Local lumberyard is interested in featuring some of my work and my business in an ad for their business. It is very early in the process. It is flattering that they want to feature me, but I assume I would pay for part of the add (so I shouldn’t be too flattered–“have we got a deal for you!”).
I get work from three other lumberyards and don’t want to loose that business.
Anyone ever get into something like this?
Thinking I should keep my eggs in several different baskets,
Basswood
Replies
That has been done around here and I wondered the same thing.
You need to find out what the market is they are advertising to. Is that market your target client?
I'm no marketing expert, but I'm thinking the lumberyard sells to builders, remodelers, carpenters, etc. If you do most of your work for builders, it might be beneficial to you. If you do most work directly for homeowners, probably not a real benefit, unless you want to do more work for more builders.
Given the nature of the fine work you show us, I do think you work more for builders than HOs. Getting your name out there is never a bad thing.
Find out more details. The add may be subsidized by one of their lumber suppliers, who knows?
Keep us posted.
Thanks Bill,This might involve the lumber yard, some builders and subs of the builders...it could be a crowded stage. The benefit and cost to my business might be diluted by that scheme.I'll post as things get fleshed out.Cheers,Brian
Do you need more work?
There would be no point in advertising and brining in a bunch of unknown clients if you're happy with your current clients and they're keeping you busy.
Then again, if you could use more work maybe it's worth considering.
What sort of advertising are they talking about? Yellow pages, billboard, tv/radio ad, newspaper, magazine are a few I can think of off hand. Also, what geographics would they target?
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Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.net
See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com
Ted,Plenty of work now through the years' end.I don't know much at this point about the ad format. The topic just came up when I found out that the manager of the lumberyard is building a new house and wants me to trim it. It was mentioned that he thought we should advertise together.It will be interesting to see what the scope of the ads would be. I posted to get some ideas on this before it goes too far...just want to think it through.Thanks,Brian
There are different kind of advertising. Often manufactures have coop advertising for the seller.
For example if they have a flyer on kitchens they might highlight a cabinet company, fixture compnay and applicance company that are help paying for the ad.
In your case I would suspect that they are looking for somethig different.
For example the ad might be for all of the dfferent moldings that they have. So they would like to show some pictures show examples. So they will have a picture or two showing your work with a small footnote giving your credit.
For something like I would not expect to pay anything.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Bill,That sounds like a good scenario.Getting some credit without having to pay would be ideal.Thanks,Brian