Hi All...

[horza]

Thought I'd better introduce myself folks.

I'm Craig and I've just started my own window blind company

I've been working in the industry for several years now and decided to go it alone using some of my former employer's suppliers. As I was actually selling, I figured I'd make more money doing it myself than getting paid commission and lining the pockets of my boss!

I'm based in Gourock on the Clyde Coast in Scotland and have mainly been getting my business through ads on eBay. That will change as I become more established but it's keeping me going right now between any (high profit) local jobs I can get. As I've only recently started advertising locally, I've been pretty quiet here but the eBay thing has provided me with a steady tricle of (low margin) sales and the whole mail-order situation has provided less issues than I'd imagined. Thankfully!

Advertising is costing a fortune in the local press but I can't see any other way to generate local business. Very few previous customers etc. At the minute, it's a fine line between advertising and turning a profit. Hopefully as my public profile increases the advertising will become a lot mor cost effective...

Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated and if there are any other users selling made to measure blinds, I'd love to hear from you!

I'm just going to peruse these pages for a while now so be prepared for all my questions popping up later!!!

Thanks,

Craig.

 

[sabian1982]

Welcome to the forum Craig, you've got the obvious Yellow pages listings and then beyond that you've got online rankings in the popular search engines (although obviously this requires time, effort and of course money. Have you considered looking into attending a window blind convention/show - once you have a good marketable image this could bring you quite a few connections within the industry.

 

[green mum]

Hi Craig freeindex is a good one to register with - I use that if I'm looking for a local supplier. We've been after a made to measure blind for sometime so I'll have a look at your website!

Tracy

 

[DanMartin]

Welcome to UKBF Craig.

 

[Online Trader]

Hi Craig.

Welcome to the forum

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

How about deciding on a target customer e.g if your market is end consumer find new housing estates, apartment complexs - leaflet drop as they might want new blinds.

Give us some more info on the type of thing you do and we might be able to come up with some ideas.

 

[Jackie100]

Hi Craig,

Having read your introduction, I may soon have something to offer you which could be of real use to you. My new on-line advertising business is not quite ready, so I haven't mentioned it here at all yet. However you may like to read my temporary webpage which explains a little what I will be doing. My site is called dizcover with a z and it's a uk site.
I hope you find the concept intersting and the site useful when it's launched in a few week's time

Jackie

 

[Calibre Designs]

Hi Craig,

Welcome to the forum. We always like to help new startups on a low budget. (Lets face it, we have all been there once upon a time).

Drop me a line if you would like some professional leaflets/flyers designing at half the cost. Our special treat. I don't know about your area but here, you can commission a distribution company to hand out leaflets on your behalf for as little as £15 per 1000.

All the best.

Kay