How to get businesses interested!

[Whistle Ink]

Hi,

Im thinking of sending out a flyer in a few weeks to businesses in my local area. I'm selling original and compatibel ink cartridges. I have rang round a few businesses and basically they are not interested.

I know I can save them money on originals, and can provide fast delivery if needed as I have a few suppliers. On my website I am going to give each customer a secure webpage which will list all the products available for the printers they have told me about. So you only need to make an effort once! From here they can order and pay via paypal or print off an order form and fax it. (You can also bookmark the page)

I am also thinking of creating an email form which will have most of their information on there and they just need to enter quantity.

Also! I am going to put past invoices on there and order status (simple thing not track order via Royal Mail)

But how do I get all this across? Is direct mail the best way? I think some find it too much effort to change supplier even if they are not happy with service (esp in larger companies).

I want them to register (which includes telling me the printer models) this means i can set the easyorder page up and send them details in post as well.

What can I do to make people bothered???

Cheers

 

[LittleAcorn]

I would think the key factors on big businesses choosing to use you as their supplier would be a. trust, b. quality, c. price.

The trust factor is a big one. A really good/clear money-back guarantee stated in your flyer, and how your company always stands behind the products etc. would be what I'm guessing they'd want to see.

Just my initial thoughts on the situation...

 

[Rob Holmes]

I'd also add ..

Maybe free samples if they don't cost you too much and you need to get in with the stationary buyer of the firm - no-one else will care much where the cartridges come from so ong as they are good quality and in the stationary cupboard when one runs out.

What approach did you take when calling the company?

I can't think of many stationary buyers of small to medium companies that would turn down a free trial of an ink cartridge that would save them money and is the same quality as the branded cartridges.

Rob

 

[Whistle Ink]

Thanks for your comments.

I can't really give a free trial of a toner cartridge because of how much they cost and it would take many purchases to make that cost back.

What I might do is put everyones name into a hat (who registers) and then give the winner a free one.

http://www.whistleink.co.uk/images/MENU/realleaflet4.jpg

This is what the leaflet looks like so far. Any comments welcome. On the other side the business can fill in basic details nad the printer names and they can fax back or fill it out online.

When I rang a few people up I basically just introduced myself and business and asked if I could speak to whoever deals with stationary. When I got to them I asked if they had ever thought about using compats and remanufactured one etc etc. This was just guage interest really.

 

[andrew4506]

Regarding your leaflet...

I think you need to move your company logo, details to the bottom of the leaflet and make much more of your bulleted points (in the left hand corner).

The whole focus should be on providing solutions to your prospects printing problems. You touch upon this briefly in the very last paragraph beginning "we realise how important..." This should be at the top of the leaflet.

And perhaps think about removing, "deal with any problems immediately" as this inadvertently implies there might be problems when dealing with you.

ISO accreditation etc is not important at this stage, it's giving people a reason to deal with you and only you - so tell them more about this lifetime guarantee for example?

I hope this helps

Andrew

 

[epiphany]

Personally I wasn't convinced by the leaflet, If I got it I would throw it in the bin after about 10 seconds. Every company in the world is banging on about huge savings, excellent service and fast delivery so when someone says it in a leaflet I just ignore it.

Leaflets really area a tough call, marketing studies has consistently shown that someone needs to see your brand a few times before they are enticed to call. My point being don't expect to sent out one batch of leaflets and get loads of business. I personally am not a fan of leaflets so it is hard to give you good ideas

What about showing price comparisons on your leaflet so that people can see how much cheaper you are?

Also I feel the leaflet lacks a good call to action.

 

[daveashton]

Personally I wasn't convinced by the leaflet, If I got it I would throw it in the bin after about 10 seconds. Every company in the world is banging on about huge savings, excellent service and fast delivery so when someone says it in a leaflet I just ignore it.

Leaflets really area a tough call, marketing studies has consistently shown that someone needs to see your brand a few times before they are enticed to call. My point being don't expect to sent out one batch of leaflets and get loads of business. I personally am not a fan of leaflets so it is hard to give you good ideas

What about showing price comparisons on your leaflet so that people can see how much cheaper you are?

Also I feel the leaflet lacks a good call to action.

Looks ok but not original and a lot is not back up with facts i.e.
huge savings = well how much?
Fast delivery = ok how fast, today, tomorrow etc?
Excellent service = that’s what the last person said!

A few other issues:

1: how do I know you are not a dodgy company that will be closed in a few months?
2: lots of companies do this so why your company?

Also have you worked out how many orders you need for this to make money?

PS I think it will work but a bit more thought will make a lot of difference.

 

[Whistle Ink]

Thanks for all those comments!

Im scrapping all that and reading up on a marketing ebook. I might as well put the url in, so you can tell me 'are u crazy?', 'you paid money for this?'

www.power-marketing-strategy.com

The pages that I have read so far REALLY have been quite good, and its got me thinking about things, and given me some new ideas. Something that probably wouldnt have happened if hadnt had purchased it.

Thanks

PS Im not an affiliate thing for it!

 

[Cornish Steve]

Hi there!

I read through your leaflet, and I have a few comments.

1) There are some grammatical errors, mainly in the use of commas. Little details like this matter.

2) Your sentences are much too long. You need short, sharp, punchy statements.

3) You have tried to understand the perspective of your readers, but more can be done here. What is their biggest concern? Is it quality, cost, responsiveness, compatibility, or something else? How do you address that concern?

In general, you are trying to say too much. Focus on your principal message, and cut the number of words in half. That way, the graphics won't have to come across as an afterthought at the bottom of the page.

I hope this feedback is helpful, and good luck with your campaign!

Steve
www.goldctr.com

 

[Whistle Ink]

Steve,

How dare you! Only joking!

Thanks for your comments, did you read my post above urs? Im scrapping it for now, and yes Im focusing on my one biggest benefit.

Making ordering easier and manageable for the hard working stationary and consumables buyer.

Also I am going to try and target slightly larger businesses, as well as smaller ones.

Im in the process of getting some research done anyway.

Bye for now