16:09:07 [DebbiePPS] I am really pumped up today... I have 6 reps signed with Natures Paws... YEA!!!

16:09:12 [luxuries4u] I just sent out some more invites to other groups for the chat today

16:09:51 [luxuries4u] Congrats on the new reps-- do you see yourself sticking with this company for a while?

16:10:09 [kaygreen] WAHOOOOO great job

16:10:15 [kaygreen] thanks Suella

16:10:25 [DebbiePPS] oh yea.... It has been a dream for years... I just had to make myself go slow with it

16:11:41 [luxuries4u] Hope all goes well with natures Paws-- I know many were so disappointed when Sammi Soaps did not stay around long

16:12:14 [DebbiePPS] I was too... long story there

16:12:51 [kaygreen] LOL

16:12:57 [DebbiePPS] but I think there are dozens of Bath and Body companies out there now. Some have some products I would love to try...lol

16:13:36 [DebbiePPS] I need to find someone that is a rep and barter...LOL

16:13:46 [DebbiePPS] I have caught the Barter Bug

16:14:04 [kaygreen] different seasons huh

16:14:13 [kaygreen] me too Deb - love to barter

16:14:52 [kaygreen] so Deb what is your biggest challenge right now

16:15:21 [DebbiePPS] Keeping myself from trying to add to many products...LOL

16:15:30 [DebbiePPS] I have so many ideas but need to go slow

16:15:41 [DebbiePPS] really advertising is what I really need to work on

16:16:07 [luxuries4u] My biggest challenge right now is not enough hours in the day to get all I want to do done! Will probably have to hire another administrative assistant

16:16:19 [DebbiePPS] I have enough wholesale orders now to be able to order my supplies in bulk so I have product and orders.. now I need to work on advertising and coaching my reps

16:16:47 [kaygreen] adding a rep force makes growing slow tough sometimes

16:16:57 [kaygreen] planning your time is so important

16:17:06 [luxuries4u] What kind of advertising budget do you have set in stone? Are you using a percentage of your sales, or what each month?

16:17:14 [DebbiePPS] well I mean growing slow by not adding more products then I can handle.

16:17:36 [DebbiePPS] With SammiSoaps I got in that ... trying to do to much offering to many products etc...

16:17:42 [DebbiePPS] that was hard.

16:17:57 [kaygreen] inventory costs can also be challenging. As the orders increase so does your inventory cost - so finding a balance on how much to keep on hand

16:18:05 [DebbiePPS] with Natures paws I have less them 8 fragrances and only 4 products...

16:18:16 [DebbiePPS] of the ones I make myself...

16:18:18 [kaygreen] yes start with a few and then add more maybe twice a yr

16:18:28 [DebbiePPS] easier to make and stock...

16:18:39 [director] HI Ya

16:18:50 [kaygreen] 12 was good for me although we have 21 right now and 3 more coming soon - will hold at 24 for a while

16:18:55 [kaygreen] hi Nancy

16:19:06 [luxuries4u] Kay-- do you advertise your opportunity in any of the family/Christian type of magazines offline?

16:19:12 [DebbiePPS] Hi Nancy

16:19:17 [kaygreen] Suella that was a good question about advertising budget. I do not have a budget per se

16:19:45 [kaygreen] I have not paid for any offline print advertising yet - did a few event holiday guides w/o much response

16:19:46 [DebbiePPS] I have a budget of $50.00 a month to advertise...

16:19:55 [DebbiePPS] that is it..

16:20:05 [DebbiePPS] so I try to find the best bet for the money

16:20:12 [luxuries4u] I have a budget and then I re-evaluate the numbers I use to set it every 90-120 days

16:20:19 [director] when I first went online I started out with a $20 a month budget and I could get a LOT for that.

16:20:21 [kaygreen] Truly I still gain 20 or so new reps a month just thru online advertising - direct sales directories online have done well for me

16:20:24 [DebbiePPS] this month I spent $35 at mymommybiz.com and that is well worth it

16:20:24 [luxuries4u] welcome director!

16:20:57 [director] it is more that that now. but fluxuates on need and time and cash flow.

16:21:03 [director] You can call me Nancy

16:21:51 [luxuries4u] I think it also depends on what areas of your business you want to see increased growth and how much time you want to take to get there-- that will also fluctuate the cost of advertising budget

16:22:03 [director] I think the MomsNetwork is worth it although not sure about their directories this is the third year I have been in it and worst so far for results.

16:22:41 [DebbiePPS] I think when she changed the layout it was harder to find things there at momsnetwork

16:22:43 [kaygreen] I try to pay for year long listings rather than just a month at a time - more results for me

16:22:47 [luxuries4u] My Mommy biz has a good track record Debbie

16:23:48 [kaygreen] direct sales moms has gained me leads too

16:24:15 [kaygreen] well I was going to talk on the fear of no today but all of you really are beyond that

16:24:23 [DebbiePPS] I have been going and looking at lots of sites and comparing..

16:24:39 [DebbiePPS] Oh gosh no... I still fear no... LOL

16:24:48 [kaygreen] so lets keep talking about advertising

16:25:01 [kaygreen] LOL

16:25:01 [DebbiePPS] sounds good to me

16:25:16 [kaygreen] Debbie - do you understand no to you or your product is never personal

16:25:43 [DebbiePPS] Today I was working on post cards.. going to take you lead and send them out to all my past customers right after Christmas

16:26:01 [kaygreen] but usually a request for more info or non-interest by the customer

16:26:06 [DebbiePPS] yes... but it is still hard at times..

16:26:16 [kaygreen] yes I am excited to see what the postcard year long plan will gain me

16:26:33 [kaygreen] I am putting together the mailing list of my 200 retail customers this yr

16:26:49 [kaygreen] and just made up the coupon books to send in December

16:27:42 [kaygreen] hit a snag when I found a another company owns the trademark to one of my product names UGH - so have to make a change

16:27:52 [kaygreen] and that means a change in the coupon book too

16:27:56 [DebbiePPS] oh boy...

16:28:07 [kaygreen] will make a firm decision on the product name by Friday - polling my reps right now

16:28:15 [kaygreen] bummer huh?

16:28:29 [kaygreen] does anyone know of a place online to do a trademark search

16:28:59 [DebbiePPS] oh wow I was just at that site the other day... I will see if I can find

16:29:48 [kaygreen] thanks

16:30:05 [kaygreen] so what other kinds of advertising has worked for each of you

16:30:18 [DebbiePPS] http://www.uspto.gov/ 

16:30:47 [DebbiePPS] to tell the truth word of mouth had worked best

16:30:51 [luxuries4u] Why wait until after Christmas Debbie to mail postcards?

16:30:59 [kaygreen] one of the tricks I learned was to write several different ads ( 25 word, 40 word, 60 word) in different profiles (sales, recruits) and keep them in my draft folder in outlook so I can copy and paste when I need them

16:31:39 [luxuries4u] Those profiles will work great on business cards and post cards too Kay!

16:31:42 [kaygreen] I am mailing the 2004 coupon book in December with a December coupon too. Then will follow up with a postcard each month with he discount offered

16:32:02 [kaygreen] sure makes it easier not having to recreate ads each time

16:33:49 [luxuries4u] welcome lori!

16:34:06 [kaygreen] I added a couple here http://www.mypreciouskid.com/ads.html  too with my banners so I can direct people there when they need one from me

16:34:14 [kaygreen] HI LORI

16:34:26 [DebbiePPS] after Christmas... well it is for a New Year Promotion...

16:34:39 [lori] hi everybody

16:35:10 [DebbiePPS] That way they get them when we are running the specials..

16:35:12 [luxuries4u] I see Debbie!

16:35:13 [DebbiePPS] Hello

16:35:56 [DebbiePPS] I hope If I mail them by the 27-28... they will get them from the 29 of Dec to 3 Jan

16:36:06 [kaygreen] Lori we are talking about advertising and postcard mailing right now

16:36:16 [kaygreen] Please introduce yourself

16:37:09 [lori] ok my name is Lori and am the owner of Remember Today Designs.

16:37:20 [kaygreen] Suella have you done the postcard direct sales method

16:37:29 Lisa enters this room

16:37:34 [luxuries4u] Debbie-- just a thought-- we want your advertising to get as much exposure as possible-- and a new years promotion can run anytime the month of January and still be effective. Please consider moving your special to the first or second complete week of January to get as much dollars spent as possible

16:37:45 [lori] It's a very small business dealing in personalized candy wrappers, candy sundaes, crafts, and other gifts.

16:37:46 [luxuries4u] possible by customers

16:38:25 [kaygreen] suella why do you say that

16:38:50 [luxuries4u] Yes kay Postcard sales work great for me-- at least 6 years straight this time--

16:38:58 [kaygreen] Lori how long have you been in business

16:39:25 [kaygreen] awesome Suella - gave you give us some hints

16:39:39 [kaygreen] S - I never got the email on it your tried to send to the group

16:39:39 [lori] almost a year but I guess it would be considered more hobby like than business like

16:39:54 [luxuries4u] I say that because our targeted research done by company proves that more is spent in the complete weeks after the holidays then in between

16:39:56 [kaygreen] where are you selling and advertising Lori

16:40:02 [lori] don't have the extra money to advertise right now, but intend to after the first of the year

16:40:23 [lori] I do mom packs, some fliers

16:40:46 [lori] selling mostly at this little store in town and craft shows

16:40:52 [lori] none from my website

16:40:53 [luxuries4u] Yes money is spent on Christmas and New Years for parties, etc... but stocking up on products for the dog does not take priority during those times-- I was addressing Debbie in particular there

16:41:02 [luxuries4u] Welcome Lisa!

16:41:23 [kaygreen] I see S - good point

16:41:28 [kaygreen] hi Lisa

16:42:30 [luxuries4u] I tried for 5 days and 7 tries or so to send that long message I wrote on post cards and it never went through -- Not sure why

16:42:32 [kaygreen] Lori it takes time and lots of promotion to build web site traffic

16:42:43 [kaygreen] weird S

16:42:45 [DebbiePPS] LOL

16:42:50 [Lisa] Hello all

16:42:58 [kaygreen] did you send it to me or the group S

16:43:04 [DebbiePPS] unless you are a devoted dog owner and buy gifts for your dog...lol

16:43:16 [lori] I've thought of doing postcards but my ink smears and I don't have the extra $ to buy them right now

16:43:21 [DebbiePPS] which I do and all my doggie friends do...

16:43:26 [kaygreen] I would love to see you write an article on it and I could post it on my http://123HomeBusinessGuide.com  sight

16:43:42 [luxuries4u] I sent it to you and group-- I have decided it is way too long for the server-- maybe??

16:43:55 [kaygreen] yes mailing postcards needs to be done on color lazar

16:44:09 [kaygreen] could you make it a word document and then attach it to me

16:44:44 [kaygreen] Julie at http://www.expressionsonpaper.com  has great prices - I think there are other great printers on SBRN too. Nancy is getting ready to offer printing services too

16:44:46 [luxuries4u] Debbie-- I understand that there are dog lovers out there-- and all-- but I was looking at your post as more marketing and what works-- over 20 years of working in the field now-- just wanted to help get you the most $$$$

16:45:00 [kaygreen] you can get them done pretty inexpensively

16:45:23 [luxuries4u] that is a thought Kay--

16:45:25 [DebbiePPS] I understand...

16:45:50 [kaygreen] S - I find my products do not increase over the holiday season either - better in Travel season and back to school

16:46:17 [DebbiePPS] I was joking... sorry I am running back and forth.. pouring a wholesale order..

16:46:41 [DebbiePPS] my biggest sales are in the summer

16:46:43 [kaygreen] I find advertising works bet when you can target your audience - (sales, recruits. datings) and who they are (Parents, animal lovers, college students, etc)

16:46:43 [luxuries4u] I know you are teasing me a bit Debbie-- Smiles!

16:46:56 [DebbiePPS] people wash their dogs more in the summer then any other season

16:47:09 [kaygreen] know what you offer, who your target market is, and where they hang out

16:47:18 [luxuries4u] Lisa and Lori -- how can we help you with your businesses? Did I miss your post about what you do?

16:47:26 [DebbiePPS] that is key...

16:47:50 [kaygreen] then finding ways to post your advertising that matches all of those online and offline

16:47:54 [lori] I do personalized candy wrappers, crafts, and gifts

16:48:18 [kaygreen] I find the work at home crowd is highly online - so the home business directories for me

16:48:18 [DebbiePPS] One thing I can offer is jump on any opportunities to get your name out there...

16:48:34 [luxuries4u] Cool Personalized anything has lots of possibilities for growth in corporate America

16:48:44 [kaygreen] oops terrible spelling today LOL

16:48:55 [DebbiePPS] most of my customers are from raffles and auctions that rescues run.. if you donate a item they will advertise your business

16:48:58 [kaygreen] yes personalization is big if your turn around time is good

16:49:24 [kaygreen] great plan deb - I just adopted a dog and am going to print coupons to give them for their new pet owners

16:49:41 [kaygreen] promoting just my animal products

16:49:49 [DebbiePPS] Rescues are great

16:50:11 [kaygreen] Lori - are there places offline in your community that will let you offer coupons, or show samples, etc

16:50:20 [lori] I tried making a dog biscuit bouquet once but nobody seemed interested in it so I pulled it

16:50:27 [DebbiePPS] they usually put out a newsletter and pamphlets.. at there events and they will credit you if you donate a product, time or money

16:50:39 [lori] my town is small only about 1200 people

16:51:17 [luxuries4u] I am trying a test with a certain group of my customers -- by doing a mailing every 3 weeks to see what happens-- versus the once a month way-- that increases my exposure 5 more times over a year

16:51:18 [DebbiePPS] like our Waddle we have 200+attend and I donate and they give out my business cards and ad my company to their list of sponsors... that goes in the newsletter etc...

16:51:26 [lori] I know I don't do enough advertising and I'm very shy, have a hard time approaching strangers

16:51:51 [DebbiePPS] but the OC Waddle in NJ has over 500 attend.. the IL waddle has over 1200 attend... that is a lot of FREE Publicity

16:52:16 [kaygreen] awesome

16:52:23 [DebbiePPS] wow every 3 weeks...

16:52:25 [luxuries4u] What attracts you to home business Lori?

16:52:30 [kaygreen] Lori - are there holiday fairs you could rent a booth at

16:52:56 [lori] staying home with my 3 yr. old mostly, plus I love computer crafting

16:53:07 [luxuries4u] Yes-- every 3 weeks for a certain group of my customers-- currently in testing mode-- wont have results until February or so

16:53:25 [lori] I'm doing a craft show on dec. 6th plus I rent a little stand in a coffee shop in town

16:53:29 [kaygreen] Lori there are some articles for you at http://www.123homebusinessguide.com/articles.html and at Small Business Referral network

16:53:55 [kaygreen] let us know how it goes Suella - can you tell us what you budget for the post card plan

16:54:00 [lori] thank you

16:54:28 [luxuries4u] My budget is way higher than most of you-- been doing this for a long time--

16:54:37 [kaygreen] Lori - getting your name and face out in the community will help. It takes time to build a business. I encourage my reps to make 5-10 new contacts each day to build business

16:54:53 [lori] wow, that's a lot

16:54:56 [luxuries4u] Lisa........................... where are you? we don't want to overlook you! Smile!

16:55:06 [kaygreen] I figure mailing 200 postcards plus paper and ink will be $60 a month

16:55:33 [lori] I really have to get my butt moving

16:55:35 [kaygreen] yes it is Lori but if you try it for a month you will be amazed what it does for your business

16:55:58 [kaygreen] Suella taught me to work at giving away 250 business cards a month or a week LOL

16:56:10 [kaygreen] Lisa or Lisa have you left us

16:56:19 [kaygreen] LOL

16:56:19 [luxuries4u] Why Kay? that will only be 50 sheets of paper at roughly 5 cents each plus postage and ink-- should be less than $60.00

16:56:27 [kaygreen] Nancy are you still with us

16:56:47 [kaygreen] postage for 200 postcards is $46

16:57:20 [kaygreen] I have the free Xerox printer so my ink and paper cost is very minimal http://www.123homebusinessguide.com/freeprinter.html 

16:57:27 [luxuries4u] Business cards are still one of the cheapest forms of advertising-- I challenge each of you to get creative with them-- use them for something other than the traditional name, phone number etc....! They work!

16:57:31 [DebbiePPS] Is there a specific size for post cards?

16:58:05 [luxuries4u] Yep-- you are right Kay!

16:58:06 [kaygreen] less than a penny a piece to print for me

16:58:12 [kaygreen] I do quarter page

16:58:14 [DebbiePPS] I think it would cheaper for me to print out 4 on card stock then to buy the ones that are made for post cards

16:58:23 [kaygreen] in color

16:58:45 [DebbiePPS] so 4 to one page of card stock will work fine?

16:58:46 [kaygreen] yes Deb as long as you have a good quality printer that will not run if it gets damp

16:58:56 [kaygreen] yes deb that is what I do

16:59:20 [luxuries4u] I use card stock and add my own colors with designs, etc... Use mostly white, off white, and ecru in a linen card stock-- add colors and designs with my color printer and software

16:59:21 [kaygreen] so each month I will offer a specific coupon/discount for a certain item or amount of purchase

16:59:27 [DebbiePPS] Mom has a Xerox work center that I bought her last year... now I go use it...LOL

17:00:43 [DebbiePPS] I make and print them on my Cannon in the photo mode so they are bright and nice looking then take over there and scan and set it to print 100 copies at a time...

17:01:26 [kaygreen] awesome

17:02:01 [luxuries4u] anybody have a good wholesale resource for gold labels in 2 x4 size?

17:02:32 [kaygreen] Lori go to http://www.123homebusinessguide.com/articles/linkstocoupons.html  and see how to add your product links to my 3 web pages for free

17:02:44 [kaygreen] discountlabels.com

17:03:08 [kaygreen] ALL OF YOU MAY ADD TO MY COUPON PAGE FOR FREE ADVERTISING

17:03:16 [kaygreen] oops did not mean to do all caps LOL

17:03:22 [luxuries4u] Cool thanks Kay!

17:03:54 [kaygreen] It is easier to get a sale from a returning customer than getting another customer - follow up is the key

17:03:58 [lori] thanks kay

17:04:40 [kaygreen] you are most welcome I can also take coupons for my coupon packs from each of you if you like - no cost

17:04:55 [kaygreen] Kay Green - PO BOX 550

- Cornelius

OR 97106

17:04:58 [luxuries4u] have you all tried product testimonials to your customers? It works!

17:05:16 [kaygreen] link exchanges with sites with similar niche market helps us all

17:05:46 [kaygreen] Suella - I have them on my site but have not sent them to customers - maybe on the postcards

17:05:54 [kaygreen] great idea

17:05:59 [luxuries4u] Maybe even a picture of your customer on the postcard-- and maybe a drawing every 6-8 weeks for those that enter their testimonials etc..!

17:07:15 [kaygreen] cool idea

17:07:40 [kaygreen] I have offered a free gift or discount at times to past customers when they send testimonials

17:07:42 [luxuries4u] It is good for people to see that others are using your products-- it reinforces the value

17:08:10 [kaygreen] very true

17:08:11 [lori] I've tried having a contest on my site and had tons of people sign up but no buyers and then I switched to having a contest for just those subscribed to my newsletter and still no buyers

17:08:37 [kaygreen] Lori - studies say it takes 5-9 times of being exposed to turn lookers into buyers

17:08:52 [kaygreen] so all of those contacts are good if you can get them back

17:09:00 [luxuries4u] Instead of mailing them, make up a variety of them, and enclose them in orders. Make sure and use one of a product they did not order in that box--

17:09:06 [Maureen] Hi Kay & Everyone

17:09:16 [kaygreen] can you tell them what makes your product unique in this market and why they should buy from you

17:09:40 [kaygreen] Hi Maureen welcome - please introduce yourself

17:09:51 [luxuries4u] welcome Maureen-- introduce yourself to us!

17:10:03 [kaygreen] Suella great idea - I should make up a postcard outlining each product

17:10:04 [luxuries4u] sorry bad spelling today

17:10:20 [DebbiePPS] Thanks for the chat Kay... I have to run and get some work done

17:10:32 [kaygreen] that is usually my issue Suella

17:10:36 [DebbiePPS] and kids are running in and out...LOL

17:10:39 [kaygreen] thanks Deb - come again

17:10:42 [DebbiePPS] that was my hour...

17:10:58 [kaygreen] I have to go get Haley pretty soon from preschool too

17:11:01 [luxuries4u] Yep Kay-- and teach your reps to do that too-- because many are afraid to suggest other products as they are shy and this helps them get questions and builds their knowledge too

17:11:07 [kaygreen] Hi Kiwi

17:11:13 [kiwismom] Hello

17:11:22 [lori] I have to go also, need to make dinner, thanks

17:11:35 [kaygreen] you know when I can talk to ordering customers by phone I can almost always help them find another product to buy

17:11:48 [kaygreen] Thanks for coming Lori

17:12:27 [kaygreen] for sure Suella

17:12:41 [kiwismom] I am just starting my business.. any suggestions for low cost advertising?

17:12:54 [luxuries4u] Yes... but many are so afraid to answer their phone live or they are on the computer all day thinking that is quality time-- when in reality they need to put a price tag on their time and see what could be done to really work the business

17:12:58 [kaygreen] I will definitely have to do a training article on the uses of postcards

17:13:03 [luxuries4u] thanks for coming in Lori

17:13:11 [luxuries4u] welcome kiwi!

17:13:14 [kiwismom] I have exhausted my friends and co-workers..

17:13:15 [kaygreen] so true Suella

17:13:46 [kaygreen] HI kiwi we have been talking about just that for the last hour. Email me at kay@mypreciouskid.com  and I can send you the transcript

17:13:57 [director] good chat today Day

17:13:57 [luxuries4u] what kind of business kiwi?

17:14:06 [kaygreen] we have been talking about monthly postcard mailings to customers

17:14:16 [director] HI suella

17:14:22 [kaygreen] and having an advertising budget each month

17:14:28 [kaygreen] thanks Nancy

17:14:34 [kiwismom] Thanks I will.

17:14:43 [luxuries4u] hello director__ not sure of who you are! LOL

17:14:46 [kiwismom] What is the recommended minimum monthly ad budget?

17:15:14 [luxuries4u] Kiwi and Maureen-- businesses-- please tell us so we can help you or better yet support you!

17:15:18 [kaygreen] Suella one of the things I notice is most want to do online advertising, mail out stuff, post ads, but not do the direct face to face contacts that it takes

17:15:37 [kaygreen] director is Nancy J of Small Business Referral Network

17:15:54 [kaygreen] Kiwi is depends on what kind of income you have to work with

17:15:56 [luxuries4u] Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hi Nancy!

17:16:10 [kaygreen] start small, barter, swap, and then add a small amount each month

17:16:10 [kiwismom] My two businesses are Affordable Luxuries and Pampered Chef

17:16:32 [kaygreen] DO you have one web page offering all your stuff Kiwi

17:16:35 [luxuries4u] Yes Kay-- that will always be a problem for many-- too bad-- as it does not really take that much time away from home to network in person-- even at the grocery store!

17:16:49 [kaygreen] I really suggest getting your own business name so you can get name branding

17:16:53 [kiwismom] nil to none.. well almost..

17:17:12 [kiwismom] I am working on that. I have one site through AL that offers the candles.

17:17:19 [kaygreen] I agree Suella. I give away business cards or coupon packs everywhere I go - gets me in conversation with many

17:17:38 [kaygreen] then start with swapping and bartering

17:17:41 [luxuries4u] Are you promoting that AL website offline in a variety of ways Kiwi?

17:18:17 [kiwismom] besides placing them at stores not sure how to do that.

17:18:40 [kiwismom] Going to put my hubby to work (or try) by having him place fliers on cars at businesses.

17:18:48 [luxuries4u] Many do not budget for the cost of doing business-- nor do they plan on any kind of budget to make it happen and be successful-- sad

17:19:26 [kiwismom] Unfortunately I work full time during the day in an office job. evening with kids. Only real time I have to work is after they go to bed or weekends

17:20:10 [kiwismom] I desperately need this to work to supplement my hubbys income when he is out of work

17:20:30 [luxuries4u] Kiwi-- when you think of the activities in your own life-- where are the places that women like yourself congregate? Make a list-- now find ways to get information in those places regularly

17:21:24 [kaygreen] hello Kmul

17:21:37 [kaygreen] please introduce yourself

17:21:48 [director] :-) Suella lol

17:21:59 [kaygreen] agreed start with places you already go where possible customers might be

17:22:35 [kaygreen] yes it does cost to run a business - you can do it debt free if you are wise - but you must plan and budget

17:22:39 [luxuries4u] When you say you have approached your friends and co-workers-- are you sure? Because they need to know your specials, your products, and what they see one day they may not need-- but another day it might be the right thing-- consistent and regular-- teaches them you are in business

17:23:10 [kaygreen] again the postcard monthly mailing of specials to those you know

17:23:27 [kaygreen] my reps told me it was after 4 or 5 contacts with family that they got some sales

17:23:38 [kiwismom] I just moved and I am thinking about passing out fliers door to door introducing myself and my products.

17:23:43 [luxuries4u] Welcome Kmulhall

17:23:50 [kiwismom] That is a great idea.

17:23:51 [kaygreen] good idea

17:24:50 [kiwismom] I have fliers up here at work announcing the monthly specials, my own personal specials and drawings in all the break rooms and congregation areas. I talk everyone to death about how wonderful the products are. I have samples all over my desk.

17:28:10 [luxuries4u] What about a special one time discount of your own-- to get them started buying from you-- such as place a $30.00 order or more and get 30% off a certain item or items-- things like that get them hooked because they will buy in hopes you will run more specials--- and those orders can all be combine

17:29:04 [luxuries4u] combined to make a party order for you-- and give you some free merchandise to then turn around and sell as cash and carry

17:29:36 [kaygreen] yes I get a new Mary kay catalog quarterly with a free item with $30 purchase. I often order $30 just to get the free item

17:29:55 [luxuries4u] This has been delightful-- but I must get going-- Have a business meeting in less than 90 minutes and have to drive there and be a bit early too!

17:30:07 [kiwismom] That's a good idea. I currently am offering anyone that for every $25 they spend they get an entry to win a gift for that month. Novembers gift is a Thomas Kinkade Xmas Ornament.

17:30:41 [kaygreen] Thanks Suella for all your wonderful insight as always

17:30:52 [kiwismom] That is a great idea or I can use the free items from the party order to give away

17:30:53 [kaygreen] good Kiwi

17:31:38 [luxuries4u] Entries are nice--0 but truly if you want them for a repeat customer the certain item free works better-- because it increases your overall sales too== and introduces them to another one of your products

17:32:14 [kiwismom] I see.. great idea

17:32:20 [kaygreen] very true Suella I was going to say the same thing

17:32:36 [kiwismom] I also just started a preferred customer club with stamp cards

17:32:57 [kiwismom] They receive a free item when they fill their cards

17:32:57 [luxuries4u] I personally rarely order to get my name into a drawing-- but give me something at a bigger percentage off , or free, will et me most days! especially if it is something I want or need!

17:33:24 [kaygreen] me too Suella

17:33:28 [kiwismom] Interesting... good to know these things...

17:33:44 [luxuries4u] If giving something free it not good-- thing of free shipping or free tax as that is a good incentive too!

17:34:14 [luxuries4u] Or offer double hostess credit on book parties

17:34:27 [kaygreen] FREE Shipping works great

17:35:08 [director] Kay I have to ask you some questions later can you IM me later.

17:35:14 [kiwismom] I could do something like a free votive for a pampered chef order or cake tester for candle order to try and cross advertise

17:35:20 [kaygreen] sure

17:35:32 [kaygreen] sure Kiwi

17:35:55 [director] ok I know your heading out I will be here till about 5pm then I am going to a business open house

17:36:00 [kiwismom] Free shipping sounds really good as people hate to pay shipping charges.. that in itself usually deters people from ordering.

17:36:07 [kaygreen] what Suella says about giving away less priced products with a larger order is really a win-win - it increases your over all orders an get them to order more than they might

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