How do I sell signs? Never needed to know until now...

[Ginger]

I have been in the sign biz for about 10 years now and apparently have been spoiled, because I have always been busy enough that I never had to worry about "selling". Now all of a sudden things have slowed down and I don't know what to do?! Spent the last week or two, cleaning the shop, doing marketing pieces, collection some A/Rs, but it is starting to get scarey now. Would love to hear some ideas.

 

[Custom_Grafx]

Grab a bunch of cards and go for a walk in your area? Can't imagine many people in your area not knowing of you though if you've been there for 10 years...

Maybe just a quick call to your customers, starting from the ones you like to say hello and see what's shaking. I find sometimes a quick hello turns into a "oh yeah... i keep forgetting to order it ... i need a sign for... bla bla"

Also a good time to look at your website and see what can be improved. When you're busy you can never find time for stuff like that. Maybe put some ads up on google?

 

[signswi]

Start reading books and blogs on small business marketing, talk to your industry contacts, talk to other small businesses in the area (join the chamber, any district groups, etc.), network network network.

Run some minor sales, update your facebook page, start calling clients you haven't heard from in a while to check in, organize your CRM and get an email newsletter started, contract someone to start redesigning your website and to do local SEO...small business marketing is a pretty big topic .

 

[Marlene]

check on some of the signs you have sold over the years to see if they need work or need to be re-done. since these people are your customer's, that's a good place to start as it really isn't like cold calling as they know you.

 

[AUTO-FX]

Quickly plan a vacation. Purchase airline tickets, pack your bags and put them in the car. Suddenly one of your most important clients will call with a big job on a tight deadline. Never fails.



I'm sorry, I dont mean to make light of your situation, but I'm not entirely kidding, it's happened to me before. More than once!

 

[TheSnowman]

I've been in the same boat through the winter, but that's every winter. We had a warm day yesterday and I got more work in one day than I'd had in two months. If I ever plan to be gone even a day in the summer, seems like it just comes pouring in.

I'd be interested to see some responses about this though as well.

 

[Ginger]

Great tips fellas! I have a tenancy to believe the vacation plan may just work! Kind of like when we turn the stereo up, the phone always rings

 

[tattoo.dan]

I can sit in the shop all day and not one call or walk-in. Go to the bathroom for 2 minutes, and almost always have someone wandering around shop!

 

[klemgraphics]

Quickly plan a vacation. Purchase airline tickets, pack your bags and put them in the car. Suddenly one of your most important clients will call with a big job on a tight deadline. Never fails.



I'm sorry, I dont mean to make light of your situation, but I'm not entirely kidding, it's happened to me before. More than once!

Exactly what I do, anytime I start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and plan to do something for myself the sky opens up and pours it on. Every single time!

I would probably drop in on some of my clients just to see how things are going, maybe leave them with some promotional items or t-shirt. Just kind of as a thank you.

 

[JR's]

Quickly plan a vacation. Purchase airline tickets, pack your bags and put them in the car. Suddenly one of your most important clients will call with a big job

what worked to is throw out some old pounce patterns. accidentally delete some old job files, ow ya paint the shop floor, send out your PC for repair. its funny how it seems to work.

JR

 

[Mosh]

Drive around and look for crappy looking signs! Draw them up a new one and see if they are interested. Do 5-10 of these a day and you are bound to get a few jobs.

 

[Gino]

Make some 18" x 24"s and place them around town as advertising. You'd be surprised.......it might just catch on.

Also, you could try pounding the pavements.

 

[Ginger]

I can sit in the shop all day and not one call or walk-in. Go to the bathroom for 2 minutes, and almost always have someone wandering around shop!

It is good to know that it is not just me!

More great ideas, I am sure the sales will be back with the warmer weather, just don't want to be sitting around waiting for it.

Thanks everyone!

 

[megacab]

i know this thread is a week old, but i am amazed at the turn around as soon as the weather got to 55 for the high. it's like people started coming outta the woodwork. i was on and off all winter, but this last week has been ludicrous......but in a good way. my wife goes out at least twice a week and makes cold calls. that has helped to keep us doing fine throughout the winter months. now is the time to get out Ginger and make some calls if the weather is starting to warm up where you are at. seems to me, people are spending a little money. gotta get it while we can, gas is well on it's way to $4 a gallon. this pseudo economy jump will come to a grinding halt at that point i'm afraid.