You can learn a lot just by looking. There’s ideas everywhere for your consignment, resale, or thrift shop. In fact, there’s so many good ideas out there, I carry a stack of index cards to write them down, and two cameras to capture them. Here’s my latest.
Susan, the smiling receptionist at my dentist’s, was amazed that I wanted to take this photo. But really…how many business card holders have you ever seen that gave the onlooker a REASON to take a card or two? A MOTIVATION to spread the word?
Simple little way that another potential customer/patient or two might become part of your business. Cost: Almost free (less than $10 for a sign that will last forever). Benefit: If even ONE more person learns about your business and comes in, and spends $100, that’s a cost-to-benefit ratio of 10. If over the years, 100 people become regularsin your shop, the ratio is even greater.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
I saw a car in a parking lot the other day that had the big vinyl lettering naming their Insurance company. Attached to the window was a small clear covered box with business cards.
Thanks, Robin, for your observation. These are great! Some peel-and-stick holders here: http://www.braesidedisplays.com/details/peel-and-stick-pockets-with-external-flanges.cfm?Category=7&secondary=12 and I’ve seen them in office-supply superstores as well.
And if you’d like to offer a brochure on the outside of your shop (ideal if your business neighbors attract late-night customers, like a dinner restaurant) here’s the type of holder you could be seeking: http://www.brochureholdersnow.com/cat5.asp?ID=20105
I am going to over to the local engravers’ office in the moring to order one of these. It is the simple things that we often overlook.
I had read a suggestion one time about having your cards on the outside of your door for people to take when you are not open. I finally put the cards up just a few days ago when I saw the alteration shop with the cards on the outside of the door; duh, so easy and free!
Thanks for the kick, Kate.
MollyB!