Startup....

[mkinili]

Guys,,
After careful consideration, me and my business partner decided to start our own company. Our aim is to supply fire, cctv, intruder and access control systems.

We are expecting to hear from SafeContractor (safe contracting scheme) , all insurances bought (imdemnity, liability, public and employer) and i'm FIA (fire industry association) trained, cars bought, company name website and phone number (diverted and office address) all ready!

My questions is;

Our target is both business and domestic customers..

How do you think we should start?

Leaflets? Knocking doors? (I'm more of manual worker but my partner will be "selling")

Any ideas?

Need help here and any inputs are appreciated,

 

[finleydesign]

An effective website can start helping bringing in the business, check how your website is performing for your local area

 

[Talay]

Domestic sales are one offs, though there may be ongoing income from any subscription services, such as alarms etc. but commercial, through say estate agents, would give up a steady flow of leads.

I'd respond well to a properly designed leaflet but not to some cheap 130gsm flyer produced with only a few minutes thought. I use flyers and to get a good new one done, it takes me perhaps 10 hours over a week with maybe 20 plus revisions. I also use 350/400gsm paper on A5.

I suspect knocking on doors would generate some sales if you are good at cold calling but perhaps pre-empt the door knock by a few days with a leaflet drop. I'd look at print advertising as well, in monthly local magazines perhaps. This is where we get the best print response but the costs are quite high. A full page A5 in our monthly (circa 20k distribution) costs around £600. If you run a few in succession, then you'll be wanting an advertorial as well with at least as much coverage as your adverts. I run 1/2 pages 12 months a year and full pages each 1/4 and get quite a discount.

Perhaps do the local church / village hall / wherever for cost or even free to drum up trade. Local press love this type of thing if warned well in advance, especially if there has been a break in somewhere local or even better at the venue itself.

I think some businesses work well on the back of taxi receipts. Mine doesn't but perhaps yours would.

As stated, decent website is a given. I'd get some decent video on Youtube as well, embedded in site. No 0844/0845/0870 numbers. Local and 0800 should do, mobile as well if you want.

 

[brownkane]

Have you thought about having a manned stand in the local supermarkets, also approach new build projects, as an added security, or for new buyers.

Debbie
oakmanoraccountancy.com

 

[mkinili]

Already jotted down your ideas and recommendations. ))) Thank you so much guys. Appreciated ...