Idea #1 – Enlarge Cameras As Well As Pictures

Steve Biggs – Biggs Camera – Charlotte, NC – www.biggscamera.com

The idea for the blow up camera came from my ride in to work in the morning. Everyday I pass a gas station that's on the opposite side of a divided road and I really never notice it. One morning they had a giant football on the roof, "Join our morning coffee club" was on the banner. The next day I noticed it again.  (click on the photo for a larger view)

I started thinking how eye catching it was and how many people would notice it each day. I had no idea how much one cost. So when I got to work I called some people I know in the sign business. They knew nothing about inflatables or even where to find them. I did an internet search. I found a company, Landmark Creations (www.landmarkcreations.com) with a great website full of photos showing all the different inflatables they've made.  

I talked to Tom Meacham, who was very helpful. We went over some ideas and he gave me prices, these things can get quite pricey. I talked with Canon about using coop money and they agreed to allow it. We got it in just in time for a "Canon Days" promotion we had the first weekend in December. Judging how well it works is difficult. I can tell you, when it's out in front of the store, there is no way to miss seeing it and there is no doubt that we sell digital cameras.  

For the money we spent for the inflatable we could have purchased a 2 column by 6 inch ad in the local newspaper. That ad would be seen by 25% of the people reading the paper that day and forgotten. The giant camera will be used many, many times and noticed by people traveling right by our store (our best prospects for a sale). I've had lots of people make a point of telling me they saw the giant camera, few people ever tell me they see an ad in the paper.

Idea #2 – Direct Mail Postcards Work – And They Can Be Economical

Ann Markley, Ann Chase Photography, Woodinville, WA -

ann.markley@comcast.net 

A postcard mailing can cost as little as 16 cents a card … or less… And it is effective for our business. It’s such a deal when your postcards look professional - you can customize the front with a catchy tag line & the back can be totally customized... I have spent over 40 cents a card for small lots in the past with other vendors. Recently I found "modern postcard" www.modernpostcard.com - they have hundreds of images for postcards . . . or you can upload your own image if you want. . . This lets you use localized images for greater impact. Modern postcard doesn't penalize me for a small orders . . . It’s great... 

Oh, if you want a quick little mailing list ... say of all the real estate agents in your zip code... try "info usa" (www.infousa.com). You can get a really good updated mailing list...for a hundred bucks or so.... (Depends on criteria set, area and total count once you choose what you want).

Idea #3 – Mobile Signs Drive Dollars

Tony Tuka, The Essential Image - Waterloo, ON Canada – www.TheEssentialImage.com

We have tried virtually all forms of advertising; radio, print, flyer drops, e mail newsletters and mobile sign advertising.

Our message was "passport photos while you wait" on our mobile sign. Within 2 weeks, our sales on passport photos leaped to new levels, paid off our cost for the mobile and have made people aware our location people never knew about. (click on the photo for a larger view)

We have used the mobile before but haven't received response like this.

One factor to the success:

     1) TIMING!!! Jan/Feb is the time of month for passport photos in Canada (people here travel south when it gets too cold) 

Editor’s Note: Sign ordinances are different in each locale. If the sign doesn’t cost too much, remember the old adage, “Easier to seek forgiveness than it is to get permission.”

Idea #4 – Ad Idea Bank from PMA

Chad Munce – PMA – cmunce@pmai.org – (800) 762-9287

(Editor’s Note: Commercial plugs are not allowed in the Idea Exchange – We don’t see the following as a commercial but rather as a huge support for independent imaging retailers who wish to improve their business. If readers feel this kind of listing isn’t appropriate, please let us know at editor@mccurryassoc.com – Thanks for your input) 

PMA has recently launched the Ad Idea Bank on its Qualified Digital Processing Center site (http://qdpc.pmai.org/us/default_us.htm). In this area of the web site, PMA has assembled radio, print and TV ads from photo retailers around the country (and the world) to give other retailers ideas for their own marketing and advertising efforts. Please invest the time to click through the Ad Idea Bank and get some fresh ideas of new ways to advertise your business.

PMA continually updates this site, and would love to receive submissions from you. You can send your radio, print or TV ads to me via CD, DVD, Video or hard copy at the address below. Keep in mind, these are for ideas only and are not downloadable, so your ads will be safe. Like this Marketing Ideas Exchange, the Ad Idea Bank will only work well if we all participate - so send me your ads today.

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