Advertising

[woodworx]

Since most of us are in this to make money in one way or another. What is the most effective step in your advertising to getting the work that you want. Cabinets are easy to advertise, but what about the smaller more centralized market such as business to business products, or full custom decorative pieces.

[andyb]

Samples, samples and more samples...

You'll hear that from several people on the forum. Namely one Joe Crumley. Samples are what sales. You have to show what you can do before they'll buy. The first words out of one of my best customers mouth the first time we talked was "Do you have any samples?" I showed he what I had and I also offer to cut a sample of what they are looking for. It got me the job.

Andy B.

[jamesgilliam]

Justin, Andy is right about samples. I did quite a few quotes, and alot of talking but could never get that elusive first big sign job. After listening again for the 100th time from the masters like Joe Crumley and Ray Chapman, I finally did one for a potential customer. Went into the meeting, handed them the 1/5 scale sign and quote, and walked away. Five minutes later had a signed contract. What I have learned from this is you can tell people all day long what you can do, but putting something into their hand will sell the job. In fact when Jo-Anne and I went to breakfast this morning, (still living in the shop), the waitress we know was trying to figure out a sign for her daughter, it is county fair time down here. We offered to make one for her, at no cost to her. This, once again, will put what is possible to do in front of a large amount of people, and I am thinking that the ones who are serious about showing their animals may want a nice sign for the upcoming shows.