eye catchers

[cjm2783]

what do you guys think about this: when you advertise, you offer one free service if they sign up by, say apr 1, 2005.

i dont like doing stuff for free, but last year this is what i offered and actually i had people tell me that's the reason they called. i might do this again, but we'll see. i'm sure i will do it in a few areas here.

ok, i offered second service 1/2 price and got some turn around on that.

i'm turning my fliers into the print shop tomorrow and need to finalize it tonight.

cjm

[Littleriver1]

My response is probable not going to help you much. I have been thinking about this for a while. "Free Stuff" I Don't do it. I think it has to do with your competition, size of lots, size of route, value of housing, economics of the customer base. What is going to happen when all LCO's start giving away stuff. Does anyone remember Green Stamps? I often wonder what we are trying to do. Are we trying to take customers away from our competition? Are we trying to sign up new home owners in our area? Are we trying to sign up high end properties that never had a service before? Are we trying to sign up Joe 6 pack that doesn't give a crap about his lawn? At what point do we step back and look at an ad that promises free stuff, and say "This guy is Desperate"? Well, I guess you could say" He's hungry". Neither supports a positive view. I'm not saying there is any thing wrong with being desperate or hungry. What we are trying to do here is put out an ad that say, who we are, what we do, how we do it, why we do it, and we are the best at it. What does an ad that says, "I'll cut my competitions throat to get your business" say about all these things? I must be from the old school, that teaches us to work hard and be honest and let the sun shine on me. I think we need to go look at our competition. If they look suscessful and project the image that fits your stile, then copy it. Does your competition look like a bunch of low life stumble bumbs fresh out of prison that needs beer money? If you want to look like a professional, then stand next to professional. Everyone is always saying, to get ahead in business you must stand out from the rest of the pack. Ever seen a list of ways to stand out from the rest? How about this, Do good work, Be honest, Be on time, Be professional. All this requires you to do something and wait for a response from the world. It takes years to build a good image in your business community. Success in business is more than a 1 or 2 year commitment. I just don't see how giving away free stuff can speed up the process. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

[cjm2783]

it all depends, you see it as being desperate, but does the people who matter see it that way... the home owner.

when you're starting out, you have to get your clients the best way you can. hey, if it doesnt work then i have the ability to change it up.

that's the great thing about having your own business.

i agree about work hard and all that other stuff, but 1st you have to get the customer base.

cjm

[Mo Green]

Think of offering "free" services for signing up this way; You are adding a contract or yearly customer for the price of one free cut. Not bad. But, the trick is to make up that amount somewhere else. Like adding an extra $15 on to two of their fall clean ups. Or, quote the price of the weekly cut 2 or 3 dolars higher than normal. That small amount will add up over the season. Most companies that offer anything "free", is always making up that money somewhere else.

[cjm2783]

that's my point exactly. i did that last year and i promise to the good Lord, i made over 4,000 in that one yard. it's all advertising. you have to get the people in your sights and then it's game time.

nothings free. i will let you guys know the outcome. i'll be placing about 1500 fliers within the next two weeks. i hope to at least get 10 or 15 accounts on that.
i also advertise the erosion control portion of my business with that. we'll see.

cjm