New Shop Opening - Promotional Ideas?

[A Party Shop]

We're opening our new shop in Hemel Hempstead on 17th April, nearby location just a larger unit.

We've contacted a few PR Agencies regarding publicity and have ourselves already got the local radio station to come down and help give out leaflets, balloons etc on the day and they will be promoting us 'on air' over a three hour period during their time with us.

They suggested a prize draw to get interest both 'on air' and in the shop.

"Guess how many balloons are in the shop?" kind of thing but my thoughts are make it a Free Prize Draw, where the customer fills out their name, address & contact details which we could then use to contact them with future promotions, etc.

So what do you guys think?

1.) Free Prize Draw
2.) Answer question to win

Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Be Known PR]

I would go with answering a question because it provides another opportunity to showcase a type of product. I would go with the most in demand items, so if you sell more balloons than anything else, use it (as you say) to showcase the range of balloons.

 

[startinbusiness]

your ideas are already nice.. how about you include in your radio announcement that you will be offering a discount for those first ten customers..

i hope that helps..

 

[dottylou]

Definitely get them to answer a question - make it really easy. You'll get loads of people applying. Make it fun and offer a discount on their first order or something. Everybody likes to think they are getting something discounted!

Sounds like you've got it all under control already though!

 

[Connections_Media]

Why don't you hand balloons out to kids that have got your company name on them?

 

[skyhi2]

I would go with number 2.

Re publicity,i would get your family and friends to put on the fancy dress that you have.

Get them to hand out any publicity material you have available on the day,like the balloons and leaflets you mentioned.

If you have Snow White,and could find 7 dwarves ( is that PC these days,am i supposed to say " height impeded fellows" or some such ? ) for the day

Good luck with it,i am sure it will be a blast.

Skyhi2.

 

[David Morson]

You have done just a right job dude, but never forget to do a SWOT Analysis of your business which means identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of your business and its the essence of every successful business planning.

 

[Steve202]

I would go with number 2.

Why don't you hand balloons out to kids that have got your company name on them?

If you can do this, do it. Kids love balloons (well I did when I was a kid) and could be worth it in the long run.

 

[Ideal Digital Marketing]

Sounds like a good idea. I would try and get a bit of market research from the people. Filling in questions about there shopping habits as well as contact details will create a data base for your business. You can obviously use this information for future marketing campaigns.
idealdigital.co.uk

 

[TheBalloonPrintingCompany]

Hi, just did a search for balloons and stumbled over this thread, if you would like some info on plain or printed balloons we can offer some great info and quotes. [email protected]

many thanks

 

[Acorn BusinessPerformance]

Hi,

Maybe you could release a number of balloons just before you go on air, one of which will have a prize. If someone can bring that balloon to you before they go off air then they win the prize.

Will be great radio if they keep counting down the time and creating suspense.

Regards,

Alex
Acorn Business Performance Ltd

 

[Connections_Media]

Hi,

Maybe you could release a number of balloons just before you go on air, one of which will have a prize. If someone can bring that balloon to you before they go off air then they win the prize.

Will be great radio if they keep counting down the time and creating suspense.

Regards,

Alex
Acorn Business Performance Ltd

Don't Balloons travel miles?

 

[Acorn BusinessPerformance]

Hi,

They do! That could be seen as part of the fun or you could simply use slow release Balloons which will disipate their helium to ensure they come down quicker than usual.

You could put tickets inside balloons and customers can buy them for £1. All money goes to a local charity and one ticket would be a winner.

Just a few thoughts.

Alex
Acorn Business Performance Ltd

 

[Acorn BusinessPerformance]

To clarify:

The Balloons you buy for £1 wouldn't be released, a customer would have to pop them to get at the ticket...

Alex