Marketing Technique Question

[shane@lifedemandschange.co]

Business Owners,

Recently I ask myself a question. The question I asked myself was how could I increase revenue in 2008? This is what I came up with:

To increase revenue in 2008 I would basically add extra 8 X 10 prints in customers order then charge their credit card if they did not return them in the pre-paid envelope within 10 day's. (I ship all my orders via Untied States Postal Service) For example: If I client order 10 - 5 X 7, I would add 2 - 8 X 10 in a spacial envelope separate from the prints he/she ordered. On the back of the envelope that the extra prints reside in, it say something like: These are extra prints, return them within 10 business day's in the pre-paid envelope otherwise your credit card will be charge for the extra prints. Your more then welcome to keep the prints if you so wish. They are notified about the extra prints four times. Once in the contract, twice with me in person, three times when they get the email that says their pictures are on my website, and four times on the back of the envelope. If they didn't want the prints all they have to do is place the PRE-PAID envelope outside and the mail man would return it to my office.

So what do you think??? Is it honest??? Fair??? Good idea???

Shane Rhoden

[Jaggz]

Shane - I'm not sure where to start with this one. I would stay clear of a practice like this - and to be honest (since you asked) - I would NEVER do this to a customer I wanted to keep! The way I see it - if they wanted an 8x10 they would have ordered one. If someone did this to me...I'd be ticked-off!!! Just my $.02.

Jake~

[shane@lifedemandschange.co]

Jaggz,

I appreciate your $.02. That's why I posted this blog. Thank you very much.

Shane Rhoden

[HotHolly]

no no no. bad idea.

[HeatherLou]

Hi Shane, I have to agree with Jake on this one. For a few reasons. #1- Not everyone likes 8x10's. #2 It an "inconvenience" to customers, even though its a pre-paid envolope. #3 is more a perceived threat than a real one, but when you say, "your card will automatically be charged......", it freaks people out, cuz they KNOW that someone has there credit card info. and can get to it at anytime. Thats my free advice, so take it for whats its worth :) I looked at your site, you have some fantastic work!!!

[shane@lifedemandschange.co]

Thank you for your compliments and advice. It's very helpful. I appreciate your time.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

#1- Not everyone likes 8x10's.

Heather, I know! They are way too small! Id rather have a 30x40 any day.

There are lots of ways to boost sales that will leave your clients happy about it. You might want to search the threads in here for some ideas.

[LoungeLizard]

Excellent idea. Use the funds from the extra "sales" for a good lawyer.

[shane@lifedemandschange.co]

Ok I get it... Bad idea...lol

Thank you all for your help.

[dbphotos]

Not to mention that the postal laws state that if goods are sent to someone w/out them ordering them they can keep them w/out payment. That means all they have to do is dispute the charge and keep the photos.

Not to mention all that has already been stated. Kuddos for thinking outside the box, but keep looking!

[LWimages]

Including coupons in your shipped package has always worked for me.

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

I agree with everyone here.. not so good.. but i really like Louis' idea... Coupons would work!

[shane@lifedemandschange.co]

THANK YOU! I get it...lol

[HeatherLou]

hehe Shane, dont worry about it:) You had a idea that all of us big mouths could speak up on :) You will prolly get about 15 more posts on this topic LOL

[Howard Barlow]

Ask your attorney, but it is my understanding, from such practices in times past, any product you send without a person requesting it is a gift. At any rate, since you asked, you would piss off everyone you did that to. Your business would be over.

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Whoops! I guess I should have refreshed the page, before I typed. Never mind.