Promotional Ideas

[daytonamike]

Has any partnered with a grocery store/dollar store to get a coupon on the back of the retailers receipt? I don't know if that would be a way to increase wash/dry/fold, etc. Does anyone have any other ideas like this? Thanks

[epic02]

I did it once I gave $1.00 off any large machine. More than 20 Thousands were printed out on the back of receipts in 3 markets within 2 miles from me. If remember right I believe I received less then 20 back and most of them were my regular customers. One lady was bringing one in every time she did laundry until the coupon expired. It was a horrible turnout Most people don't even look at the back of the receipts or bother to pay attention. What works or don't works in some areas may or may not work in yours
I wouldn't waste my money on it if I was you.
Kenny

[Harper]

Like Epic said... it's a wast of time and a pain in the rear. When your regular customers catch on, it's usually just them bringing the receipts in. So you're discounting machines to a regular that normally pays full price regardless. I got talked into it by a high pressure guy and finally said ok and I ended up posting a sign that said that I am no longer accepting them due to misprint. to be honest... it was a disaster!!

As far as W/D/F service... I'm not sure how that would work out... might be a different outcome. I was looking to increase volume by getting my name out and it just didn't work out.

[PaulP]

I did this...it was TERRIBLE. Three large grocery stores around my stores. I had almost no response. Also, the salesman sneaked in a 12 month commitment in there (we only discussed 3 months to start) and they were very aggressive on the other months. Don't do this, and if you do, read your contract. (Don't do business with Register Tapes Unlimited). Thanks, paul

[galaga]

When we had to close the laundromat because the roof support brake,we did it for one month,almost no self service,drop off customers,a few drycleaning customers and they were pain,some even told us we offered discount but mark up the price first...

[Adamski]

Galaga and All,

These posts just confirm my opinion that most forms of advertising and promotion fail to bring in new, steady customers to a laundromat. Most coupons/discounts merely reduce the sales being produced by existing customers. I am not a fan of spending money on advertising because I've tried just about everything over the years and nothing (except TV advertising) has produced consistant, long-term, positive results.

I think we're all better off spending our advertising budget on creature comforts and other improvements that benefit our customers. When our stores become outstanding in the eyes of our customers; they'll tell their friends about how nice "their" laundromat is.

Larry /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[petefritz]

Quick refunds, clean store, working equipment are the things customers want. HD plasma, wi fi, play areas are nice , but are not deal breakers

[Howard]

The only ads that bring customers into the store are the yellow pages and my web site.

[surfflite]

I'm currently doing a 1 month promo that gives away a kids bicycle. (4-10yr old size like most the kids are running a muck in the mat /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif ) It is displayed on top of the manifold. The purpose is to steer customers to the larger machines.

1 ticket entry for every 25lb load
2 ticket entry's for every 40lb load
3 ticket entry's for every 60lb load

Top loaders are NOT eligible.

The bike was $49 at WallyMart, 2000 tickets, $7. I've already heard a husband tell his wife that was going to use 4 top loaders to used the fronts instead because that way they can qualify for tickets. We'll see how it goes. Maybe a grill or something next contest.

[chad]

how did you give away the tickets etc?

[Howard]

Do you have to register with your town for holding a lottery or other game of chance?

[surfflite]

Chad,
Once the machines are loaded and running, the customer shows the attendant and they distribute the proper qty. One ticket is kept by the customer. The other has name, ph# and is placed in a sealed container at the counter.

Howard,
I'm not selling tickets so I'm not sure I understand why you would think it's a lottery or game of any kind. It is trading tickets for the size & quantity of loads done in one month by my customers. Some new but mostly regulars.

[Howard]

[ QUOTE ]
Howard,
I'm not selling tickets so I'm not sure I understand why you would think it's a lottery or game of any kind. It is trading tickets for the size & quantity of loads done in one month by my customers. Some new but mostly regulars.

[/ QUOTE ]

That might be your read on it, but your local governmental body might not see it that way. They may see it as buying a chance based on purchasing a product.

[JamesD]

Howard is right, again. Now you know why you always hear, "No purchase necessary". If a purchase is required to enter a contest, then it may be considered a game of chance as you are giving consideration (money!!) for the chance to win something of value.

[surfflite]

Ok Howard, you got my curiosity on this one so I contacted the City office this morning. I certainly didn't want to be breaking any law.

Here is the email I just got back after describing what I am doing.

[ QUOTE ]
I spoke with our business license department and they said you do not need a permit to have the bicycle promotion you outlined.

[/ QUOTE ]


Basically there are limits based on the value of the prize.

Under $500 no permit

$500-$5000 no permit but some restrictions (length of raffle, quantity of tickets handed out etc...)

Over $5000 requires a permit and that you are a non-profit business.

[Chloe]

I agree with epic02. Had the exact same (expensive) experience. The same results were had with the Val-Pak coupons!

[epic02]

This is the second time I tried advertising in the smart shopper the ad went out to over 42,000 house/ apartments
in my area. The first time I got 27 coupons back that were regular customers and 9 that were new customers no even near as good as I expected the reason why I did it the second time was because I said I was not going to do it again so I got offered half price and a better location on the magazine.* The second time which is still going on is much worse so far I got twenty back, regular customers and one yeah just one new customer.* They can stick this magazine up there you know what. Don't waste your money on something like this. At least that's what I learned from doing this I wont make the same mistake again.

Kenny

[Howard]

The internet is the best bet there is. I get the most customers from my web page. Just this morning I had a customer with over $190 of WDF, I asked her where she learned of us - answer: Your website!