HELP ME WITH A CATCHY PHRASE FOR A TRADE SHOW

[SandyD]

Next month I am vending salon towel service at a trade show. The banner behind me will be approximately 4' H x 8' L. Cant seem to arrive at a catchy phrase that will easily tell people what I am selling. So far I have: NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOWEL AGAIN! Not crazy about that. I am also unsure about what what images I should include - obviously towels - but in what form? Stick figure, digital photo, cartoon, etc? Should I even have an image at all? Your thoughts are much appreciated.

SD

[zoomnbyu]

How about:

Helping you to improve your image one towel at a time!!!

or

Mens Haircut: $
Womens haircut: $$$

knowing were taking care of your towels while you take care of your clients: Priceless.

[SandyD]

Good one! I like it!

[imoco]

A couple of general thoughts on this:

1. Keep it short. People at trade shows have a bunch to catch their attention (In my day job I've been to and prepared for many)

2. Images are always good.

3. Unless you want to use the banner at another show, play into the spa concept. If this is a trade show for spa's, remember that your customers are going to best know the spa business, not the laundry business so if you can put what you do into terms that are recognizable to them and that they can identify with, there will be some payoff.

So with that in mind, here are a couple of ideas that come to mind that you can either use or can serve as food for thought:

1. We Pamper Your Towels (plays into the spa theme and is strange enough to perhaps get someone to ask you what exactly that means which is what you are looking for)

2. Company Name (1st line), The Day Spa for your Towels (2nd line) - these could possibly be reversed too depending on how they look

As for images, I'd get as creative as you can and try to let the image explain what you do. For example, one idea might be a variation of the recycle symbol (the three green arrows). Within that would be a picture of a towel hamper that would be common at a spa (and recognizable by those attending), then the first arrow pointing towards your logo or a washing machine, then from that the second arrow pointing to a clean stack of towels as they would be seen back at the spa and then the third arrow point from the clean towels back to the dirty pile. That would be in a big circle (essentially promoting the idea of repeat business) and you might be able to make it big enough to have your company name/logo in the middle for even further reinforcement. That image alone may end up being strong enough to stand by itself on other marketing material that you may use for the show or in the future.

Those are just my initial thoughts but I'll think about it some more as the day goes on. Otherwise, I hope that helps.

[SandyD]

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Otherwise, I hope that helps.

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Tremendously. Thank you. My main customers are beauty salons. Keep the ideas coming guys.

Imoco, what are your thoughts on giveaways at trade shows. I am shying away from it. I may have some chocolate at my table and a large sweepstakes bowl for business cards (get a free week/month, etc.) Everything I have read gives me the impression that giveaways can be an expensive waste.

SD

[imoco]

I actually like giveaways to the extent that they make sense and serve a purpose. For example, I would NOT have a container of chocolate or other candy there. All you get from that is a bunch of hungry people stopping by your booth and even if you spent money to have your name printed on the candy - it's gone in seconds. There is no lasting value (beyond a sugar rush and a few extra calories)

However, if you can find something that you can give out that the people who pick it up can actually use it in their business - and thus see daily - that could be effective. For example, if there is some item that they use regularly in the salon that you can have your name imprinted on, that could be good if it makes sense to you financially. A laundry hamper of some sort or something like that might be good or even an blank appointment book with your name on the cover. Another option might be those towels that you may have seen that are imprinted but than dehydrated down into a small block. Anyhow, I'm just thinking out loud (so to speak) and you probably get the idea but to give away something just to give away something won't gain you anything. Sometimes it pays to have a more expensive item on hand but be selective about who you give it to. At a recent trade show I attended, we had some very nice baseball caps hidden behind a counter. Anytime we spoke to someone who seemed "worthy" we would give them a ball cap. It made them feel special, allowed us to give them the impression that they are important and proved very effective since not everyone who came into the booth got one.

I would certainly consider cost though. If it's a small show, it may not be worth it depending on how many of a particular item you would have to buy to get a good price.

Having a drawing is good idea, it's save, inexpensive, and you are in full control of it. By that I mean you can decide if the 'winner' ends up being a current customer who you want to solidify a relationship with or someone new you want to court. In the mean time, you get to easily collect some new potential contacts.

So, if you have the money and desire to spend on a promo item that it relevant to their business, go for it. Otherwise, I'd stick with just doing the drawing. Can't think if any reason NOT to do that one.

Here is a link for some examples on the compressed towels I mentioned above. They are very cool but are expensive: http://www.compressedtshirt.com/towels.htm

[zoomnbyu]

if they're doing their own laundry you could give away small packages of dryer sheets and/or soap and have them labeled "Is this what you really want to be doing? Call XXXXX and let us give you back part of your day.

[SandyD]

The cost of the trade show is making a giveaway prohibitive for me. With upwards of 50,000 people at the show, even a minimal amount of giveaways may prove costly. And, I am trying to be positive about this aspect (cost of doing business and the like) but havent been able to justify anything I have seen so far.

I do like the idea of a limited towel giveaway to prospects who show real interest. Thanks.

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if they're doing their own laundry ... "Is this what you really want to be doing? Call XXXXX and let us give you back part of your day.

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Zoom, I cant tell you how many of my customers have told me that using my service isnt about cost or quality of the towel, etc. They ALL say its about the convenience of not having to do it themselves.

Thanks guys! Keep those ideas coming.
SD

[PaulP]

If you want to look for some very affordable photo's to place in your materials, check out www.istockphoto.com. (http://www.istockphoto.com.) I have bought some and printed on foamboard to hang in my store.

If you have time, you can print some custom postcard size color handbills at www.gotprint.com. (http://www.gotprint.com.) You can get 5,000 postcard, full color front, b&w back for $99.

imoco, your ideas are great!

[SandyD]

Looking at the photo site now. Looks like a winner! have been looking for nice photos for a few weeks to no avail.

Thanks.