Rock in bag marketing with a twist

59 replies
Does anyone know where I can find table centerpieces that are custom made? I REALLY want to do the rock and bag method, but i want to do it with a twist.
#bag #marketing #rock #twist
  • Profile picture of the author MartinBuckley
    What is the rock and bag method?

    Thanks,

    Martin
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    • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
      Originally Posted by MartinBuckley View Post

      What is the rock and bag method?

      Thanks,

      Martin
      Simple,

      People put a flyer in a bag with a couple rocks in it and toss it in driveways.

      I'm trying to figure out a more classy way to do this. We put out alot of advertising for my other business and this would save a tremendous amount of time over door hangers
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  • Profile picture of the author Kilterman
    Smells like Genius.
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  • Profile picture of the author kebertt
    Curious as to how the table centerpieces are going to come into play...
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  • Profile picture of the author digichik
    Any Dollar Tree or 99cent stores sell fake bouquets for $1.00, you can break them down into individual flowers or smaller bunches. If you live in a major metro area there may be a flower mart where you can get centerpiece items really inexpensively(you may need a wholesale license to shop there). Oh yeah, don't forget thrift stores, you may be able to find really large arrangements for really good prices.

    I'm curious about how you'll use these too.
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  • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark


    For those curious, this is what I'm looking for. Except its going to have my advertisement in the middle
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  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
    How big are the rocks?

    If one of those went through a window or into a car
    in the driveway you'd definitely be getting those
    businesses calling you but for all the wrong reasons (lol).

    All joking aside it does sound like a cool idea.

    Kindest regards,
    Andrew Cavanagh
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    You've lost me on this one.

    I'm not sure why this would work well?
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    • Profile picture of the author umc
      Maybe it is just me, but I don't think that there is a classy way to do this. Methods like this and flyering cars in parking lots just rub me the wrong way. I'd never buy from someone that through garbage in my yard for me to pick up, or that made a parking lot a disaster by littering cars with flyers. Honestly, I'm not too keen on flyering houses either, though it seems to be more accepted. I hope it works out for you, I just wouldn't buy from such tactics. Then again, I wouldn't buy from a telemarketer, and I myself was one back in the day and did good business that way. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
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      • Profile picture of the author digichik
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        Maybe it is just me, but I don't think that there is a classy way to do this. Methods like this and flyering cars in parking lots just rub me the wrong way. I'd never buy from someone that through garbage in my yard for me to pick up, or that made a parking lot a disaster by littering cars with flyers. Honestly, I'm not too keen on flyering houses either, though it seems to be more accepted. I hope it works out for you, I just wouldn't buy from such tactics. Then again, I wouldn't buy from a telemarketer, and I myself was one back in the day and did good business that way. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
        Marketers like you always make me laugh.:rolleyes: Not everyone has an advertising budget when first starting out. Thus, low cost marketing methods are what they use to get their businesses off the ground.

        You only buy from the big guys who can spend tens of thousand to reach you in a "classy" way.

        There are fewer jobs in the US because people have been taught to hate telemarketers. We all complain about the high unemployment rate, but fail to look at how we are contributing to it.

        At least these people are trying to earn, and not depend on government hand-outs, or trying to steal from me.

        Why not admire someone for taking action to grow their businesses. Admire them for trying to make something out of nothing, even if they are putting flyers on cars or doors, putting their flyer in a bag with a rock and getting them out in neighborhoods; and yes, even telemarketing.

        I found a great gardener, he used the rock in the bag method, found it in my driveway.

        I don't hate telemarketers, they are just trying to get their businesses going or feed their families. If I'm not interested, I just politely tell them so and hang-up. My life goes pleasantly along and I haven't messed up their day.
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        • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
          Originally Posted by umc
          Maybe it is just me, but I don't think that there is a classy way to do this. Methods like this and flyering cars in parking lots just rub me the wrong way. I'd never buy from someone that through garbage in my yard for me to pick up, or that made a parking lot a disaster by littering cars with flyers. Honestly, I'm not too keen on flyering houses either, though it seems to be more accepted. I hope it works out for you, I just wouldn't buy from such tactics. Then again, I wouldn't buy from a telemarketer, and I myself was one back in the day and did good business that way. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

          -----

          Methods like this are UNIQUE and they are guaranteed to get your attention either way. We've become immune to the usually methods; postcards, flyers on cars, etc. Sorry not every has thousands to spend on EDDM.

          I must ask you though, if you're immune to all these methods. What WILL get your attention?
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          • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
            Illegal to "litter" in my county. This would be classified as littering since the home owner didn't request the service.

            Check your local ordinance for this . . .
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            • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
              Originally Posted by cruisinman View Post

              Illegal to "litter" in my county. This would be classified as littering since the home owner didn't request the service.

              Check your local ordinance for this . . .
              Actually it isn't. It's basically something To do with freedom of speech.

              Umc we do door hangers as well. But it costs me a lot of money and takes a lot of time
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              • Profile picture of the author SashaLee
                Hi there,

                Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

                Actually it isn't. It's basically something To do with freedom of speech.

                Umc we do door hangers as well. But it costs me a lot of money and takes a lot of time
                Depending on where you throw these it certainly can be considered littering. One of our clients had the unfortunate luck to throw one on the yard of a policeman. Not only did our client get a littering citation they also were fined by the homeowner's association. This was in America.

                We abandoned this marketing idea a long time ago. We opt for attention grabbers legally delivered to the mailbox now.

                All the best,

                Sasha.
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                • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
                  Originally Posted by SashaLee View Post

                  Hi there,



                  Depending on where you throw these it certainly can be considered littering. One of our clients had the unfortunate luck to throw one on the yard of a policeman. Not only did our client get a littering citation they also were fined by the homeowner's association. This was in America.

                  We abandoned this marketing idea a long time ago. We opt for attention grabbers legally delivered to the mailbox now.

                  All the best,

                  Sasha.
                  They could have filed a law suit on that. It's true it's covered under the first amendment on the right to advertise
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                  • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
                    Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

                    It's true it's covered under the first amendment on the right to advertise
                    No it's not. Show me where the 1st amendment says it is ok to litter or break the law? You haven't a clue.

                    Try putting out the little bandit signs in many counties in the South and you better hope you did it through an incorporated business - because you are going to be fined for each and every one.
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              • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
                Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

                Actually it isn't. It's basically something To do with freedom of speech.
                LOL - really?

                Come to Bulloch County, Georgia or Chatham County, Georgia and try explaining "freedom of speech" to Judge Deloach or Judge Mikell - I'd love to be there for that . . .

                Anyone reading this would do themselves a favor and check your local ordinance before "littering" your neighborhood. It could be rather expensive.
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                • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
                  Originally Posted by cruisinman View Post

                  LOL - really?

                  Come to Bulloch County, Georgia or Chatham County, Georgia and try explaining "freedom of speech" to Judge Deloach or Judge Mikell - I'd love to be there for that . . .

                  Anyone reading this would do themselves a favor and check your local ordinance before "littering" your neighborhood. It could be rather expensive.
                  Insurance has an advertising rider and is protected under free speech for corporations

                  Do some research before you people lash out on something you haven't heard before

                  Regardless, be careful
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                  • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
                    Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

                    Insurance has an advertising rider and is protected under free speech for corporations

                    Do some research before you people lash out on something you haven't heard before

                    Regardless, be careful

                    LOL - ok.

                    Anyone reading this take heed in what this guy is preaching. It's totally false.

                    LOL @ "Insurance has an advertising rider and is protected under free speech for corporations" - what a crock. Show me the legal basis for this statement please?
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          • Profile picture of the author umc
            Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

            Originally Posted by umc
            Maybe it is just me, but I don't think that there is a classy way to do this. Methods like this and flyering cars in parking lots just rub me the wrong way. I'd never buy from someone that through garbage in my yard for me to pick up, or that made a parking lot a disaster by littering cars with flyers. Honestly, I'm not too keen on flyering houses either, though it seems to be more accepted. I hope it works out for you, I just wouldn't buy from such tactics. Then again, I wouldn't buy from a telemarketer, and I myself was one back in the day and did good business that way. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

            -----

            Methods like this are UNIQUE and they are guaranteed to get your attention either way. We've become immune to the usually methods; postcards, flyers on cars, etc. Sorry not every has thousands to spend on EDDM.

            I must ask you though, if you're immune to all these methods. What WILL get your attention?
            Well, since you asked, I'm not immune to methods such as a nicely done postcard, and it proves very successful with many here. So your assertion that "we've" become immune to such methods is specious at best.

            There are lots of ways that one can get my attention, though in reality I don't typically buy from people that solicit me directly. If I'm looking for a service provider, I will ask around in person or on a forum locally, maybe I will do a quick google search or read some reviews. and I may even look at a well made postcard or even a flyer if someone bothers to take the time to place it in my door rather than litter my driveway. I might even be open to chatting it up with someone that comes to my door with a great personality and that has a great delivery while respecting that they came to my door and caught me off guard. If they try to press me hard and sell me, I'll politely decline. I've also found small businesses on sites like Craigslist for services that I was interested in. I know, I know. I don't like your idea therefore I must just be some guy that doesn't like anything, but there are many marketing ideas that I find to be classier than doing drive by littering at my house, and they don't require tons of money.

            By the way, I happen to own offline businesses of my own providing services such as cleaning. I started my cleaning business 13 years ago with less than a couple of hundred dollars by pounding the pavement. Business cards were all that I had, and my business has done six figures without any employees. So people don't have to tell me that not everyone can afford an EDDM campaign. I've been there, done that, all with very little money out of pocket.

            Again, like I said originally, I hope it works out for you. I just don't like it, and posted my opinion. You see it as unique, and I see it as uniquely bad. I hope you get such great results that you come back and start a WSO selling your plan to take over marketing with strategically placed bags on people's lawns or driveways. I just don't happen to see it personally. Good luck and best wishes.
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        • Profile picture of the author umc
          Originally Posted by digichik View Post

          Marketers like you always make me laugh.:rolleyes: Not everyone has an advertising budget when first starting out. Thus, low cost marketing methods are what they use to get their businesses off the ground.

          You only buy from the big guys who can spend tens of thousand to reach you in a "classy" way.

          There are fewer jobs in the US because people have been taught to hate telemarketers. We all complain about the high unemployment rate, but fail to look at how we are contributing to it.

          At least these people are trying to earn, and not depend on government hand-outs, or trying to steal from me.

          Why not admire someone for taking action to grow their businesses. Admire them for trying to make something out of nothing, even if they are putting flyers on cars or doors, putting their flyer in a bag with a rock and getting them out in neighborhoods; and yes, even telemarketing.

          I found a great gardener, he used the rock in the bag method, found it in my driveway.

          I don't hate telemarketers, they are just trying to get their businesses going or feed their families. If I'm not interested, I just politely tell them so and hang-up. My life goes pleasantly along and I haven't messed up their day.
          People with your lack of reading comprehension always make me laugh.:rolleyes: Nowhere did I knock the guy for taking action on his business. Nowhere did I say that I hated telemarketers. As I stated, maybe it is just me, and then I went on to give my opinion of this type of marketing, which I'm allowed to do on a public forum. When it is the Digichik show, I'll be happy to check my posts with you first. Half of your inane post is about hating telemarketers, which I didn't even say. I didn't say that I hated them. Heck, I ran a successful marketing department full of them. I just said that I personally wouldn't buy from one, just like I personally wouldn't buy from the litter my driveway method. I even said different strokes for different folks, acknowledging that different methods work for different people. so please feel free to get those panties of yours out of their bunch and enjoy your day.
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          • Profile picture of the author digichik
            Originally Posted by umc View Post

            People with your lack of reading comprehension always make me laugh.:rolleyes: Nowhere did I knock the guy for taking action on his business. Nowhere did I say that I hated telemarketers. As I stated, maybe it is just me, and then I went on to give my opinion of this type of marketing, which I'm allowed to do on a public forum. When it is the Digichik show, I'll be happy to check my posts with you first. Half of your inane post is about hating telemarketers, which I didn't even say. I didn't say that I hated them. Heck, I ran a successful marketing department full of them. I just said that I personally wouldn't buy from one, just like I personally wouldn't buy from the litter my driveway method. I even said different strokes for different folks, acknowledging that different methods work for different people. so please feel free to get those panties of yours out of their bunch and enjoy your day.

            Perhaps it is you who should who should get your granny bloomers out of their bunch, it is you who needs a remedial course on reading comprehension.

            No where in my post did I say you said anything about hating telemarketers.

            It does strike me as funny:rolleyes:, how many 'so called marketers' get annoyed at many of the free tactics available to people just starting out. Especially, since they used many of the free tactics themselves to get their businesses started.

            You mentioned you'd be receptive to postcards, many people just starting out can't afford to the graphics, printing and postage costs of postcards; thus, flyers, telemarketing and other really low cost methods are all that are left to them.

            Fortunately, many people are not like you, there are many people who are receptive to these free and low cost methods, and the OP will get business from them.

            Of course you are entitled to your opinion, as I am entitled to mine.
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  • Profile picture of the author kebertt
    If I were you I'd be putting a clear call to action on your website Unique Hydro Wash | What's Eating Your House?.

    I don't even see a phone number on the home page...
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  • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
    Rock and Bag is a proven method, sure you may get some complaints but you will get business. There is a company in florida that grew into over a million in sales just using a rock and bag method.

    And I know about the website, It's still under construction. It's a sister site for my main site.
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  • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
    I looked it up and it appears as though the 1st amendment is on Whiffys side.
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    • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
      Originally Posted by Eddie Spangler View Post

      I looked it up and it appears as though the 1st amendment is on Whiffys side.
      LMAO at this.
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    • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
      He'd probably agree . . .

      I showed my friend, the Judge here in Bulloch County, what he said - he cracked up.


      Originally Posted by Eddie Spangler View Post

      I looked it up and it appears as though the 1st amendment is on Whiffys side.
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  • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
    Plus - your flyer is offering free pizza for a house wash. What does that have to do with "insurance" ? ? ? ?
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    • Profile picture of the author umc
      I'm going to start a pooper scooper business and try this out. I'm going to take some of my "collections" during the jobs, place them in bags for the weight, and toss them out into people's yards and driveways. I'll be sure to put my first amendment disclosure on the bottom of my flyer. Brilliant!
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      • This has been a "spicy" thread so far. It's lots of fun to read the different positions taken over "rock in a bag" advertising. Great!

        LLS
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      • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
        Originally Posted by umc View Post

        I'm going to start a pooper scooper business and try this out. I'm going to take some of my "collections" during the jobs, place them in bags for the weight, and toss them out into people's yards and driveways.
        You never know.

        Spanish town fights back against dog poo by parcelling it up and POSTING it back to the owner | Mail Online

        Dan
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        • Profile picture of the author SashaLee
          Hi there,

          Brilliant! I have an ignorant neighbour that lets their dog sh1t in my front yard. I've tried just redepositing the evidence, but they continue to offend.

          Having them open it up on their kitchen table is the ultimate revenge!

          All the best,

          Sasha.
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          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            Your right to free speech stops at my property line.

            We've had a few people try the "toss it on the drive" marketing here. Within a few hours they hear from the police and may be fined. Those placing advertising door hangers often get a call to "cease and desist".

            May be different laws elsewhere but I'd advise anyone considering this to check the local regulations. That's not opinion, but fact.

            My opinion of throwing your ads/rocks on private property is probably not printable.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Pettit
    Well it does get your advertisement out there but not sure how effective it would be...seems like a lot of trouble. Why not just use Craigslist for your local area?
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  • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
    For all you people that think this is a bad idea. .. please give us some ideas on how a starrup business can market.

    Before anyone says website... we have several on the first page of Google. Postcards are too dang expensive for a startup
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    • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
      Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

      For all you people that think this is a bad idea. .. please give us some ideas on how a starrup business can market.

      Before anyone says website... we have several on the first page of Google. Postcards are too dang expensive for a startup
      Depends on what you are selling but if you are time rich and money poor pick up the phone or hop in the car and hustle.
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      • Profile picture of the author misterme
        Originally Posted by digichik View Post

        There are fewer jobs in the US because people have been taught to hate telemarketers. We all complain about the high unemployment rate, but fail to look at how we are contributing to it.

        At least these people are trying to earn, and not depend on government hand-outs, or trying to steal from me.
        No one's taught to "hate" telemarketers, they were just universally annoying and that's why the sentiment against them. "No one likes to be sold" isn't that right? So dropping what you were involved in to pick up the ringing phone only to have someone on the other end try to "sell" you... who likes that? It was annoying. It didn't have the "instead of a pest become the welcome guest" thing working for it. That's the fault of the telemarketers and they way they operated, not the public.

        To blame the unemployment problem with people who'd rule out certain activities like throwing things into peoples' driveways? That's erroneous logic. People have a choice in what they do. They can get work throwing rocks or get work doing a hundred other things that don't involve throwing rocks at places.

        For one thing, like removing rocks from places.

        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        Your right to free speech stops at my property line.

        We've had a few people try the "toss it on the drive" marketing here. Within a few hours they hear from the police and may be fined. Those placing advertising door hangers often get a call to "cease and desist".

        May be different laws elsewhere but I'd advise anyone considering this to check the local regulations. That's not opinion, but fact.
        Actually it's that a walkway up to your door is considered a public area. This goes back to colonial days when early Americans distributed handbills voicing their opinions and protests against the authorities. The People felt the need to keep this freedom when the country began and not restrict or mute these voices by not having them be able to contact others in their community. And that meant going door to door and leaving handbills.

        Since then however the proliferation of door to door activities perceived as an annoyance and not a matter of keeping citizens informed, has contributed to some communities, incorporated villages usually, who have a policy forbidding that activity. I forget why, but it's something like a corporation isn't subject to those ordinances or something and can make up their own rules, and that may be your case.

        As for me, if someone forces me to step outside to pick up what they've dropped on my property, I wouldn't ever do business with them because they weren't considerate. Why would I wish to do business with someone who shows me no consideration? Turn it around: If I were to take the flyers I never asked for that were dropped on my lawn and brought them down to the newspaper that sent them out, and dumped them on their front steps, how do you think they would treat me? "Oh thank you sir! How kind of you to bring us back our paper to recycle"? or "Sir! What are you doing??!! Pick that up right now or we're calling the police and having you arrested. Security! Security!"?
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        • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
          Originally Posted by misterme View Post

          No one's taught to "hate" telemarketers, they were just universally annoying and that's why the sentiment against them. "No one likes to be sold" isn't that right? So dropping what you were involved in to pick up the ringing phone only to have someone on the other end try to "sell" you... who likes that? It was annoying. It didn't have the "instead of a pest become the welcome guest" thing working for it. That's the fault of the telemarketers and they way they operated, not the public.

          To blame the unemployment problem with people who'd rule out certain activities like throwing things into peoples' driveways? That's erroneous logic. People have a choice in what they do. They can get work throwing rocks or get work doing a hundred other things that don't involve throwing rocks at places.

          For one thing, like removing rocks from places.



          Actually it's that a walkway up to your door is considered a public area. This goes back to colonial days when early Americans distributed handbills voicing their opinions and protests against the authorities. The People felt the need to keep this freedom when the country began and not restrict or mute these voices by not having them be able to contact others in their community. And that meant going door to door and leaving handbills.

          Since then however the proliferation of door to door activities perceived as an annoyance and not a matter of keeping citizens informed, has contributed to some communities, incorporated villages usually, who have a policy forbidding that activity. I forget why, but it's something like a corporation isn't subject to those ordinances or something and can make up their own rules, and that may be your case.

          As for me, if someone forces me to step outside to pick up what they've dropped on my property, I wouldn't ever do business with them because they weren't considerate. Why would I wish to do business with someone who shows me no consideration? Turn it around: If I were to take the flyers I never asked for that were dropped on my lawn and brought them down to the newspaper that sent them out, and dumped them on their front steps, how do you think they would treat me? "Oh thank you sir! How kind of you to bring us back our paper to recycle"? or "Sir! What are you doing??!! Pick that up right now or we're calling the police and having you arrested. Security! Security!"?
          I guess you don't get phone books? Or have paper delivered in bags?
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        • Profile picture of the author digichik
          Originally Posted by misterme View Post

          No one's taught to "hate" telemarketers, they were just universally annoying and that's why the sentiment against them. "No one likes to be sold" isn't that right? So dropping what you were involved in to pick up the ringing phone only to have someone on the other end try to "sell" you... who likes that? It was annoying. It didn't have the "instead of a pest become the welcome guest" thing working for it. That's the fault of the telemarketers and they way they operated, not the public.

          To blame the unemployment problem with people who'd rule out certain activities like throwing things into peoples' driveways? That's erroneous logic. People have a choice in what they do. They can get work throwing rocks or get work doing a hundred other things that don't involve throwing rocks at places.

          For one thing, like removing rocks from places.
          My point is that in tough economic times, people are trying to make it the best way they can. Not every one is going to have money for newspaper ads, or direct mail pieces. Many will have to use really cheap marketing tactics to get their businesses off the ground.

          I don't fault them for that, I admire the fact that they are showing the initiative to do something besides go on welfare. Am I always interested in what they have to offer? NO. But why would I call the police on someone who is just trying to feed their family or keep a roof over their head, because they threw a flyer in my driveway?

          If you don't want what they are selling just throw it away, or hang up the phone, but don't belittle them or cause them legal problems for trying to survive in an absolutely horrible economy.

          As WhiffySpark pointed out, do you call the police on Yellowbook for leaving phonebooks in your driveway or on your porch. Do you call the police on the local newspaper publisher for throwing a free copy of the newspaper in your yard or driveway? My guess is NO, because these are perceived as big companies. It feels easy for you to pick on the little guys, who throw the rock in bag flyer, not so much with YellowBook.

          Most of the people here on the WF, as marketers, should realize, they had to start somewhere too.
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        • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
          Originally Posted by misterme View Post

          No one's taught to "hate" telemarketers, they were just universally annoying and that's why the sentiment against them. "No one likes to be sold" isn't that right? So dropping what you were involved in to pick up the ringing phone only to have someone on the other end try to "sell" you... who likes that? It was annoying. It didn't have the "instead of a pest become the welcome guest" thing working for it. That's the fault of the telemarketers and they way they operated, not the public.

          To blame the unemployment problem with people who'd rule out certain activities like throwing things into peoples' driveways? That's erroneous logic. People have a choice in what they do. They can get work throwing rocks or get work doing a hundred other things that don't involve throwing rocks at places.

          For one thing, like removing rocks from places.



          Actually it's that a walkway up to your door is considered a public area. This goes back to colonial days when early Americans distributed handbills voicing their opinions and protests against the authorities. The People felt the need to keep this freedom when the country began and not restrict or mute these voices by not having them be able to contact others in their community. And that meant going door to door and leaving handbills.

          Since then however the proliferation of door to door activities perceived as an annoyance and not a matter of keeping citizens informed, has contributed to some communities, incorporated villages usually, who have a policy forbidding that activity. I forget why, but it's something like a corporation isn't subject to those ordinances or something and can make up their own rules, and that may be your case.

          As for me, if someone forces me to step outside to pick up what they've dropped on my property, I wouldn't ever do business with them because they weren't considerate. Why would I wish to do business with someone who shows me no consideration? Turn it around: If I were to take the flyers I never asked for that were dropped on my lawn and brought them down to the newspaper that sent them out, and dumped them on their front steps, how do you think they would treat me? "Oh thank you sir! How kind of you to bring us back our paper to recycle"? or "Sir! What are you doing??!! Pick that up right now or we're calling the police and having you arrested. Security! Security!"?
          Just want to let you know I put 5,000 out every two weeks or so. Had no complains average about 25 estimates for a $400 investment. Hard to beat those numbers
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          • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
            Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

            Just want to let you know I put 5,000 out every two weeks or so. Had no complains average about 25 estimates for a $400 investment. Hard to beat those numbers
            What did you end up using? And how & where did you place the items?
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            • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
              Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

              What did you end up using? And how & where did you place the items?
              I had rackcards professionally printed from got print. We bagged them and placed a few small rocks in the bag.

              Usually tried to toss them close to the mailbox, Some areas I had to toss them at least 5ft up the driveway because of regulations. 5FT into the property was considered private property, vs the edge of the property is the city's
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              • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
                Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

                I had rackcards professionally printed from got print. We bagged them and placed a few small rocks in the bag.

                Usually tried to toss them close to the mailbox, Some areas I had to toss them at least 5ft up the driveway because of regulations. 5FT into the property was considered private property, vs the edge of the property is the city's
                Did you take any pictures of what your bags looked like? I just imagine myself ignoring the bag and/or tossing it in the trash. Trying to visualize how it works.
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                • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
                  It's simple. I had rackcards printed from gotprint. You put them in a bag one size bigger with a few small rocks and toss them.

                  Just because it's something you don't like doesn't mean it doesn't work. I don't care for it much either. But the method works
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                  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
                    Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

                    It's simple. I had rackcards printed from gotprint. You put them in a bag one size bigger with a few small rocks and toss them.

                    Just because it's something you don't like doesn't mean it doesn't work. I don't care for it much either. But the method works
                    Was the rackcard sticking out? I'm trying to figure out what the hook is to get them to open it and pull it out.

                    This seems like direct mail in a way where you need a hook to get people to open it. People assume most mail is trash and thus sort out the good stuff. And this the way I am visualizing it would be the same.

                    The key in both is the hook to get them to open it. That's why I was wondering if you have a picture so we could see how it looked and understand the hook that got people to look in the bag.
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                    • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
                      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

                      Was the rackcard sticking out? I'm trying to figure out what the hook is to get them to open it and pull it out.

                      This seems like direct mail in a way where you need a hook to get people to open it. People assume most mail is trash and thus sort out the good stuff. And this the way I am visualizing it would be the same.

                      The key in both is the hook to get them to open it. That's why I was wondering if you have a picture so we could see how it looked and understand the hook that got people to look in the bag.
                      Clear bags no need to pull them out.

                      I'll see if i can get pictures on next round.
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    • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
      Postcards are ok for a limited # of advertisers.

      Use a 7 x 14 card - go sell enough ads to cover the card cost and EDDM fees and run your business as the largest ad . . .

      Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post

      For all you people that think this is a bad idea. .. please give us some ideas on how a starrup business can market.

      Before anyone says website... we have several on the first page of Google. Postcards are too dang expensive for a startup
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    put a golf ball in the bag. then throw a few dozen in my driveway.
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  • Profile picture of the author umc
    Produce a flyer or postcard with multiple ads on it and get other businesses to go in on it with you. You might even get them to pay for it entirely and could profit while getting the word out about your business. Not sure exactly what you're trying to promote, but see if it has a commercial application and go walk in and talk to businesses. Get started there, and then if you want to go into retail work in residential communities you'll have funds to market with. Or go hustle doing something else entirely and make some money to use in this endeavor. Talk to everyone you meet that might be a candidate for what you offer, and participate in local forums and work into conversation what it is that you do. Once you get some clients, work them for referrals. Pick up the phone. Apparently you make signs, use them strategically for whatever you're offering. Find other businesses in similar but not the exact same services and work a joint venture with them. Maybe you can tap their customer base by offering something that they don't, but would like to.

    Or just throw rocks in bags and sue the first time someone has issue for a violation of your first amendment rights to advertise. Boom, you'll be able to retire, not to mention all of the postcards you'll be able to send.
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  • Profile picture of the author umc
    Originally Posted by pingsters View Post

    I am curious to knowing what this Rock in the bag marketing is?
    Thanks for the share
    Cheers!
    What Is Rock In The Bag Marketing?
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  • Profile picture of the author trader909
    put a horses head in their bed..that always works.

    Enough of the "tricks."
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  • Profile picture of the author trader909
    Don't ask, next week it'll be the sea weed and the squid method. Ridiculous

    What is the rock and bag method?

    Thanks,

    Martin
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  • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark


    Not mine, but you get the idea
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    • Profile picture of the author cruisinman
      Originally Posted by WhiffySpark View Post



      Not mine, but you get the idea
      What does the rock cost?
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      • Profile picture of the author Publisher
        Where would one buy the quantity of rocks needed for a 5K distribution?

        Shawn
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        • Profile picture of the author RichBeck
          Originally Posted by Publisher View Post

          Where would one buy the quantity of rocks needed for a 5K distribution?

          Shawn
          Shawn,

          Lowe's or Home Depot.... in the US of A.

          All The Best,

          Rich Beck BCIP, MCSD, MCIS
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          • Profile picture of the author Publisher
            Originally Posted by RichBeck View Post

            Shawn,

            Lowe's or Home Depot.... in the US of A.

            All The Best,

            Rich Beck BCIP, MCSD, MCIS

            Thanks Rich
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            • Profile picture of the author WhiffySpark
              Originally Posted by Publisher View Post

              Thanks Rich
              It's actually cheaper to get a ton from a quarry. We have chaney enterpises in my area. Between paying people, flyers, bags, and rocks, it costs me about $800 per 5000
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  • Profile picture of the author azgold
    Are you partnering with the place you're getting the pizzas from? Get some cheap stickers/decals made and have the pizza parlour stick one on each box that leaves their store.

    If you're really stuck for money, get someone with fantastic penmanship to write the message on a pad of post-it-notes. They can easily be stuck on a pizza box, too.

    i.e. "Want to know how to get a Gino's pizza free?" Then add a website addy or something.

    I dunno, not my forte but seems like one potential avenue of great, free advertising. After all, the pizza guy is getting your biz every time someone signs up for your service, right?
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