Did you do your Chamber of Commerce event? If so, how did it turn out? Did you get any prospects? Would you do anything different next time?
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Hey Luke! I was going to post today. We took it down last Friday. I finally got one call from it yesterday but they were more interested in an exchange of services than spending money. I didn't need their services!!
Then the chamber actually asked me to donate a sign to them for their hallway!
I'm out of ideas. Compared to the shops around me my stuff is like the Hope Diamond!! I guess I must look like I'm too expensive and all the cheap jerks go to the other places.
One guy up the street actually says on his window that he sells "magnatic signs" note the spelling. That is exactly how it is on the window.
Oh well. I'll get what I deserve one day!
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
I thought that display would really attract the right customers for you.
I'm curious if you had a person standing with the display, or was it just something they looked at and picked up a card if they were interested? That would make a world of difference.
Sue
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Amy, you are exactly right, your samples are too high end.. too perfect.. when most signage customers are looking for "good enough".
Dont get me wrong, there are people out there looking for that attention to fine detail and perfection, but they are the minority.
Maybe you can make another sample display, something "good enough" instead of "WOW!" Put the good one in the Chamber and trade/business shows and other displays. Use it to draw people to your shop or portfolio to see "WOW!"
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Sue,
The display was in the Welcome Center at the Chamber. There is always someone working in there, usually two people.
They all kept telling me it was one of the best displays they have ever had. It sounded like they actually took people to look at all the signs and told them to pick up stuff and look at it in detail. They also took everyone in to see it after every chamber meeting held during the two weeks it was there.
Who knows? They couldn't believe I haven't gotten any calls.
[ February 21, 2002, 02:55 PM: Message edited by: Amy Brown ]
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Amy
I would encourage you to always only display your highest quality work. Always show your best side.
If folks want cheap signs you can do them if you want but I would NEVER advertise that fact.
Make sure your own vehicle and shop display the very best work you are capable of. Same goes with your stationary and business cards.
If you don't believe in quality your customers won't either.
I wouldn't sweat it if you don't get calls right away. You have certainly sewn seeds which may take a while to sprout.
I've gotten calls and referals 5 or more years after the fact from other quality stuff we've done.
I want a well deserved reputation for QUALITY work. Sensible folks realize it doesn't come cheap. If folks don't understand this you don't want them anyway.
From the sound of it you did a great job on this display. It will come home eventually.
Hang in there!
-dan
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
I agree with Dan The FIRST impression is the most IMPORTANT one! The KEY here is:"GET THEM TO CALL YOU" From there you can explain,discuss,haggle the low end customers. I have found,it is better to do a FEW jobs for "good" pay. Rather than a LOT of jobs for "less" pay. (Sorry Mike)But you make the same amount of money while keeping the quality of work and satisfaction of said work. I belive this is the MAIN differance between"having to work" and "enjoying work" Good work Amy!!! Hope to see you at John Smiths
Posted by goddinfla (Member # 1502) on :
Not everyone needs a sign "right now", but they will have you in the back of their minds for a long time. You will be the one they think of when they or a friend need a sign. This type of thing doesn't always get immediate results. I've had people stop in at my shop because of the sign outside just to say hi and come back over a year later and buy signs. Don't sweat it.
