I think the title says it all, but as a manufacturer we always feel we know the best ways to help our dealers sell. Of course that’s not realistic even if only because there are so many different businesses in so many different areas making it impossible to create the marketing ‘silver bullet’.

Having said that, I’m personally interested to know what works for you. It could be running some sort of ad or maybe having an event. It could be as simple as doing a great job and asking customers to refer freiends to you.

One caveat is that VUDU may well steal the good ideas and put our resources into helping dealers do more of whatever it is.

We purchased Simply Reliable Software (SRS), which made our proposals look very professional and the pictures of each item by room helped customers uderstand what they’re getting for their money.

IIt also provides a good view of proposal profit margins. It’s schedule management has helped us operationally.

Showroom has helped us too. We’re currently building a new office and showroom.

CWC - 09 August 2008 05:32 PM

We purchased Simply Reliable Software (SRS), which made our proposals look very professional and the pictures of each item by room helped customers uderstand what they’re getting for their money.

IIt also provides a good view of proposal profit margins. It’s schedule management has helped us operationally.

Showroom has helped us too. We’re currently building a new office and showroom.

Thanks CWC - I’ve contacted them to see about adding our product into their software.

Jez Hildred - 08 August 2008 03:44 PM

I think the title says it all….. I’m personally interested to know what works for you…..One caveat is that VUDU may well steal the good ideas and put our resources into helping dealers do more of whatever it is.

The only marketing strategy that routinely works costs very little, most companies in our industry, even mine, cannot implement it consistently. Under promise, then over deliver on your goods and services, When the work is done at the end provide a thank you gift basket with a pre-paid postage referral postcard attached to a card holder stuck inside of it. The post card is plain white, it folds in half and has enough space for three names. I use wine & cheese baskets, Blu-Ray/DVD trees, Flowers (never send roses, professional floral arrangements for single women and widowed seniors only), movie candy baskets, Kids Movie baskets (for families with young kids). For clients whom I know have an interest in certain things like golf, car brands, racing, football, I’ll google for a basket or make one myself. I never spend more than $100.00.

answer the phone on a Sunday morning, show up at the clients with coffee an hour later. Good, honest customer service goes a lonnnng way. you can always go back home and take a nap if you need to.

ITAVA
IT&AV;design Associates