It’s sensible to buy one dollar umbrellas at the dollar store and hand them to restaurant guests as they leave on a rainy night – far better than handing them expensive “corporate gifts” that you have to pay for.
But how much better would it be, how much more attention would you get, and how much more word of mouth advertising would you enjoy, if you handed out $75 gifts to all your customers? And what if it didn’t cost you a blue cent?
What Really Impresses People
Nobody is impressed with discount vouchers, two-for-one, “Buy one, get one” and bulk deals.
What they ARE impressed with is stand-alone, no-obligation, real value, like a gift, as opposed to bait.
Try This
What about handing your female customers a nice Gift Certificate for a complimentary manicure, paid for and provided by the local spa? The spa would get a whole bunch of potential new customers, and they would be happy to pay for the printing and provide the manicures (subject to availability, of course). Far better for them than expensive advertising.
Drive Profit to Your Bottom-line at the Same Time
Naturally, you could negotiate a commission on any sales resulting from said Gift Certificates, as well. That would drive net profit directly to you bottom line with no cost, risk, or time. As long as the Gift Certificates are distributed to the right demographic / psychographic model, it’s a win-win, since you’ll be passively endorsing and recommending the products and services of the vendor providing the Gift Certificates.
The Sky’s the Limit!
How about Gift Certificates from interior designers, home theater purveyors, kitchen renovators, yoga teachers, jewelers, kayak and boating places… provide samples, classes, consultations, reports – the sky is the limit.
Imagine all the possibilities, and consider the exposure and publicity you would get!
- Target your markets.
- Joint Venture with the providers of the Gift Certificates to reciprocate by paying you commissions and / or distributing YOUR gift certificates.
- You could even SELL the Gift Certificates for a dollar each to other businesses.
Think about it…
