Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

This is an investment rather than an expense; focus on the value the flooring and other solutions bring to the property. Boomers have lots of stuff--being able to store it above and peripherally around the garage even while the 'stuff' is easily accessible can be a good 'hook' (grandchildren's toys, etc). At a time when everyone is looking at saving money and hoping to make money when the economy comes back around, link your service to increase in value. Reconsider the web site's tag line to reflect that investment value. Also, boomers love to do business with the 'owners' so plug owner's installation/service/support throughout the entire relationship. Recycling and going green is good for everyone; boomers (actually anyone) can get rid of 'stuff' via donations to Goodwill, Salvation Army, consignment shops so everybody, including the environment 'wins.' This might be another point to consider adding to the web site/brochures/ads, etc.

Just some thoughts,
Best of luck
jag
MarketBase

I have a product that can be used in garages, and I get my sales by having it specified by the architect. People get very involved emotionally with this type of sale. One end user was very adamant about the color of the fleck in the floor-- it had to match his prize car in his collection. It was very expensive and he didn't give a rats butt about what it cost. Getting an architect to use it and like it will bring multiple opportunities.

For this type of residential sale, call on custom builders and residential architects. If you are calling on architects, find out if your supplier has architectural binders to leave behind. There is a format they like their materials presented-- not rocket science if you have to reinvent it yourself-- but I bet its there for the asking.

Mass builders have design showrooms where staff is there to upsell clients -- this product would fit in well.

Don't forget car, bike, RV, and ATV dealerships-- both front and back of the house.

There are also many companies offering total garage renovations-- cabinetry etc. There you have 2 choices, either fusion market with them and they will bring you sales-- or add some additional lines for a complete package and more revenue streams.

I have seen a lot of mis-specified product for garages- an expert is needed in the field. They specify vinyl -- a product unsuitable for this application. Vinyl with contact with rubber (tires) will permanently stain-- resulting in some heartbreaking claims with end users out big bucks and a garage nothing like they anticipated. So take the consultative sales approach -- ask questions and solve these issues to assure the end user will be happy and bring referrals, vs those kind of disappointments.

Sell Well and Prosper

Dear Dan and Scott,

The service you offer links beautifully with the fast-growing niche of professional organizers. I know this because my wife's an organizer www.organizemylife.net

And as far as leads are concerned, there are two groups worth looking at.

One is the National Association of Professional organizers (NAPO)
www.napo.net , based in the USA.

But as you're in British Columbia, you might be better off joining, or at least reviewing, the services offered by Professional Organizers in Canada (POC):

www.organizersincanada.com/chapters/index.php?ishow=1&chap_id=3

www.organizersincanada.com/index.php

The Alexa link lists 50 sites that link to POC.

www.alexa.com/site/linksin/organizersincanada.com

Is there scope for you to partner with other garage (garage doors, PODS, etc.,) and self storage companies in your area? Are there other services you could both offer?

You might also want to look into producing a short video to go on your site that shows everything involved in the process, and what nice guys you are.

I hope this smidgen of information is of use to you.

Good luck.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA