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I have a client that I do not have any knowledge in do we have any Hunters?

by thesoniclounge
16 replies
I recently got a client and I don't know anything about their kind business other than they are a pro archery shop and have an indoor archery range.

2 problems!!
1. They cannot sell any of the bows or equipment online-My opinion I would be getting different licensing agreement, thats just my opinion though.

2. They will not discount their prices on the equipment they sale.

What I'm currently going to do for them is
  • Shoot video about the range and store.
  • Video testimonials of the current customers and rank the videos.
  • Build them a custom youtube channel.
  • Build them a new updated website with equipment they sell in the store.
I was thinking mobile marketing so they could text clients on slow nights or when they get new equipment in. They did agree to discount range fees to get customers.

They are wanting to expand and build a new range for more sophisticated popup shooting environment with electronic targets or something.

I'm no hunter so I don't know the emotion that drives these people other than they love to hunt..
Any ideas I'm missing?
#client #hunters #knowledge
  • Profile picture of the author SamuelFreeman
    1. Do a competetive analysis for their business
    2. Talk to their best salesmen
    3. Since they won't discount, do they do any prescribing?
    4. Are there backend sales?

    I could give you a ton of upfront problems and backend problems and solutions.

    Inbox me for solutions. We can talk.
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  • Profile picture of the author cherry_b
    I grew up around this group, although I have not hunted since I was a teen. Anyways, this archery range, are they only archery or do they also have a firearm range as well?

    The reason I ask is because if it is only an archery range, then the almost sole market is obviously hunters. But if they offer a firearm range, they may have a much broader market. I know that my sister somehow got hooked (from a boyfriend I think) into going to a firing range every once in a while to blow off some steam lol

    I can tell you this, though - if they only cater to hunters - good luck. Hunters, in general, do not embrace and live for technology the same way much of the population does. They prefer to be AWAY from technology - so certain techniques could prove pretty useless. While the younger crowd might be ok with it, I can imagine many guys becoming pretty irritated if they were to receive a text about some new way to "spend their money"

    For the archery range's sake, I hope they have offerings that cater to the crowd that doesn't hunt as well.
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    • Profile picture of the author thesoniclounge
      Originally Posted by cherry_b View Post

      I grew up around this group, although I have not hunted since I was a teen. Anyways, this archery range, are they only archery or do they also have a firearm range as well?

      The reason I ask is because if it is only an archery range, then the almost sole market is obviously hunters. But if they offer a firearm range, they may have a much broader market. I know that my sister somehow got hooked (from a boyfriend I think) into going to a firing range every once in a while to blow off some steam lol

      I can tell you this, though - if they only cater to hunters - good luck. Hunters, in general, do not embrace and live for technology the same way much of the population does. They prefer to be AWAY from technology - so certain techniques could prove pretty useless. While the younger crowd might be ok with it, I can imagine many guys becoming pretty irritated if they were to receive a text about some new way to "spend their money"

      For the archery range's sake, I hope they have offerings that cater to the crowd that doesn't hunt as well.
      Thanks for the info: They are only a pro shop and archery range no firearms. The business owner understands the need to market to get more people in the door.
      The range is open to anyone who wants to shoot a bow.

      Originally Posted by uncle randy 71 View Post

      Couple of ideas:

      1. Is your client the ONLY place in the nearby area offering an indoor range? If so, then you really need to emphasize this. How late is the range open? Air conditioned? How many people can shoot simultaneously? All of this will need to be placed in any marketing message.

      2. Ask the client to host indoor tournaments. Participants pay $3 to $5 dollars, winner can get choice of cash or gift certificate to the store. These people are competitive by nature.

      3. Pick up a "Archery" magazine and start looking through the various articles and advertisements. When you see someone in the ad or article, do a Google search. If the person is based near your client see if you can work out a "Special Night with superstar archer so and so." Archers love to meet and greet someone that has had success in their chosen passion.

      Now is a really good time for selling archery equipment. It gives them time to try out the new stuff and get comfortable before the hunting season starts.

      Edit: Here is the link to a forum dedicated to this hobby/pursuit ArcheryTalk Forum: Archery Target, Bowhunting, Classifieds, Chat
      Some great tips here!! They are the only indoor range in a 70 mile radius so the market is open for us, they just don't know how to do it and thats where I come in. We had previously talked about doing tournaments but you gave me some ideas to make it work.

      Bringing a "celebrity" in so to speak thats an awesome idea!! So do you think charging to meet the celebrity or make it free and bank on them buying equipment?

      Thanks for the link also..
      Tim
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      • Profile picture of the author uncle randy 71
        Originally Posted by thesoniclounge View Post

        Thanks for the info: They are only a pro shop and archery range no firearms. The business owner understands the need to market to get more people in the door.
        The range is open to anyone who wants to shoot a bow.



        Some great tips here!! They are the only indoor range in a 70 mile radius so the market is open for us, they just don't know how to do it and thats where I come in. We had previously talked about doing tournaments but you gave me some ideas to make it work.

        Bringing a "celebrity" in so to speak thats an awesome idea!! So do you think charging to meet the celebrity or make it free and bank on them buying equipment?

        Thanks for the link also..
        Tim
        My personal opinion? I think you should charge to see the celebrity. Most likely, the celebrity will want some type of payment for their time. Making the customers pay will offset the cost. Here is just one idea to make it work.

        Schedule the "celebrity meet and greet" on a typically slow night for the shop. Let everyone know that the shop will be closed to the general public that night. People who purchase a ticket in advance at $xxx will get a discount or tickets will be $xxx at the door up until an hour before the event.

        Ask the celebrity to prepare a 20 or 30 minute presentation and see if they are comfortable with an additional 15 minute Q & A session.

        Ask the shop to contact some of their merchandise reps. Explain that there will be a celebrity coming to the shop with PAYING customers (they bought a ticket, right?) and this might be a good time to have a manufacturer rep on hand to answer questions. You might even contact a local BBQ caterer who would be interested in setting up a food counter nearby so people can purchase a meal. One more source of revenue.

        Just some ideas off the top of my head.

        P.S. the post from CreativeGirl is brilliant. Getting kids involved makes customers for life and draws in more money from the parents or grandparents.
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        • Profile picture of the author thesoniclounge
          Originally Posted by uncle randy 71 View Post

          My personal opinion? I think you should charge to see the celebrity. Most likely, the celebrity will want some type of payment for their time. Making the customers pay will offset the cost. Here is just one idea to make it work.

          Schedule the "celebrity meet and greet" on a typically slow night for the shop. Let everyone know that the shop will be closed to the general public that night. People who purchase a ticket in advance at will get a discount or tickets will be at the door up until an hour before the event.

          Ask the celebrity to prepare a 20 or 30 minute presentation and see if they are comfortable with an additional 15 minute Q & A session.

          Ask the shop to contact some of their merchandise reps. Explain that there will be a celebrity coming to the shop with PAYING customers (they bought a ticket, right?) and this might be a good time to have a manufacturer rep on hand to answer questions. You might even contact a local BBQ caterer who would be interested in setting up a food counter nearby so people can purchase a meal. One more source of revenue.

          Just some ideas off the top of my head.

          P.S. the post from CreativeGirl is brilliant. Getting kids involved makes customers for life and draws in more money from the parents or grandparents.
          Randy-Thanks for insight and some more ideas you rock!!!!
          CreativeGirl- He already does a class for kids but he doesn't want to charge for it. He currently gets about 20-30 kids everytime he does it.

          After our meeting today he decided he wants to start off with building social media presence and custom youtube channel. He has about 10 video he wants to shoot. We will be Setting up his website to sell his hunting videos.
          I really believe these will go viral he is hilarious! He showed me some footage of one of his hunts he went on some very good comedy. He is a natural on video.

          This isn't to brag but to inspire people reading this forum. The services above he wrote a $6150 check for plus $500 to maintain his social media presence/facebook-Youtube monthly.

          Any videos after the 10 are $700 each. He has alot more ideas for videos too.

          We will work into the celebrity idea and some more marketing of the contest he holds 3x a year.

          He also referred a fishing guide and a guy who records peoples exotic hunts for them.

          You were right these people are very passionate about the sport!!!!

          Once I get the channel setup I will post a link to the videos so you can see how funny they are!
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          • Profile picture of the author Dan Williams
            Been a competitive archer for 20 years...Owned a range several years ago....in a prior life out of a love for the sport...sold it to a good friend who has grown it considerably

            Celebrities are worshipped by these clients...get a good one and they will pack the house... We did a Pros vs Joes competition where anyone could bring in their bow and shoot one arrow against a pro...good video opportunity and gave away free door prizes that were sponsored by suppliers. This was in an empty 15,000 sq ft department store and it was packed full


            Youth leagues are also killer, who doesn't know a parent who kisses their kids a$$ everytime they take up a new sport. Money is rarely an objection...cater to the kids and mom and dad will follow...afterall, if you sell it as a chance to "connect" with jr they'll be "all in"

            We also had great participation in an annual "open house" event. Pro shooters from the archery companies would attend on certain days and we'd feature special deals on those days only. Current clients were rewarded for bringing a guest or referral...and incentivised if their guest made a bow purchase. Door prizes were also given out daily and were provided free by suppliers.
            Signature
            http://www.williams-agency.net
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  • Profile picture of the author uncle randy 71
    Couple of ideas:

    1. Is your client the ONLY place in the nearby area offering an indoor range? If so, then you really need to emphasize this. How late is the range open? Air conditioned? How many people can shoot simultaneously? All of this will need to be placed in any marketing message.

    2. Ask the client to host indoor tournaments. Participants pay $3 to $5 dollars, winner can get choice of cash or gift certificate to the store. These people are competitive by nature.

    3. Pick up a "Archery" magazine and start looking through the various articles and advertisements. When you see someone in the ad or article, do a Google search. If the person is based near your client see if you can work out a "Special Night with superstar archer so and so." Archers love to meet and greet someone that has had success in their chosen passion.

    Now is a really good time for selling archery equipment. It gives them time to try out the new stuff and get comfortable before the hunting season starts.

    Edit: Here is the link to a forum dedicated to this hobby/pursuit http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/index.php
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  • Profile picture of the author joel1031
    Instead of texts, build them a list with an opt-in and send out new products/advertising that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Creativegirl
    I'd also consider some events (low cost, community driven, etc.). What about a kids class? Start 'em young to keep them coming back. Also, consider a sponsorship - his own, or a contest. Structure it in a way to get mileage out of publicity - at schools, university, over a period of time (1, 2, and 3 months). I look for low cost options to replace the usual ad spend.
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  • Profile picture of the author MaxReferrals
    Make sure their site is monetizing the traffic via optin and you're building their list.

    This is a very fundamental strategy as you know, but one of the most valuable of all, and even beats social media.
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  • Profile picture of the author uncle randy 71
    Sorry to keep chiming in, but I can't stop with the ideas.

    For those who are unfamiliar with bass fishing, there are several tournaments that are a part of a season long effort. Just as an example, a tournament will be held once a month from March to October. Every tournament includes teams made up of two anglers. Points are awarded to the teams based on 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd, etc. At the end of the tournament season the two-man team with the most points wins a trophy and a small amount of money. Each tournament usually pays money to people for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

    You could adopt the same idea to your client's tournaments. Instead of having two or three tournaments a year, he could host one a month from February to August (I am not sure of your client's location, but the idea is to have the tourneys start immediately at the end of hunting season and last until about a month before season begins).

    One more thing about the celebrity archer involvement. If the client agrees to go forward with getting a celebrity to come speak at the range, ask the celebrity if you can record a 15 minute interview. Prior to the meet and greet ask people to fill out a short survey, including their email address, and put down the one burning question they would like to ask the celebrity. Use these questions as a basis for the interview. You now have a digital product you can sell as an MP3, PDF transcript, or combo. And you have a list of email addresses to pitch it to.

    Just some ideas off the top of my head.

    P.S. How did you convince the guy to pay $700 per YouTube video???
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    • Profile picture of the author thesoniclounge
      Originally Posted by uncle randy 71 View Post

      Sorry to keep chiming in, but I can't stop with the ideas.

      For those who are unfamiliar with bass fishing, there are several tournaments that are a part of a season long effort. Just as an example, a tournament will be held once a month from March to October. Every tournament includes teams made up of two anglers. Points are awarded to the teams based on 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd, etc. At the end of the tournament season the two-man team with the most points wins a trophy and a small amount of money. Each tournament usually pays money to people for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

      You could adopt the same idea to your client's tournaments. Instead of having two or three tournaments a year, he could host one a month from February to August (I am not sure of your client's location, but the idea is to have the tourneys start immediately at the end of hunting season and last until about a month before season begins).

      One more thing about the celebrity archer involvement. If the client agrees to go forward with getting a celebrity to come speak at the range, ask the celebrity if you can record a 15 minute interview. Prior to the meet and greet ask people to fill out a short survey, including their email address, and put down the one burning question they would like to ask the celebrity. Use these questions as a basis for the interview. You now have a digital product you can sell as an MP3, PDF transcript, or combo. And you have a list of email addresses to pitch it to.

      Just some ideas off the top of my head.

      P.S. How did you convince the guy to pay $700 per YouTube video???
      Forum is really lagging today took me 15 minutes to get to this post...

      I really didn't have to, the value and the way I explained it to him sold the entire package. The fact he was paying $1500 to just have a video edited helped

      Do you have skype by chance? PM me your name.
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      • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
        The reason they can not discount the bows is because of the vendors. They can only discount them the next season after the new models have come out. Old models can then be discounted.

        Archery hunters are hard core enthusiasts.

        As far as marketing call the state fish and wildlife division and ask for a list of all the archery deer/elk/bear/moose or other wild life licenses/tags that were purchased in your area/state over the last few years. They may or may not give it to you. Never know unless you ask.

        It is quite possible you can get this list. I actually met with an archery store owner that was just opening up. He had the list. He was actually pissed they sent it to him because that was not the data he was looking for. I quickly schooled him on how to use it. Doubt he did. Never took him on as a client cause he had no money.

        If you get the list it is gold. Direct mail and hammer them.

        Many people have mentioned building a list. That is key. Becasue these folks are also getting hammered by Cabelas and other mail order houses as well. If you are not following up I guarantee these big outfits are.
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        • Profile picture of the author High Horsepower
          Discounting prices is for piss poor marketers. Anyone can lower prices, why would they need you to do that?

          You need to offer tremendous value for people who want to visit their shop. I'm a bow hunter and I spend crazy money on new equipment. Arrows cost a small fortune. Think of ways that offer "high perceived value" to the customer but doesn't cost the seller much money. Longer guarantees, preferred service, advance notice of new equipment, special clubs, contest, etc... you just need to get creative. The fact that you know nothing about bows has nothing to do with marketing. I can market tampons yet I know almost nothing about them.
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          • Profile picture of the author thesoniclounge
            Originally Posted by High Horsepower View Post

            Discounting prices is for piss poor marketers. Anyone can lower prices, why would they need you to do that?

            You need to offer tremendous value for people who want to visit their shop. I'm a bow hunter and I spend crazy money on new equipment. Arrows cost a small fortune. Think of ways that offer "high perceived value" to the customer but doesn't cost the seller much money. Longer guarantees, preferred service, advance notice of new equipment, special clubs, contest, etc... you just need to get creative. The fact that you know nothing about bows has nothing to do with marketing. I can market tampons yet I know almost nothing about them.
            LOL... TMI
            I didn't ask them to discount their prices they just told me they don't. I've spent 2 days in there and you bow hunters do spend a lot money on the equipment. In those 2 days I've learned a lot about the sport and how to market it.
            I've got a plan we will start implementing on Monday and they are beyond excited about it. It mostly involves just as you stated "high perceived value" to the customer.
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        • Profile picture of the author thesoniclounge
          Originally Posted by mrmatt View Post

          The reason they can not discount the bows is because of the vendors. They can only discount them the next season after the new models have come out. Old models can then be discounted.

          Archery hunters are hard core enthusiasts.

          As far as marketing call the state fish and wildlife division and ask for a list of all the archery deer/elk/bear/moose or other wild life licenses/tags that were purchased in your area/state over the last few years. They may or may not give it to you. Never know unless you ask.

          It is quite possible you can get this list. I actually met with an archery store owner that was just opening up. He had the list. He was actually pissed they sent it to him because that was not the data he was looking for. I quickly schooled him on how to use it. Doubt he did. Never took him on as a client cause he had no money.

          If you get the list it is gold. Direct mail and hammer them.

          Many people have mentioned building a list. That is key. Becasue these folks are also getting hammered by Cabelas and other mail order houses as well. If you are not following up I guarantee these big outfits are.
          I'm going to check into this list...
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