Discuss the fun task of marketing a t-shirt shop. Where to advertise, local marketing tips, word of mouth, press releases, search engine marketing, keyword advertising, magazines, etc.
Welp, I mentioned in another thread that I would like to start selling my vinyl services to businesses in my area (signage, window lettering, car decals, vehicle wraps, etc). Other than word of mouth, I know that the best way probably is to walk into as many businesses as possible and sell directly, but my sales skills are lacking - not sure how to sell them on vinyl products. I have the product, I have the means to produce and I have the knowledge, but I don't have the sales ability. How do I convince a business that they need my product without appearing spammy or intrusive? Also, what do I take with me and how should the conversation go? Should I bring samples and photographs, or just drop off a card?
Last edited by Pwear; January 24th, 2009 at 04:19 PM.
Kush,
First of all your vehicle should be an example of your work. Other than free yellow pages and a vinyl sign covering our back window on our vehicle, we don't advertise at all. Secondly, if you aren't a natural born salesman don't try to sell. Go into the store, simply ask for the owner or manager, introduce yourself and explain that you are a local business who would like them to keep you in mind for future business. Basically, make friends, not customers at this point. People buy from people they like and businesses are no different. Leave a card, let them see your vehicle, and if they don't kick you in the butt on the way out, stop in to buy them a cup of coffee every now and then. I used to have a 4 state area for sales, and never considered it a job. It was just an excuse for visiting old friends or making new ones. Even if other companies had cheaper prices, I still got the orders. Go with what you are comfortable doing, but the last thing you should say before you leave is ask if there is anything you can do to make their lives easier and be sure to ASK for their future business.
Start by introducing yourself to new business owners and not trying to sell them. Just tell them you are new in the business and just wanted to introduce yourself. Don't offer any more info unless they ask you specifics. Just start by building the relationship and getting their business card. When you go home that night. Get a note card and send them a quick, nice to meet you card. That will start to endear you to them. Relationships take time to build and need to be not JUST about business. You can join the chamber of commerce and go to the mixers. People will get to know who you are and what you do through those kinds of contacts. Join a leads club like BNI. (Business Network International) The whole purpose of these groups is to become familiar with a bunch of different businesses and then start referring to each other. I have some great resources on my blog and newsletter about how to generate referrals and general business building tips, tricks and strategies. See my signature for the link. Another resource is a book by a guy named Keith Ferrazzi called Never eat alone. It is all about marketing yourself and your products by being relationship oriented. People won't buy your products unless they know and trust you. You can find his book here on Amazon.
Just my 2 cents... ask me anytime if you have more questions!
Never give up, Never surrender.
Definitely get involved in your community. Join the Chamber of Commerce or the Rotary Club or any organization that allows you to meet people.
You might also look into becoming a local expert. See if the local newspaper or television station could use a piece of vinyls and what they can do for your business. You'd be surprised how much business a few minute piece on television or a few paragraph article can bring in.
I think I need to take a sales course. 
don't try to sell. Go into the store, simply ask for the owner or manager, introduce yourself and explain that you are a local business who would like them to keep you in mind for future business. Basically, make friends, not customers at this point. People buy from people they like and businesses are no different. Leave a card, let them see your vehicle, and if they don't kick you in the butt on the way out, stop in to buy them a cup of coffee every now and then. I used to have a 4 state area for sales, and never considered it a job. It was just an excuse for visiting old friends or making new ones. Even if other companies had cheaper prices, I still got the orders. Go with what you are comfortable doing, but the last thing you should say before you leave is ask if there is anything you can do to make their lives easier and be sure to ASK for their future business.
