McCurry Associates Marketing Idea Exchange Archives

Volume 72 - February 25, 2004

Bill McCurry McCurry Associates wmccurry@mccurryassoc.com 609 688-1169

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Idea #1 – Make your own POP using “real” family photos

Mike Rausch, Colonial Photo & Hobby, Orlando , FL www.colonialphotohobby.com

Ed note: Many of you saw the picture from Michael Rausch, Colonial Photo, Orlando , FL during one of Bill McCurry’s sessions at DIMA 2004. Here’s Mike’s story as well as follow-up emails.

First email from Mike:

     I love to use my customers customers’ (and my own) personal pictures to promote products in the store. Like the sample picture, I find that customers trust and believe in products when they see actual photos taken with the products. When my sales personnel are demonstrating a product such as a lens, they can point out some of the images that were taken with the product. We have always had sample prints on the counter, but the impact of a 30 x 40 image from the product is incredible. This is the best part. My customers also see that we can make very large prints from digital media or film. I have a 4 foot x 6 foot print in the front window that was scanned and enlarged from a 4" x 6" print.

     I constantly look for great shots from customers and ask what they used to capture the image. I offer to blow up and display the photo in the store or front window with a credit given to them. I tell them that I will drop on the image of the product, a use disclaimer (see bottom of print) and a caption. I point to some of the sample prints in the store as an example. They get to brag about their image to friends and family and they send them into the store to see it. I also ask them for permission to share the photo with other dealers across the nation. This allows me to share the image with others that may promote the same products. For a little ink and paper, I sell more product and develop better customers. They love knowing that their pictures could possibly be used across the nation and are excited about the prospect. I can give a file to the other dealer and they can print the image to the size that they can utilize for their particular marketing needs.

Our question to Mike:

     Great idea - We couldn't read the fine print in the corner of the print - could you please tell us what that is?

Mike’s response:

     The fine print is a "copyright" type notice. It says that you need permission from Mike Rausch to use the image. Being a Promaster Poster, Any authorized Promaster dealer has my permission to reproduce and distribute. I only put it in so that someone does not copy it for any other use. I would not like to find my kids in some other non-Promaster ad. It was amazing how much feedback I received on the trade floor from those attending your sessions.

      Thank you for sharing it. I hope other dealers will start using amateur photos in their ads. I think that it makes people see what can be done with their cameras. Large photo printing is something that can not be done at home and it could be a major money maker for labs.

Idea #2 – Phone Messages While Customer Is On Hold

Barbara Hueber, Metro Photo, Wichita Falls, TX - BHueber728@aol.com

Here are some messages I wrote to be used as phone messages. I have also used them to help media salespeople know some of the services we offer when they advise me about how to improve our advertising.

> At Metro Photo, we want your photo memories to be printed they best they can be.  That’s why we use Quality Kodak paper and chemistry.  We can print from negatives, slides, prints, and all digital media.  Yes, that’s right.  You can bring your digital media to Metro Photo for printing and never have to leave it, or simply send your images to us through our website at your convenience and have photos mailed or pick them up at our convenient store location at Kell and McNeil in Wichita Falls .

> Down home friendly service and individual concern for you, our customer, is our specialty at Metro Photo.  We have brought the most up to date digital technology to the Wichita Falls area for you, our customers.   Next time you want to make a digital or film camera purchase, think of Metro Photo, your local camera store.

> How would you like to have your old movies put on DVD?  Yes it’s possible through the newest technology at Metro Photo.  We can transfer 8 mm, 16 mm, VHS tapes and digital video images to DVD. We can also put digital images, photos and slides on DVD and VHS.  Add music for an extra touch. When you need Video and DVD Transfer services, think Metro Photo.

> Make your next digital or film camera and accessory purchase from Metro Photo.  We are your local photo store.  Our up-to-date knowledge and years of experience will help you make and keep your very best memories. 

> Ask Metro Photo to print your digital files.  You don’t even have to leave your media with us.  Choose your images here and take your memory card with you.  Or send us your images from home.  Your memories will be printed on the same quality paper you are used to receiving from your developed film.

> When you need a passport or other identification photo, think Metro Photo.  We make your passport photos while you wait.  Come to Metro Photo at Kell and McNeil between the hours of 9 and 6, Monday through Saturday.  No Appointment is necessary.

> At Metro Photo, Restoring old photos is our specialty.  It’s amazing what our digital technology can do to bring your memories to life in pictures. Our experts can help you decide which Metro Photo Restoration Service will be best for you.  Copies of photos can be made while you wait with the assistance of experienced, well-trained personnel.  A copy of a priceless photo is an ideal gift for your loved one.  Don’t forget to look for a frame or album to make your gift complete.

> Save your memories on a photo CD from Metro Photo.  Ask us to make a CD when you drop your film off for developing.  Then you can use your photos on your home computer, share your memories over the internet and keep the CD as safe storage for your memories.

> Call Metro Photo when you need team or event photos.  We have experienced photographers, and the advantage of doing all of the printing services in house.  Our prices will meet your needs.   You will get high quality photo packages back to you quickly and easily.

> Try our Metro Photo In-house studio.  Ever get tired of trying to figure out studio photo packages, or get forced to order prints you didn’t really need?  At Metro Photo, we have a simple program where you can get the size and quantity of pictures you want at reasonable prices.  We do all of our printing here at the store so we can pass the quality and savings to you, our valued customer.

(Seasonal Only)

> Place your photo greeting card orders early at Metro Photo.  Ask about our discounts when you order before November 15.   With many designs for you to choose from, we can take your photo and turn it into an attractive greeting card.  OR, You can create your own greeting and have your name imprinted to add an extra special touch to your holiday greeting.

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