Aside from selling my prints on etsy, I am also blessed enough to have a few stores carry them and I have found that when you are a small representation in a store of many unique items, each beautiful in its own right, sometimes you need to relay your value message to the customer before they "GET" why your item is the one to choose. Obviously, I cannot be everywhere at once and it also defeats the purpose of collaborating with the stores be a channel of distribution for my work. So two things I am working on right now, is (1) Labeling and packaging my work more appropriately so it lists the "intangible" benefits, and (2) Telling the story behind the design, and behind the brand, by providing a set of materials like brochures, flyers, or postcards that the browsing customer can review.
When I work on my ideas for marketing collateral, I am reminded of time when I was using a popular printing vendor for my materials and thought that paying $5 to see my proof was normal, that the fact that my materials came back to me on low-quality cardstock was what I had paid for, that I was getting a great deal on their "free" deals when really I was paying for the item anyway with the ridiculous shipping rates applied to the order. However, and at the risk of sounding like one of THOSE ads, ( . . . since I have FOUND UPrinting.com . . . .) I have not had to worry about the quality of materials used or lacklustre print quality for my marketing materials with UPrinting.com. Needless to say, I also love their free proofing service.
To add to their "cool factor", they have kindly offered me a gift of 100 brochures to help me realize this plan which I well intend to take advantage of when I have completed the design. Thank you UPrinting! *happy dance*
AND the love extends to my readership too! I also have a prize of 100 brochures to give away to one lucky winner! I used their instant price calculator and this prize is worth over $100! *yippee jig*
Here are the giveaway details:
Giveaway Prize: 100 8.5 x11" Brochure / Flyers on 100lb gloss text paper ; 4 color printing on both sides
Folding Choices: Half fold; Trifold/Letterfold; Z-fold; Accordion (4 panels) Roll Fold (4 Panels)
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents
Giveaway ends November 8, 2009 8 AM US Eastern Time.
Each of the following will gain you an entry or entries to this giveaway,
- Leave a comment on this post on what picture/information you would include on the first page of your brochure if you win the prize for ONE entry.
- Promote this giveaway for ONE entry.
- Sign up for my mailing list for THREE entries! (Sign up form available on the top left-hand bar on my blog at http://gracehester.typepad.com.) Leave a comment indicating that you did and I will index your position for three entries.
This couldn't have come at a better time! I have been thinking I need some brochures or flyers! I would love to win these! Great idea!
Posted by: Danielle Velentzas | October 30, 2009 at 07:26 AM
This would be awesome for Christmas shows! I would use it to print my Personalized Name Plaque information. Thanks!!!
Posted by: Kimberly Elliott | October 30, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Ok, I signed up for the mailing list! I'd love to have brochures with some photos of my work to hand out. Thank you!
Posted by: sarah | October 30, 2009 at 07:56 AM
I just signed up for your mailing list! YAY
Andrea Baker
Posted by: Andrea Baker | October 30, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Great giveaway. I would use these to promote my shop locally.
Posted by: Lindsay | October 30, 2009 at 08:37 AM
I am on your mailing list!
Posted by: Lindsay | October 30, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Okay, you've convinced me. In fact, I don't know how I've managed WITHOUT a brochure this long. Now I realize that I want one, I need one.
They would be great to take with me when I visit consignment shops so that they can see what my Happy Monster bags and pouches would look like in situ.
I signed up for your mailing list.
Posted by: Bits | October 30, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Just signed up for your mailing list.
Traci
Posted by: Traci | October 30, 2009 at 09:10 AM
I really could use these for my custom work--coasters, invites, party favors, etc. to showcase my work and explain what I offer. I would showcase samples of previous custom wedding coasters/ baby shower coasters, as well as others. I'd love to win these!
Traci
Posted by: Traci | October 30, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Hi there, Grace. I think I would use the front page to bring attention to the enormous number of women who are affected by breast cancer and how the "echo" fund has been able to (hopefully) help ease the burden of some of those suffering from this disease.
Posted by: Jamie Miller | November 04, 2009 at 11:18 AM