We are a well established stationery supplier in sheffield, both commertially and in retail, but you can never have to much business...

Does anyone know the best way to get new commercial accounts which is quick and cheap?

All suggestions welcome...

Maybe you are a business owner and you could tell us what would make you change or rather not change...

Promotions - don't cold call; it's rude and often won't give you new business.

Trial samples, price comparisons, emphasise your 'localness' etc.

Mail shots. A company mail shots me regularly using cheap A4 home made leaflets. Because he comes over as no frills company he seems to be cheap and comparing the prices that seems to be the case so I use him. He does very quick delivery service, same day if I call early enough.

I would also say 'no to cold calling' as it is very tiresome and the call always seems to be made at the most inconvenient times - normally the busiest!

I think examples, price lists, a little bit of info about the company and what it's about is ideal. Whilst I don't like junk mail at home, I always make time to read any literature posted to my business to see if they are relevent or worth taking an interest in.

Why not post samples to businesses that are relevent - e.g a sample menu to a sandwich shop or maybe a sample business card to an office.

As Darbees points out - if you are able to deliver in a quick time frame then put this as a selling point in your literature.

We are a well established stationery supplier in sheffield, both commertially and in retail, but you can never have to much business...

Does anyone know the best way to get new commercial accounts which is quick and cheap?

All suggestions welcome...

Maybe you are a business owner and you could tell us what would make you change or rather not change...

Shouldn't you be looking at cost-effective ways, rather than quick and cheap? I can definitely help, but I'd certainly not be cheap. I would, however, help you get new customers.

Ade

Ant Marketing - think you only pay on conversion of call to business. Yes cold calling is annoying but if you pay someone else to do it?

We are a well established stationery supplier in sheffield, both commertially and in retail, but you can never have to much business...

Does anyone know the best way to get new commercial accounts which is quick and cheap?

All suggestions welcome...

Maybe you are a business owner and you could tell us what would make you change or rather not change...


obviously you need some sales training then? pick up the phone and cold call business or get inyour car and do door to door

Ant Marketing - think you only pay on conversion of call to business. Yes cold calling is annoying but if you pay someone else to do it?I get dizzy blonde cold callers coming trying to flog me stuff who know nothing about their product. Using that sort of person must work with some people because a lot of companies use it.

as soon as your number goes in the yellow pages or thopson you get sick to death of companys cold calling you trying to flog you allsorts and everything that you dont want or use.
As a result I tell em 'NO THANX' b4 they even finish there script!!!
Mail shots with samples, or mailshots with price lists (some dont give a price till u ring em) are the best i would say :D

hope it helps
good luck

You could try e-mail marketing.

Put together a brouchure and e-mail it in PDF format.

Other than time to produce the brochure the cost is free. Better for the environment too than sending out a brochure in the post.

Do you have a website?

They take time to develop and then to get hits, but our website has given us the most success over all other forms of advertising.

Although the cheapest form of advertising is for your existing customers to recommend you.

Why not ask some of your customers if they know of anyone who could use your help.

People are told not to open attachments they didn't expect.
Try www.livewirecampaign.co.uk for email marketting cheaply and easily.

Any sales person who cold-calls me at work doesn't even get put through to me. If they do happen to get my direct line from somewhere, they get told where to go in no uncertain terms.

My MD got a letter of complaint once about the rudeness of his staff - from an offended cold caller who was being "deliberately awkward, obtuse and downright rude!" He thought it was the funniest thing he'd read for a long time!

Find out the office managers name ( from reception), write to them personally emphasizing your unique selling points, don't wait for a reply (there probably wont be one) follow up your letter with a phone call to the relevant person. If they take your call, ask if they can spare 5 minutes of their valuable time for you to make your presentation. If you get the appointment, be prepared .

Good luck.

how did your current customers find out about you?

pick your 10 best customers, & call them to ask their advice. tell them they're your best customers & that you're trying to find more people like them. ask them "if I was trying to find more customers like you, how would I do it?".

Aside from that - I've worked in web marketing for many years now, if you want any advice on that drop me a message. If you don't have a website, it's worth having one. Be careful though: a great website is an incredible business tool; a poor website is a big waste of money.

a few people mention email: you can't just mass email people out of the blue. legally, you have to either have their explicit permission, or to have collected their email address as part of a sale, 'or negotiations for a sale' & given them the option to opt out.

I work at Ant Marketing and it is a fantastic Telesales Company - I would try them 0114 2780555 or take a look at their website: www.antmarketing.com

Give them a call and enquire - It doesnt cost you anything to find out how they can help generate customers for your business.

I agree, telesales can be annoying, but every business needs stationary - I found out about my stationer because i was phoned by an agent on their behalf, i switched to them, and i am still with them, but i am still happy to take calls from other stationary suppliers, just to compare prices & service etc.



:)

What are peoples thoughts on email advertising, is it less intrusive than cold calling?