Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

Greetings,

I haven’t posted in a while. My wife and I bought a friends business. Final Touch Automotive Paint Chip Repair. It goes with my interior business and he sold it to us for a song, because he wanted to move to another state. It was established for 12 years with some very good dealerships, so we jumped on it. My wife is doing all the work while I’m doing the interiors.

She’s only working 3 days a week and pulling in $1500 to $2000 a week. Now that she’s got the hang of it (and she’s very good) she wants to expand and get other dealers.

The problem is it’s very competitive. She does very good work and she keep her price on the highest end of the market.

I would like to get some constructive criticism about the flyer were going to use and help finding our USP. Here’s the flyer.
http://hstrial-jhatchett.homestead.c...ouchflyer.html

Thank You for Your Input,
Jason Hatchett
http://www.GuaranteedReferrals.com

Re: Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

Jason,

Like Jim mentioned you really do need a good headline, and you could also benefit by including some testimonials and some kind of call to action. That's nice that you tell them what you do and list your phone number, but how about making them an offer like "Call us in the next 15 days for a FREE service worth $$$$$"

If you're working in a competitive market and want to charge premium services you'll really have to work hard to provide a permium level of service and develop some great relationships with these folks.

In any case, $500 a day 3 days a week is great money and I wish you much success with this!

Steve

Re: Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

Jason,

First off, it's a great looking flyer! BUT... ( :rolleyes: ) You are able to do so much more than what your flyer indicates.

If you could just figure out a way to put it ALL in there without making it look like a bunch of clutter, I would think it would serve you better.

Maybe instead of a flyer, you could convert your handout into a tri-fold handout instead.

At any rate, it's a very good piece, and I wish you and the Mrs. nothing but the very best. 2007 WILL be your year!

Pete

Re: Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

You mention that it is very competitive, yet she is able to keep her prices high.
I would assume that this is because of quality.
if she is producing quality work, I would simply show up at the dealer with referrals in hand and tell them a price and give them one right then and there for free.
Have them compare it to their current companies work.
show them the other services that you will also perform while there and provided you can justify your price they will switch to you unless they are under some sort of contract with the other company or it is the other company is related or has built a relationship with the dealer that you have not.

I agree with the others about the headline.
The only other thing I would say is that the flyer makes your eyes wander to much as it is to busy.

I would also include a date and time that you will be there to allow them to claim their free service.
Something like,
" I will stop by at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 23 rd 2007 to perform the FREE service on the vehicle of your choice"

Then obviously show up on time or sooner!

This doesn't allow them to to decide if they want you or not, it says I'll be there anyway for you to collect you FREE service.
They will have a car ready or tell you to get lost!

Either way, they will know that you are prompt, which is most likely more than they can say about the other company.
Best wishes,
Jason

Re: Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

Hi Jason, Congratulations on your well deserved success!
You and your wife are both real doers. As you know good
ideas are a dime a dozen but the man or women who acts
on them is priceless!

I too would test different headlines until I maximized results.

A quick suggestion....


Maybe also incorporate Don's Idea of using a Voice Mail Box with a 24 Hour Recorded Message and a Free Report!

Cheers,
Steve Shulenski
www.MoneyMakingPhotography.com

Re: Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

That would be great Steve except that he is looking for more dealer accounts.

The idea of using the voice box is a good bit, however in a competitive (buyers) market, you don't want them to have to jump through more hoops than they need to.
When I was detailing vehicles, I would just goto the dealer and offer my service.
The key was offer something that the others did not, which varied from simply beng punctual to also cleaning their restrooms ( another service that I ran at the time.

Jason it seems that you have other services to offer the dealership.
I really would simply send them a card with a date and time that YOU WILL BE THERE and then be there.
Simply being there on time would win you many accounts if you were in my area.
Jason

Headline idea...
 

"How much money is your dealership LOSING because some cars are chipped, scratched or faded?"

...Announcing new 'miracle cure' you can use, FREE!

Then describe a (just ONE) SPECIFIC free trial offer, along with an explatation of WHY you're making this introducory offer (maybe saying how confident you are they'll love it and keep using it. Maybe mentioning that you're 'new in town.'

Can you sueeze in a testimonial from some (or one) of the clients you already heve?

Also, I'd stress that the before/after pix are UNRETOUCHED.

Cheers!

-- TW

Re: Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

Wow... looks like you guys are one the way! Have you also considered residential -- I think the fliers would kikk-butt in that aspect as well, but could be costly, but worth testing, right? Say, a thousand fliers in a nice neighborhood at 3% response would be "?"....
After a bit more "success" and streamlining, once you get it all down to a semi-science, you could create a video of what you do and sell it on Ebay or your own website or other dealers for $500-$2,000 a pop. Opp seekers and serious auto enthusiasts go bonkers over info like that....
We had a guy come by our house, going door-to-door, offering to fix our car's dents and dings in the driveway, $200 on the spot. We declined, but saw him successflully working on at least 5 other houses on the street by the end of the day.... he really had a great system in place and was apparently cleaning up! God bless all that you do...

Testimonials and Call to Action
 

Hi Jason,

I think you are offering a terrific service. But, what makes you different than anyone else offering the same (or similar) service? What's your USP (unique selling proposition)?

Testimonials are essential - to give credibility to your claims, from real customers. Also, a call to action - call us, email us, visit us, etc. - is mandatory. If you don't ask for the sale, they won't give it to you.

Hope that helps.

Steve

Re: Constructive Criticism for My Flyer
 

Jason,

Here's an article from David Frey that could be helpful.

Very simple strategy and a great flyer!

Referral Strategy:
http://www.marketingbestpractices.co...al-program.htm

Car Wash Flyer
http://www.marketingbestpractices.com/temp/car_spa.pdf

Cheers,

Rod

Jason - Are You Fishing in the Right Pond?
 

Dear Jason,

Thanks.

You should keep in mind that even though the group here is full of brilliant people. NONE of our opinions put Cash in Your Pocket.

ONLY the opinions of Car Dealer - BUYING prospects matter.

None of us have the ability to PAY you to fill the chips in 100's of cars.

So.

You might wanna make up a few different headlines and flyers. Sashay past a few car dealerships.

THEN You'll know how to Improve your flyer.

Glenn

That's IT!
 

There's only ONE type of person who can tell you what should be in your "Pitch" or "Flyer" or....as I call them, "The Leave Behind". And that person is...."Your PROSPECT"!

When I start a new ad campaign I put together a "Pitch", "Leave Behind" and "Prices". I then visit 3 to 5 "prospects. Those first few "pitches" will tell me EXACTLY WHAT I should put in my "Pitch Pieces" and...HOW I should "Price" my program.

Nuttin' like gettin' in da trenches (Go BEARS!)

Don Alm (former Chicagoan)

"The ROI Guy"
 

When you boil your services down to their basic premise it is to produce a greater ROI for your clients, right?

Whoever mentioned testimonials was right on, what your present clients say is way more important and believable than what you say.

You say "Our prices are very competitive", screw that. How about, "Your cars deserve the best and that's what we deliver!" or "When Quality Matters... "Your Investment Will Be Returned 10 Fold or You Don't Pay a Cent"
There's a painting service in town here that goes by "Investment Painting", let your prospective clients know you're "The ROI Guy!"

Whoever mentioned "the offer" don't send out a flyer without an offer and a deadline.

I know you are wanting to get more car dealerships but is that where the real money is? Wasn't it one of you "interior" guys that talked about showing up at a Real Estate office and doing every auto there, the post is probably in the archives.

Also how about an ad in the "autos for sale" section, "Don't sell your car before getting our free report on how to maximize your profit" Then send them a report (salesletter) telling of the 10 things they can do to increase their vehicles selling price, "But if they are REALLY serious they should do what they do best an make an INVESTMENT in your professional services. Then offer a Silver Package, A Gold Package and a Platinum Package. You do this business, you probably already sell add-ons now make them into packages and Raise your rates by 50 percent.

arizona mike has the right idea
 

thanks Mike..great post

UPsell the ones you have and find out what the DEALers want ...

then sell em that ...

would be interested to find out how the painter represents himself as an Investment...have any ads ?

thanks
bob