"Be My Guest" - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/08/2007 11:11:51 PM · #1

So... I was researching new marketing ideas and I came across one that I think is brilliant. For a new photography business, its an excellent tool for a small investment.

Ok, you begin with MarathonPress's School ID Cards The ones without the hole. They have the look, feel, size and weight of a credit card and you can put whatever image you wish on front and back. They are $0.25 each, but there is a minimum order of $50 so you order 200...

... now, say you have the front and back printed to look like a gift card or studio-branded credit card..... (following me?)...

The idea is to carry them with you like you do your business cards. BUT, when you spot a model or family or couple that you think would be a great potential client you give them this card (example will follow below). Yes, you waive your sitting fee by doing so, however, you are now face to face with a potential client that you may have never met/booked without it. AND the word-of-mouth network will expand if this person books with you. Face to face you can sell large prints and books and holiday cards to make up the sitting fee time. I think its brilliant.

This is my card layout, I just finished it and will order tomorrow.

Front.......................Back

So what do you guys think of the Be My Guest card idea? Ya like my card? It will have rounded corners and all when die-cut. I give out cards by the handsful when I'm out most of the time, I think these, with expiration date, will cause a few more contacts to become clients! :)

Edit to add the revised version - thanks for the help, guys.

Message edited by author 2007-05-09 14:50:33.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

05/08/2007 11:34:32 PM · #2

great idea, but lose the dogs. whatever you put on there says, "this is my bread-and-butter work." when somebody else sees that card without having the benefit of you pitching them, that card has got to carry its own weight. so, are you primarily a pet portrait specialist, or what ;-)

Cutter

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/08/2007 11:38:57 PM · #3

So, you don't get paid, but instead are banking on referral or larger print orders?

05/08/2007 11:43:56 PM · #4

This idea of yours caught my eye. It seemed familiar. Then I realized...Marathon does giftcards. I found a promotional catalog (I think it came glued to my most recent edition of Rangefinder). Details about cards in link above.

When I saw these last week, I thought to myself..."Self, you would obviously waive your sitting fee with acceptance of the card, but could make some money on the prints and gain a customer." Then I thought, "Self, you could also sell them at face value like a REAL gift card. 'Don't know what to get Mom, for mother's day?' 'How about purchasing her a portrait session with XYZ Photography?' Just pick up and pay for a gift card, wrap it up and give it to mom! She'll love having professional photographs to remember this day" Best of all, if they don't cash them in you still make money (the original idea behind gift cards)

Look into these if you want to have more than just a handout!

I like your "Be My Guest" cards. Especially the faux magnetic strip! And I'm with Skip...a great portrait might look better (or have a variety so you can assess each potential handout).

Anyway, got long winded! Great idea!
-drew

Edit to add: Link and shrink post due to information being posted in link.

Message edited by author 2007-05-08 23:50:59.

05/08/2007 11:47:47 PM · #5

Thanks, Skip. Good point. I switched out the image on the front.

Cutter - yes, but only to those who I target as a good potential client and yes I would bank on higher post-shoot sales. I would not give this card to most contacts, only those who I would like to establish a new relationship with and feel they can contribute in some way to my business; i.e., a great model or a well-connected family, etc. Word of mouth is my strongest marketing, but it needs to be supplemented constantly.

05/08/2007 11:50:51 PM · #6

Drew - that is exactally the point of having a face value on them, they can also be sold as a "regular" gift card.

05/08/2007 11:53:01 PM · #7

Originally posted by idnic:

Drew - that is exactally the point of having a face value on them, they can also be sold as a "regular" gift card.

I read somewhere this past Christmas season about some companies (I think Best Buy) making just as much money on unredeemed gift cards as they do some of their products...I can't think of specific example, but the number was astounding! Free $$$ without moving ANY product!

05/08/2007 11:53:31 PM · #8

Also see I edited above to add a link.
-drew

05/09/2007 12:01:55 AM · #9

Originally posted by drewbixcube:

Also see I edited above to add a link.
-drew

Yup, same product. Same size & price.
I read that people tend to think of credit/gift cards as money, but gift certificates as documents. And yes, I also read that a large percentage of gift cards are never redeemed.

What brought all of this up today is - a friend called me and said he wanted to buy a family session for a family who is pregnant now. Wants me to send a nice certificate to the expectant mother telling her of her gift. I thought this, with a nice folder an elegant way to tell her what he's purchased. BUT, I have to be quick, he wants her to know this week - baby is due next week. :)

05/09/2007 12:22:56 AM · #10

Originally posted by idnic:

BUT, I have to be quick, he wants her to know this week - baby is due next week. :)

Nothing like a deadline!

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/09/2007 08:56:14 AM · #11

Originally posted by drewbixcube:

Originally posted by idnic:
BUT, I have to be quick, he wants her to know this week - baby is due next week. :)

Nothing like a deadline!

Deadlines are very motivating! ;)

Just putting the final touches on my card before I order them... any other comments/suggestions?

elemess

Canon EOS-20D

05/09/2007 09:22:49 AM · #12

"Nontransferable" is one word. Also, how do you know if it's been transferred? It's easier if you're handing out the card, but if it's doubling as a gift cert, there's no way to know. Not that it really matters.

Otherwise, looks great. Nice and simple.

05/09/2007 09:32:58 AM · #13

Originally posted by elemess:

Thanks! I hadn't noticed that space. Fixed it now. :D

Edit to say, I plan to only give these out myself or sell them myself so I should know who gets them, but no, it really doesn't matter if they get handed off to someone else. I just wanted to discourage it if I can.

Message edited by author 2007-05-09 09:37:54.

pamelasue

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/09/2007 09:36:46 AM · #14

I think that is a fantastic idea ... great layout on the cards ... good luck, hope they bring you lots of new business ...

05/09/2007 09:55:35 AM · #15

just so people don't try to take advantage of you I would put either "No cash value" or "Can not be redeemed for cash" or something to that effect...

-dave

*edit* or :) "No cash value, this card can only be redeemed for services offered by Penrod Studios..."

Message edited by author 2007-05-09 09:58:42.

05/09/2007 10:12:45 AM · #16

It already says "...may be redeemed for photography services only....

I think that should cover my bases. Again, these won't be handed out like business cards, I will be much more selective about who I give them to.

05/09/2007 10:26:47 AM · #17

Originally posted by idnic:

LOL sorry Cindi I didn't see that, today is just going to be nasty as I can't concentrate at all. The wife and I are leaving the munchkin with the grand parents first thing tomorrow am and going up in to the Rockies on some canyon hikes till Sunday :)

BTW I think the cards are a great idea, esp being plastic as they will have a higher perceived value than a slip of paper.

-dave

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/09/2007 10:46:45 AM · #18

Originally posted by dknourek:

The wife and I are leaving the munchkin with the grand parents first thing tomorrow am and going up in to the Rockies on some canyon hikes till Sunday :)

BTW I think the cards are a great idea, esp being plastic as they will have a higher perceived value than a slip of paper.

-dave

The trip to the mountains sounds great! Have fun and take LOTS of pictures. ;)

Jason_Cross

Nikon D50

05/09/2007 10:47:22 AM · #19

I think the layout is great, hope it generates some business for you!

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/09/2007 11:00:40 AM · #20

Originally posted by idnic:

Originally posted by dknourek:
The wife and I are leaving the munchkin with the grand parents first thing tomorrow am and going up in to the Rockies on some canyon hikes till Sunday :)

BTW I think the cards are a great idea, esp being plastic as they will have a higher perceived value than a slip of paper.

-dave

The trip to the mountains sounds great! Have fun and take LOTS of pictures. ;)

Oh yea I plan on it, we're heading up in to the Jasper, Alberta area so I'm bringing my laptop with 2 external drives to download pics after and on the hike I'll have my 70-300 IS and I bought a 50mm prime and rented a 17-40 F4L and bought another 4gb Lexar 133x so Ill have 2 of those and a 1gb backup also. I like to shoot RAW+JPG so 9gb should cover me on each hike :)

_eug

Nikon D50

05/09/2007 11:04:57 AM · #21

Originally posted by dknourek:

Um... You ARE going to remember to spend time with your WIFE, right?

05/09/2007 11:13:26 AM · #22

Originally posted by _eug:

Originally posted by dknourek:
Oh yea I plan on it, we're heading up in to the Jasper, Alberta area so I'm bringing my laptop with 2 external drives to download pics after and on the hike I'll have my 70-300 IS and I bought a 50mm prime and rented a 17-40 F4L and bought another 4gb Lexar 133x so Ill have 2 of those and a 1gb backup also. I like to shoot RAW+JPG so 9gb should cover me on each hike :)

Um... You ARE going to remember to spend time with your WIFE, right?

Of course :D I am extreemly lucky to have the wife I do as she is very understanding and puts up with alot of my stupid ideas and I love her imensely for it.

-dave

05/09/2007 11:29:42 AM · #23

Got some good tips here and offline, so reworked the card for a more elegant look with emphasis on the image. Better?

SaraR

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

05/09/2007 11:37:05 AM · #24

Could the wording on the back be mis-construed to mean that the recipient gets a free sitting and 10x8 in addition to a further $199 worth of photography services? That aside, I do like the layout.

hanneke