Promo Ink Pens

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What are your thoughts on promo pens?

Did a goggle search and found a site that charges $0.49 per pen (250 count) with 5 lines. Not sure of how many characters. I did get a quote and the total is $132.60 shipped. The site is Pens Xpress. Anyone dealt with them? I looked on other forums and found some recommended sites but the pens were 3 times as much. Much nicer pens too.

Here's a peek



This web site has tons to choose from. I don't want a cheapo pen but don't want to spend a fortune for give aways. What do you think of the option above? I guess I could order the sample pack then go from there.

My plans were to take them to restaurants and leave them on the table. Give to my wife to use at work. Service shops, banks... You get the point, take to locations where pens are utilized with lots of people.

[Setec Astronomy]

That's a good idea...just don't get your hopes up on how many calls you're going to get from 250 pens....maybe none. That kind of marketing is really shotgun, and the number of responses really miniscule.

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I want to set myself apart from most of the local shops.

[DETLMAN]

I used to do pens, there is really no benefit that I ever saw. Most people dont even notice the pens and if they do they are usually your customer already.

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Originally posted by DETLMAN
I used to do pens, there is really no benefit that I ever saw. Most people dont even notice the pens and if they do they are usually your customer already.

Now that you mention it, I don't think I've ever called a company because I used a pen with their name on it. I'll save the cash.

[Superior Shine]

Pens are good for people that have already used your service. It keeps your name in front of them.Think of it as a part of a marketing puzzle.

After you detail their vehicle they will have your pen maybe a quarterly newsletter, follow up calls, your busniess magnet on their refer, etc.....

[scrub]

got it. Not for prospects but to keep the name out in front of clients.

I just thought it would be different for my area to have pens. When my card is printed it will stand out at the local bulletin boards. Cards from the local shops are home made with clip art. That's fine but not the business image I want to project.

Thanks again.

Now about this newsletter???

[KenL_BayAreaM5s]

The newsletter is a great idea to promote any business especially those that are service based such as a detailing business. Depending on what the best method is for you to reach your existing customer base you could do this in a number of different ways. If you have a customer database that contains e-mail contacts I’d recommend using your website for an online newsletter. Both your existing customers could then easily read this, after having been prompted to read it after receiving an e-mail directly from you, as well as others visiting your website perhaps for the first time. If it is best to reach your existing customers via postal mail you could easily send a monthly/quarterly/bi-annual newsletter via snail mail instead.

Customer engagement in these situations usually creates a win-win situation for both the business owner and customer as well. Any input received from customers can easily be integrated into your normal business practice going forward, again for mutual benefit.

You can use this type of newsletter to promote your business, discounts for those customers referring additional business to you, monthly discounts, etc. This is only limited by your own imagination and or creativity, as you can incorporate anything that you may feel may add some form of value to your own individual business’ customer base. Using this medium to introduce any new services at introductory prices would be ideal as you grow the scope of your own individual business practice.

Doing any of this in your area based on what you have mentioned here about the competitions business cards alone will surely put you in a league of your own there amongst your peers in SC. Although I had not been involved in this initial discussion prompted by your questions about using some sort of ink pen as a form of advertising your business I’m sharing this since it will surely give you more bang for your buck in regard to marketing your business, etc.

Regards,

Ken Little

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Ken
Thanks for the info. I am very interested in the concept. What do my clients want to read about? I don't think they care so and so go their car detailed do they? The newsletter could be an outstanding way to educate my clients of the detailing process. If I educate them and show the benefits that builds value.

I will study your reply and get back. Thanks again.

[ourbail]

how about t-shirts

[Superior Shine]

A guy fromt the geek squad
( http://www.geeksquad.com/main.asp )
came by yesterday and he brought me a t-shirt. He had to come by today to finish up and he brought me another one in a different color. They did awsome work and I will wear my geel squad t-shirt proudly.

I am going to do the same with all my new clients. I will be ordering a batch of nice Superior Shine t-shirts soon to give away.

[the other pc]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
...I will be ordering a batch of nice Superior Shine t-shirts soon to give away.

Make sure you get them with tags that say "Not For Use on Automotive Paint"


PC.