Wednesday, 21 April 2010

The Time Has Come

I've been holding back for a few months but now it's time to confess. I've made a mistake - an error of judgement.

I think that's the fairest way to put it. I don't consider that I've been deliberately cheated - the decision was mine - it seemed like a good idea - but so far it just hasn't worked.

Here's the story:

Back in September 2009 I was phoned up by a salesman who suggested that my business would benefit from advertising within a local supermarket. It sounded like a good idea. The supermarket (national and orange) is just ten minutes walk away from my home. Lots of people go there - lots of people should see my adverts.

Salesman came round, had coffee, told me the details, knocked the price down significantly and I signed up to 2 years of advertising.

I paid £150 up front and agreed to pay 6 monthly instalments of £75.

Total for 2 years advertising: £600

One new client per month would cover it.


I designed my own business card (otherwise it would have cost me another £99) and I took their advice and included a 10% discount: "Bring this card with you..."






Well, I've paid the last instalment. It's been running for 6 months.

Number of enquiries: 1 (one)

Number of clients gained: 0 (zero)


I'm not the only advertiser. There are 20 other local businesses there on the board.

You could say it's early days yet...but if nothing's happened over these 6 months, is it likely to improve over the next 18 months?


I think I've given it a fair chance. And it seemed like such a good idea!!

Of course I'll leave my business cards up there - after all, I've paid for 2 years advertising space. But soon I'm going to collect a card from the 20 other advertisers, bring them home and go through them all, phoning or emailing to compare notes!

I wonder what success rate the others have had...


Has anyone else had any experience of this advertising?

Colin

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