Freeing up time for busy people...?

[paulho]

Hi all,
I'd like some feedback on an idea if you would... Is the idea on my site a starter? Is it something you would use, or know someone who would? I have the resources and equipment to make this happen. I'm considering a marketing campaign amongst small/medium businesses, http://www.yesistheanswer.co.uk Any comments good or bad would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

 

[INDIZINE]

not sure if some businesses would part with their database.

 

[stephendoyle]

hi,

i think Indizine is right.

when you hand over your database there is no disclaimer or
nothing to stop you contacting these customers in the future
for other campaigns.

other than that a good idea dont know if it will take off though

good luck.

regards
steve doyle

 

[Steve2507]

I agree with the guys above.

You need to make sure you have disclaimers etc to stop the info being used elsewhere.

Also, are you just starting this?

If so then I think you are too late for this Christmas. Most companies plan their Christmas marketing well in advance. We have been planning ours since August, setting newsletters up, buying in stock, getting leaflets printed etc. But it may be good for next year.

 

[RayB]

Also - does this not breach the Privacy Policy of all reputable companies and quite likely a breach of the Data Protection Act?

 

[Steve2507]

Also - does this not breach the Privacy Policy of all reputable companies and quite likely a breach of the Data Protection Act?

Thats what I mean about the disclaimers etc.

Most companies will outsource their marketing but as long as the safeguards are in place so the data is only used for the purpose it is being handed over for (in this case sending out Christmas cards), then it should be within the law.

 

[RayB]

Thats what I mean about the disclaimers etc.

Most companies will outsource their marketing but as long as the safeguards are in place so the data is only used for the purpose it is being handed over for (in this case sending out Christmas cards), then it should be within the law.

Ah yes - I see what you mean - agreed

 

[Calibre Designs]

Client database is the most valuable part of any business. Most will be reluctant to hand it over just like that.

However you are right in most cases where businesses are just too busy to make regular contact with such ones. Maybe you just need to change your angle of attack

Kay

 

[simonr]

I agree about people being nervous and wanting re-assurances, but the website has space for something to that effect on the right hand side, going down underneath Santa. That space would give you an opportunity to present your reassurances right up front on the home page....

S

 

[Picto]

Hi all,
I'd like some feedback on an idea if you would... Is the idea on my site a starter? Is it something you would use, or know someone who would? I have the resources and equipment to make this happen. I'm considering a marketing campaign amongst small/medium businesses, http://www.yesistheanswer.co.uk Any comments good or bad would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

I'd agree with everything said above but the business has potential, it's just a standard mailout. We use companies for things like this all the time so does any company that runs a mail order catalogue.

 

[robwoollen]

I'm a small, small business, and I looked and just thought the prices were too high. then again, I am a tight b**gger so it may just be that!

Good idea (with safeguards mentioned). Problem you have is competing with Vistaprint on the price front

 

[VLAHAKISA]

I think its a good idea for next year as it needs some work yet.

Some more info and assurances are required on the website and the website needs to appear a bit more professional if people are going to feel comfortable to hand over their database and feel safe that you won't use it other than for it's intended purpose.

Amanda

 

[basic]

Good idea, but agree with previous posters, and although late for this year, could work for next year.

Also agree your site could do with some work. Some spelling and grammatical errors, and your wording could do with being altered, a lot of repeated words. Re-write your script, change your prices, market early and you should do well.

Good luck
Rach

 

[An Oasis]

"Not only that, we'll address and post them for you, ensuring you can continue creating those vital links that turn enquiries into new customers for you."

Needs rewording... for any company that keeps a database this task takes 2 seconds to do, so in my opinion is a non starter.

 

[Cornish Steve]

As an aside, most busy people are busy for a reason. As someone once commented to me: "If you want something done, ask a busy person." Frankly, they like to be busy!

 

[paulho]

Many thanks for all your comments and suggestions. All heeded. Yes, the idea came a little too late for this year, I admit. However I don't think the price was so bad? Is the site clear that each card would be individually addressed, stamped, and posted? Possibly not...

As far as the using of customer's addresses, I included in the T&C page (under 'Order')the following :
In order to post cards to your customers, we require their full postal address. This must be provided on a word/excel document. We guarantee that this information will never be printed anywhere, and that it will be deleted as soon as your order is fulfilled.

but I take on board people's comments about the need for this to apppear on the home page, for assurance.
Many thanks for your feedback

Paul