Placemat Advertising Any Advice?
 

Hi,
I am interested in starting a placemat advertising business and am looking for any tips or advice on where to begin. I haven't been here in a long time but I remember the old forums had some good info on it so I am hoping this new forum is just as good. Anyone got any advice for someone just starting out? How do I sign-up a restaurant? How do I get advertisers? Any books out there to help me? I found a small ebook on ebay but the info is too general in nature. Where do I even begin? I just got back from a trip in Aroostook County Maine, waaaaaayyy up there, and these placemat thingies were everywhere. I figure I can do the same thing down here where I am in Mass. Anyone tried this before? If they are everywhere, surely people are making money. Help?!

Re: Placemat Advertising Any Advice?
 

I started my "Ad Carreer" with Mats many yars ago.

A quick review;

1) Make up some Sample Mats. You should have picked some up from the restaurants you saw them in. Or, make some from memory using some local business cards. Go up to www.menumaster1.com and take a look at how these are laid out.

2) Go to a locally-owned "family" restaurant...preferably a busy one. Show the owner your Sample Mats...ask him if he'd let you provide 10 or 20,000 for freebies.

3) Ask the owner to give you a list of his SUPPLIERS;
(his Insurance Agent, Heating & Air guy, lawn mower service, attorney, roofer, carpet cleaner, pest control service...etc)
Ask him to give you a list of his REGULAR CUSTOMERS who own businesses.
(You should sit down over coffee and go down a pre-made List with him, to Jog his memory)

4) Call these people and make appt to SEE THEM;
"You are working with _____Owner of Rest on a new project and _____Owner of Rest thought YOU might like to see it. It's too hard to explain on the phone...however...if you have a few minutes this afternoon or tomorrow morn...I can stop by and show you what WE are doing!"
(You CAN'T sell anything on the phone....so don't try)

5) Make up a "Rate Sheet" to show your appointments. Go for $270 for 10,000 or $390 for 20,000. You should be able to fit 16 Ads around the edges. Ask for 1/2 down and balance on Proof.

Mats should cost $25 per M in 2 colors.

If you need a Mat Printer...send me an email

Don Alm