Re: Flyers on windshields needing repair
Posted: October 6th, 2011, 9:54 am
I agree with GlassQueenT2 -
The conversation rate from leaving flyers, regardless of the business you are in, has traditionally been very low. I am guessing I am like most people and when I see a flyer on my windshield I don't even bother reading it -it goes straight into the garbage. GlassQueenT2 has a valid point; Many people are not even aware they have a rock chip so when they see a flyer on their windshield for something they didn't even know was a problem they might imagine that you are not only providing a solution but that you may have also caused the problem. People are cynical and in some cases, for good reason. Personally, I think the best marketing practice is one that puts you directly in front of the customer where you can sell your service. You have control over your own salesmanship and if your sales technique is not as effective as it can be, you can work on it to make it better.
Here's a couple of things that have worked well for me. When I arrive at a business to do a repair I always stop by the reception desk and let the receptionist know that I will be repairing so-and-so's car in the parking lot and I would appreciate it if they would let their immediate coworkers know that I am available to do their repairs as well. It often leads to one or more additional customers. Also, when I confirm a residential appointment I ask the customer if they wouldn't mind informing their neighbors that I will be doing their repair on a specific date/time. More often then not they do not mind at all letting their neighbors know that I am available. It also often leads to additional repairs.
Talk with your customers. Find out what they are interested in. I'm a musician. I often find out that my customers are into a certain kind of music. When I email them a receipt after a repair I sometimes include a link to some interesting article or site about music. It helps to create a relationship and relationships lead to more customers. It may sound like a silly idea, but it works for me and I am suggesting that you find things that build relationships because that is how you will get more referrals.
The conversation rate from leaving flyers, regardless of the business you are in, has traditionally been very low. I am guessing I am like most people and when I see a flyer on my windshield I don't even bother reading it -it goes straight into the garbage. GlassQueenT2 has a valid point; Many people are not even aware they have a rock chip so when they see a flyer on their windshield for something they didn't even know was a problem they might imagine that you are not only providing a solution but that you may have also caused the problem. People are cynical and in some cases, for good reason. Personally, I think the best marketing practice is one that puts you directly in front of the customer where you can sell your service. You have control over your own salesmanship and if your sales technique is not as effective as it can be, you can work on it to make it better.
Here's a couple of things that have worked well for me. When I arrive at a business to do a repair I always stop by the reception desk and let the receptionist know that I will be repairing so-and-so's car in the parking lot and I would appreciate it if they would let their immediate coworkers know that I am available to do their repairs as well. It often leads to one or more additional customers. Also, when I confirm a residential appointment I ask the customer if they wouldn't mind informing their neighbors that I will be doing their repair on a specific date/time. More often then not they do not mind at all letting their neighbors know that I am available. It also often leads to additional repairs.
Talk with your customers. Find out what they are interested in. I'm a musician. I often find out that my customers are into a certain kind of music. When I email them a receipt after a repair I sometimes include a link to some interesting article or site about music. It helps to create a relationship and relationships lead to more customers. It may sound like a silly idea, but it works for me and I am suggesting that you find things that build relationships because that is how you will get more referrals.