Posts Tagged ‘advertising’

They aren’t paying attention, Part #2

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged advertising, email, sea of sameness, web on March 30, 2011| 5 Comments »

They aren’t paying attention, Part #1, talks about quick little messages to your clientele that go right over their heads or through their minds with no lasting impression of your business.

Go ahead, read that first. I’ll wait….

Oh, you’re back? Do I have your attention? Okay…

They aren’t paying attention Part 2: Make sure they know who you ARE.

Many broadcast emails I receive (more…)

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The ReEvent: Learning by Surfing

Posted in economics of resale, Shopkeeping talk, Used Stuff in the News, tagged advertising, mailing list, seasonal sales on March 22, 2011|

One thing about the Internet…you can tap into some of the most brilliant minds in the world from the comfort of your keyboard. And it’s especially rewarding when you

look at a business which has some traits in common with yours, but is a few degrees different,

because you get to become a consumer again, and look at the concept through fresh eyes.

Take this one for example: it’s a “seasonal sale” of sorts. But not a kidswear consignment sale full of clothes and gear, not even one of the many growing adult resale events, no, this is a sale of previously-enjoyed….event props. It’s called The ReEvent. (Update: site now kaput. You’ll have to imagine it.)

First, the web site itself. What can we learn?

The clean appeal of the uncluttered home page. The crisp white background and the collage of elements all in green is as far from “musty dusty” as possible.
A single line that motivates, and sums up the event: Feel good being GREEN while saving some GREEN.
Mailing list sign-up which is so much more: It’s an invitation; it’s an “RSVP” as they call it, which predisposes you to mark the event on your personal calendar; it’s the first page you come to on the menu; and it’s got a poll right there that is customer research and motivational at the same time (brilliant!) which, since it seems to be part of the sign-up process, is less likely to be skipped.

Next, the event and how it’s presented to their prospective consignors, shoppers, and vendors.

Cute names for 2 consecutive evening demos: All Things Green ~ All Things Bling
Contest: First, they enter online. Then everyone votes online. THEN the finalists are voted on at the event. Not sure how all of this works, but the whole contest is angled to get attention and audience participation and bodies to the event itself.

But…if you’ve been following me through the web site: just what is this event? A seasonal consignment sale for everything from wedding attire to cameras and chafing dishes, seashells and bolts of ribbon? A vendor event aimed at presenting event planners and suppliers to the public? A bridal fair?