Question

Topic: Strategy

Your Input And Opinions Are Greatly Appreciated !

Posted by Anonymous on 8/12/2008 at 5:27 PM ET 125 Points
My name is Mike, i am currently run a print shop in Canada, been in business since 01. I have been recently trying to develop new ways to advertise products and we found the one! What i have is a Billboard system that i would like to introduce to major companys which i find will be of great interest to any retailer, manufacture, producer you name it. I am currently trying to contact the marketing coordinator at blockbuster however, this will my first contact with her. I would love for any pal on here to give me some tips on the following:


How to approach
Ask for the sale
Documents to include with on first visit



Is it possible to obtain the sale by the end of the visit?
The product is ready to be sold, the only part which is missing from my puzzle is the above of course if you have more wealth to share please feel free to do so your input is greatly appreciated!

Mike A.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 8/12/2008 at 9:32 PM Accepted
    Your success with the prospective customers will depend on how convincing you are that your product will make them money ... more than the amount they'll have to invest to purchase it. If you can't demonstrate that with a legitimate case study, then you need to concentrate on creating that "proof" of effectiveness.

    Your target customers are not likely to fall in love with a clever idea if they can't see how it will make them money. You need to develop the proof first, then worry about how/who/when to present it.

    And yes, it would be unrealistic to expect a sale on the first call. If you're really good and have a compelling story, you might get agreement to a small test in a few locations. But even that could take a few weeks and a follow-up call or two. And if it takes a few months, don't be totally surprised.

    The product isn't "ready to be sold" until the marketing plan is in place. The world will NOT beat a path to your door just because you have a better mousetrap. You still have to market it effectively.
  • Posted on 8/12/2008 at 10:36 PM Author
    Thanks for the comments i never really knew how important the confidential agreement until it was explain to me here, i appreciate it, secondly, the product has been developed and it was tested to be 130% more effective then your ordinary signs which companies usually print to advertise about an upcoming product or special which will be offered. On top it also offers them the chance to advertise a multiple number of products. It all comes at a cost which is roughly 250.00. A catalogue has been made, installation guides on how to install as well as assemble the product. Order form.

    I know i still need to develope a proposal letter which is a major document in offering the sale, but as some of you have said, that can be created at a later stage once both parties become to an agreement. However i still need to know how to make the initial contact in order to obtain the chance to meet the appropriate party in person whether its (Marketing Directors, Sales) ill leave that up to you to correct me if I'm wrong. But my main point is i am looking to meet a person who has purchasing power as it will be a 3 hour flight before i can reach the corporate office. And i would hate to waste my time with the wrong member.

    I have also found a person to speak on my behalf who is mature and has past sales experience as also due to the fact that I'm 23 years old and I'm afraid chances of achieving the sale will decrease if i decide to make the contact myself.

    Finally the only way i can work and provide this service is if i can have the client pay me 50% down payment in order to proceed into the manufacturing and printing stage, as i am unable to support this project financially from my personal savings. Is this possible. Would major companies choose to go by my needs?

    Your input is greatly appreciated!

  • Posted on 8/13/2008 at 11:13 PM Author
    so i guess not so many on ladies/gentel men who search for questions to answer... come on caught it out.... and dont be shy :)
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