builds etc
but there are prob loads battling for business there, I know a plasterer who doesn't bother anymore as the companies who are getting the work are doing at such a small margin it's hardly worth it.

thekitchendesigner · Oct 22, 2006

Hi John.

Thanks for your reply. I carry door samples and a minature unit (with a drawer to show the drawer boxes etc) to show people what they want. What do you feel a display would let you visualise that i couldnt offer you? CAD drawings are very realistic (see here), and what i carry round with me shows you the quality of units and the actual door fronts you'd like. In fact, the unit i carry round with me lets you see more than a showroom display, as displays have worktops on so you cant see how the unit is constructed etc.

I'd be interested to find out what people feel they gain by seeing showroom displays, and in most cases showrooms have a few displays which wont cover the entire range. So you could be looking at a display in a door front you dont want.

JohnOvManchester · Oct 22, 2006

Those CAD drawings in your link are really good, I have only seen them at B&Q / MFI etc and yours seem loads better.

A miniture working model is proably all I would need to see.

When I bought my kitchen I was on a budget but I went round a few places... the thing I was looking for really was quality and colour, I will explain:
Quality, the barings on the draws, and precise fit, didn't look like the wood was really cheapo stuff that the screws would just eat through easily.

Colour, well if it properly matched the catalogue or brochure, I wanted a black granit work top but in the end I got as close as I could with a black lima gloss laminated work top which was what looked the best of the budget stuff.
Sometimes the black woktops looked OK in the pictures but when I saw them for real I could see other colours or speckles I didn't like.

Making sure the colour of the carcus matched the front also was one of the things I wanted and got but not all of them were a good match and a lot were just white but that I wouldn't need to see real life as long as it was guanteed.

Hope that helps a bit mate... from my prospective and only my opinions I can not speak for anyone else.

thekitchendesigner · Oct 22, 2006

Hi Jon - you're answers are a big help to me. I like to find out what makes people tick when buying kitchens, and especially when talking about seeing displays etc. Many thanks for the comments on the CAD pictures - i ensure that all my designs are as you see there. I've seen examples from other places and i know mine are in a different league. This also helps me with the 'no showroom' situation.

It was interesting to know that what you'd be looking for when seeing a full display was the quality, how the drawers work, colours etc. This is what my minature unit achieves, and more i think.

I've also got a full set of Granite, Solid Wood and Laminate worktop samples, even some sink material samples, as i agree, its good to see things in the flesh, but not necessarily in a display.

Once i am established, i'll also have customers who are willing to show their new kitchens off to other prospective customers (i have 3 already) - although they might not be choosing the same door style,. they can see the quality when fitted and the quality of the fitting work.

Cheers for your feedback John, it really helps.

Mark

increasedmiles · Oct 23, 2006

I would just do regional adword advertising on Google, using Keyowrds including Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire etc. So people looking for GREAT kitchens in your area on the internet (which there will be) will see your creative, 'must click on' advert. Worth a try, you'll only pay when someone clicks on your ad anyway! Reckon it's the most effective way to ask and test the market your looking for. You can gage what advertising works and transfer that into other forms.

estwig · Oct 23, 2006

Hello Mark
We have been fitting kitchens for years with no showroom or samples, do very good quality cad drawings like yours.
Two things sell our kitchens
We always come highly recomended
We do eveything, fitting, tiling, plumbing, electrics, appliances, flooring, the whole lot. A quote from b&q or mfi will only be for the actual kitchen fit, no extras at all, often not even plumbing in the sink.

Are you making the most of the fits you have done?? lots of pictures well presented. we always ask for a written letter of recomendation to show in our portfolio. Don't always get one as some people can't be bothered, but most do.

Good luck

avantironnie · Aug 2, 2008

Hi i work for a company that does t.v advertising in shopping malls in and around the uk. we are looking for local businesses in the areas surrounding our malls. We will also produce the advert for you we have three contracts available 2year,1year and 6months.if your interested please email me at avantironnie at yahoo . co . uk ( ignore the space's im new here and it wont let me put my email on here) with your name, number and area of the uk.

An Oasis · Aug 2, 2008

avantironnie said:
Hi i work for a company that does t.v advertising in shopping malls in and around the uk. we are looking for local businesses in the areas surrounding our malls. We will also produce the advert for you we have three contracts available 2year,1year and 6months.if your interested please email me at avantironnie at yahoo . co . uk ( ignore the space's im new here and it wont let me put my email on here) with your name, number and area of the uk.

Kinda like back to the future?

directmarketingadvice · Aug 2, 2008

avantironnie said:
email me at avantironnie at yahoo . co . uk ( ignore the space's im new here and it wont let me put my email on here)

...But you decide to ignore the rules and spam your email onto the forum anyway.

Steve

Aug 2, 2008

On a thread nearly 2 years old.....

I am sure that Kitchen Designer has probably done something about his initial query by now

Aug 2, 2008

bwglaw said:
Paul, no worries, I do see your humour behind it but would not want to see Mark eating porridge at Her Majesty's Pleasure! (unless made by Yorkshire lass Jayne!)

I am sure it could work to provide the public with entertainment using a dummy kitchen and perhaps get someone professional to do this to draw in the crowd

Be real Johnathan!

The police/local authorities dont even have time to deal with actual serious crime, or serious ASBO cases.and in most big cities you will be waiting at least 10 hours - for police to attend anything short of violent crime. Thats a fact admitted even by the officers involved

IMHO

So unless your protesters, are actually hassling members of the public the actual chance of this ending with her majesties pleasure is Big Fat Zero and the worst that will happen is they will get politely moved on.

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