Marketing on a shoestring?

C

Clearviewtn

New member
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I have recently started a headlight restoration service as a side business to my regular job. I know many of you started your detailing business on the side as well and may have some advice on Marketing on a (almost non-existent) budget. I am not detailing yet so I can't do the test spot idea I read earlier.
Can anyone give me some tips in marketing this service on a shoestring?

I have some cheap fliers made up to hand out at gas stations and shopping centers.

I had a printer make up some post-it notes with a Hand written message "this is a nice car, I can renew those hazy headlights for you for $40" printed on them so it looks like a hand written personal message to attach to a business card and slip in the drivers side window.

I'd hate to resort to roadside signs but here in the south it seems that it's the poor boy's billboard.

Feed back please
 
Clearviewtn said:
I have recently started a headlight restoration service as a side business to my regular job. I know many of you started your detailing business on the side as well and may have some advice on Marketing on a (almost non-existent) budget. I am not detailing yet so I can't do the test spot idea I read earlier.
Can anyone give me some tips in marketing this service on a shoestring?

I have some cheap fliers made up to hand out at gas stations and shopping centers.
Click to expand...

That might actually deter people from calling/using your service. There have been several post on this subject here, do a search and you will find that most people will recommend not advertising that way.

I had a printer make up some post-it notes with a Hand written message "this is a nice car, I can renew those hazy headlights for you for $40" printed on them so it looks like a hand written personal message to attach to a business card and slip in the drivers side window.
Click to expand...

Same as above
I'd hate to resort to roadside signs but here in the south it seems that it's the poor boy's billboard.
Click to expand...

Of the three ideas, this might be the better of them. With proper placement you might drum up some business.

Another good way of spreading the word is simple, do a good job and let word of mouth from your customers do the advertising for you.
 
i found an old hippy guy and had tee shirts made up cheaply. was a trip man keeping him on point but now i where them everywhere. business cards from the net are also only about 25-30 bucks and look really nice these days.
 
I think its a great idea. Yea, you might piss off a few but who cares. If you don't get your name out there then your not going to make it anyway. You might also check with some grocery/convenience stores and ask if you can leave your card/flyer in the window/counter

GL in your new business venture :props:
 
If there's any car meets near your area, maybe you could crash one of them and sell your service there. Another idea is to post your service on the classifieds, e.g., craiglist, the local paper (if it's not too expensive), make a simple website, etc.
 
The best way to drum up new business with something like that is actually being able to speak with the owner and explain what you can do for them.

A lot of times people don't realize the situation that their cars are in.
 
Im up actually trying to figure this thing out " Marketing on a shoestring" I just put my POORBOY sign out today. I was so bored today,i actualy napp'd something i DON't normally do.

The city's sign ordinance has alot to do with advertising. So i have to first understand what they require or what i can & can't do. Direct Mail would be easy if i had the dough!

A lot of times people don't realize the situation that their cars are in.[/QUOTE]
I agree & most of the time they don't care! If i could market only to the enthusiast!!:rolleyes:
 
If you know of any mechanics/auto body shops that you trust and recommend, see if you can come up with a referral agreement. Ask if you can put a stack of your business cards by their cash register and in return you'll give out one of their business cards with every detail job you do. Perhaps you can even put a small sales promotion on the back, like "10% off next detail if you mention (name of shop your business cards are at)".
 
StoneRaizer said:
If you know of any mechanics/auto body shops that you trust and recommend, see if you can come up with a referral agreement. Ask if you can put a stack of your business cards by their cash register and in return you'll give out one of their business cards with every detail job you do. Perhaps you can even put a small sales promotion on the back, like "10% off next detail if you mention (name of shop your business cards are at)".
Click to expand...


Your good StoneRaizer!!:dblthumb2:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top