Discuss the fun task of marketing a t-shirt shop. Where to advertise, link building, word of mouth, press releases, search engine marketing, keyword advertising, magazines, etc.
Our approach will be a little different, but a little more costly.
We're still deciding for sure, but because of our business structure and what we really want to do (shirts will be a part of it, but they will be secondary), we will buy into a new business mailing list and mail out brochures.
You'll notice that anytime you register a new business, you'll get TONS of mailings for that business. My last business happened to be retail sales online, yet I KEEP getting credit card processing mailings in our mailbox, even a year later.
We target new businesses, so I believe this is the way to go. Reach them before they even get into the phonebook.
Here's what I've found out so far through my own experience and I hope you all find this usefull. While screen-printing and embroidery are well known and popularly used means of advertising, most of the people that I have talked to so far except for 1 have had NO sense of loyalty what so ever to previous companies that they've ordered from in the past. I've gotten 3 orders in 2 days just from walking in to places during business hours and asking "Do you use t-shirts for promotional advertising?" 1 of the 3 said that he had been using a company from another city and would rather use someone in town. 1 had ordered them in the past and had priced around and I happened to beat other's prices by about $0.50 per shirt and I was there so they placed the order on the spot.
Here is what I'll be doing from now on.
I made a line sheet, a flyer, and a business card that I will take each day for around 4 hours per day to different businesses so that they know I'm available thanks to Verizon screwing me over, and will perform follow-ups religiously to make sure my name stays fresh in everyone's minds.
The lack of loyalty is two-fold, 1 it's good in the beginning because it will help me get a lot of orders. On the other hand it means that I'll have to fight that much harder to get orders in the future.
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Hard labor kills, make t-shirts instead.
I decided today that I would try some phone calling just to see how it worked. I called 15 places. Now, let me first say that each day since I began full time, I have done no direct marketing except walk ins. When I looked at 2 things, my watch and my odometer it became very clear to me that I was not being as efficient with my time as I would like to be....and I was putting a lot of miles on my car, some of which are unnecessary.
Back to the top. I called these 15 places in one hour's total time and I have done no driving. Everyone was just as receptive on the phone as the other customers had been in person and I have set up 6 appointments with people/companies that I know are interested in learning more about my company, 4 said they will call when they run out of inventory (these I will put on my call back list and try again in another 2 weeks or so), and 3 said that they would pass my info along to the appropriate person(I will also call back at a later date), and 2 were committed to other companies.
All together everyone was very nice, no one seemed put off by being approached on the phone and I would consider this a very positive form of getting the word out about my business.
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Hard labor kills, make t-shirts instead.
I have another question to add to this thread: What business types are most receptive to our industry? I'll be cold calling soon and want to get the big orders first.
I have another question to add to this thread: What business types are most receptive to our industry? I'll be cold calling soon and want to get the big orders first.
Thanks,
ML
The most receptive to me have been privately owned businesses. The big franchises and chain stores all seem to get their products done by the "home office" so to speak. I've seen shirts in my city advertising tanning salons, car repair shops, electric companies, contractors, restaurants, specialty auto parts, you name it. They are out there, but they don't know that you are until you or someone else tell them. Ask around, you find that you know a lot of people that have their own businesses that might want to talk to you or know someone else that does. I talked to someone today at one of those check cashing places that said she would be interested in some shirts for a car club that she's a member of. You never know until you ask.
Also don't worry so much about getting the big orders first. Get every order that you can get and the big orders will come.
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Hard labor kills, make t-shirts instead.
I am working in a facotry to supply services and garments to the worldwide.
Now I have some clients, but i am fewly to make a phone call with them.
I also wanna sell my goods to other people, but i didn't find a good way to introduce myself except by email.
After browse these opions I think calling is good for our business.. That's because you are the forienger s to me.. I didn't call them was just because I am afraid they don't like. Now I know that at least they will listen to me.
I am working in a facotry to supply services and garments to the worldwide.
Now I have some clients, but i am fewly to make a phone call with them.
I also wanna sell my goods to other people, but i didn't find a good way to introduce myself except by email.
After browse these opions I think calling is good for our business.. That's because you are the forienger s to me.. I didn't call them was just because I am afraid they don't like. Now I know that at least they will listen to me.
There will probably be differences in our cultures as far as what is accepted and what is not, but I have a feeling that as long as you are friendly and don't try to push anything on anyone, that most will be receptive to you as well.
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Hard labor kills, make t-shirts instead.
For some reason, most people are afraid to use the telephone to sell their products. Think about it - you want to make more money, right? It's a slow day and you have some time on your hands. You have a telephone and you have a telephone book (not to mention the fact that you can easily find unlimited business telephone numbers on the Internet), why not pick-up the phone and make some calls? If you are friendly on the phone, most people will be friendly. Of course, if you smoke 3 packs a day and drink yourself into a stupor every night, your voice will sound like sandpaper rubbing against gravel, for you, don't use the telephone.
Making an appointment is always better. Just keep your phone call simple. Most small business's will respond well to an honest phone call trying to create new business. Someone gave me some advice when I first started. Always carry business cards, Always. Give them out wherever you are, at the bank at the movies anyone and everyone you come into contact with.
Still a newbie to this forum but have several years sales experience and retail management - and for me I would MUCH prefer the approach that Robin suggests then getting a phone call. I prefer the polite face to face intro and some literature/promotional material. I realize everyone is different but with a brochure, I can look at it, perhaps visit the web site for more info.
However, if a face to face intro turns out to be a pushy, overbearing person, I would tell them that I'm too busy to talk and never deal with them again. No matter how many times they call, stop by, or try to schedule a time with me. It simply will never happen. For me, it applies to whatever the product or service is that's being sold. It's all about approach.
I also agree with Rodney that "The customer would probably prefer to find new business/vendors by word of mouth, or to have them easily found when they are out searching (YellowPages, local google/yahoo searches, etc)." Therefore, networking is key. Try to network with local businesses/events/town stuff.
Personally, I absolutely hate cold calling (phone). Just not for me - I think it's a huge waste of time, not to mention frustrating. Hey, it may work for some people. In my experience, cold calls have not been advantageous. I personally never speak to telemarketers for any product/service.
The suggestion of warm calling is much better and a "softer" approach. Mailing out post cards, coupons, magnets, etc., first and then following up with a call. ..much nicer. Everyone is different and does what is most comfortable for them. Good luck!
I intensely dislike anyone calling me and trying to sell me something! I wont listen, and once I realize you want something from me, I hang up.
But if you come into the shop, at least you have an audience.
Here is what happened yesterday.
A fella came in wanting to sell us phone service. We told him we use cell phones, and instead of arguing with us on the benefits of his service, he shruged, gave us a big smile, and said , "Aw, well then you dont need me then do ya?!"
Because he was so nice, and personable, we took his card, and his information sheet. He will be one of the first we will talk to when its time to get a land line for the business.
I guess there is a point to this.....when you go cold calling.... 1) look professional! 2) have your business card, and when they ask you questions, know the answers 3) Have literature to back up what you are talking about. 4) carry samples with you, or have them in your car so you can offer samples for the customer to see.
We always wear our own printed clothing, and had our truck parked close by so others could see it. We dont appear to be an overnight business that is coming in to take your money and run. Too many who come into our shop look like that! Our truck was filled with our graphics and business info. We now have a car........and havent gotten around to getting it decked out. The store has been keeping us busy. The sign guy is always the last to get his/her stuff done right?!
There are many different ways to use the phone while cold calling - some professional, some not.
Yesterday, I had a friendly message on my voice mail, "Hi, this is Joe Blow. Give me a call at xxx-xxx-xxxx." I thought I knew who it was so I called back.
When he answered, I realized he didn't know me and the friendly voice mail was just a ploy to get me to call. When I asked who he was and what his company did, he was rude and I hung-up on him.
That is one way not to use the telephone in business. On the other hand, if a confident, professional person calls, I'm willing to give them a few seconds to find out why they're calling and what they're selling. If I have no interest in their product or service, I politely end the conversation - but it's surprising how much you can learn about a product or a market from a short conversation.
If they're professional, they're not going to insist that you buy, "Today, Today, Today." And a cold call turns into a warm lead.
Especially if your selling to a large, or national, or even international marketplace, to not take advantage of this sales tool is short sighted. B2B calls, are not the same thing as B2C calls (that's the telemarketer calling you at home.)
Whether we like it or not, sales is the engine that drives the machine - incorporating the phone into your sales/marketing plan is smart business.
I utilize a 2-step approach to cold calling. I have used this for everything from insurance to artwork. I first go to the business and ask the gatekeeper, or receptionist, if they could please help me out. 9 times out of 10 you will get a yes because most people like helping others. When they say yes, I then say I am a new business in the area and I was just wondering if I could get the card of the person who handles "whatever it is you are selling." I make it clear that I am not there selling anything to them, just want to get a name. I also never leave any information with the gatekeeper. I then make a phone call to that business the next day and now I can ask for the individual in person. When asking I ask quickly and casually. For example, "Hi, I'm calling for Jim". When they ask who I am, I just say "this is Jennifer". Most of the time they will patch you right through thinking you are a personal friend or an already established business client.
Good luck! I hope if you try this attempt it works for you.
Re: Cold Calling 
