So can you help a girl out?

[Breezy]

I am sure you all are tired of hearing from me
But can yall give me ideas of what marketing materials you use at bridal shows?
And do you have 100s of each etc....
I have made up a flyer to get them to call.
Working on the one with specifics and prices
Business cards.
Some rackcards with a freebie Boudoir offer to add to their bridal session.

So got any suggestions as I am sure I am forgetting tons lol.

I am also looking to offer a free week to our timeshare, I have certificates to this (would cost me 100 bucks) and all brides who book the day of the show are entered to win.
So with this one would PPA be the one to anser my questions on the legality of it or would a lawyer here in VA be better?

[JohnT]

Not tired, but this would be more at home in the Business forum.

[Breezy]

Sorry
abel can move it.

[snidow]

Originally Posted by Breezy

Sorry
abel can move it.

Done

[Breezy]

Thanks Laurie

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Breezy

Sorry
abel can move it.

By the way, my comment wasn't meant as a rebuke but rather just a reminder. :-)

[Breezy]

No biggie
I thought about it after I had already posted

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by Breezy

I am sure you all are tired of hearing from me
But can yall give me ideas of what marketing materials you use at bridal shows?
And do you have 100s of each etc....
I have made up a flyer to get them to call.
Working on the one with specifics and prices
Business cards.
Some rackcards with a freebie Boudoir offer to add to their bridal session.

So got any suggestions as I am sure I am forgetting tons lol.

I am also looking to offer a free week to our timeshare, I have certificates to this (would cost me 100 bucks) and all brides who book the day of the show are entered to win.
So with this one would PPA be the one to anser my questions on the legality of it or would a lawyer here in VA be better?

Just a few observations as a veteran of 35 years of bridal shows.

Bridal shows can be really hectic and you need to decide what your number one goal is for each bride that stops by your booth. Our goal is to fill our wedding consultation calendar for the next couple of weeks. We ask them a lot of questions about their event, but we keep coming back to, "When would you like to come in for a chat so we create a special package just for you?"

First, I try to have a couple of current "Dynomyte" albums for them to look through. I also have brochures with lots of testimonials bragging on our work. I also have a "Brag Book" containing Thank You cards from past weddings on one page and the couples favorite image on the facing page.

Second, I don't give out prices at a Bridal Show and I have only booked one wedding at a show. I do have a show special that is available to all couples that come in for a free personal consultation during the first two weeks after the show. It has been my experience that once they get your prices, they have no reason to come in for a consultation. When asked about prices I will start asking them questions about their wedding and will eventually give them a price range like, "With what you have told me we would be able to create a fantastic album of your event for a little over two thousand." We always use round numbers and never say dollars.

I love the timeshare idea, but as I mentioned earlier don't plan to limit it to just brides who sign up at the show unless your prices are so ridiculously low that many will figure they have nothing to lose. You could have a drawing from all brides that book a consultation during the show. We usually have several different prizes such as a free E session or a free hour added to their package or Use of our Rolls Royce Limo or........ BTW sold the Rolls last year.

I'm not sure what you are questioning the legality of, but PPA won't cost you for a phone session.

Good Luck and keep your eye on your goal. A bridal show is about getting leads and not booking wedding on the spot. On our registration form we ask them flat out if they would like for us to contact them about photographing their wedding? If they check YES they go to the top of our list. Then we ask what is the best time to contact you? Would you rather have us contact you by phone or by e-mail? If they check NO we will follow up with them after we have worked all the hot leads.

Everyone that gives us an e-mail address will get an e-mail from us the next day thanking them for stopping by our booth and reminding them that we have special prices for them for a limited time. Usually we will call the best leads the same evening after the show. Make notes on each one that you want so you can refer to details during your followup. Remember, all the other photographers are too exhausted after the show to follow up until a few days after the show. If you follow up immediately you will book more than enough business to pay for the show.

[Rson]

Agreed on Price....Don't talk price, it'll eat your time. Always get their contact information for you to follow up. Don't count on them calling you.

PS: If you want to make a quick buck, or gurantee'd customer information, run a laptop with laser printer. Have an assistant make labels of the attendee's for use at booths. (we paid like 5$ a sheet when I was getting hitched) for one you get all the contact information for the guests and two you can make some quick cash.

The avery labels sheets are like this: http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Pro...002118140aRCRD

[Breezy]

Don you are awesome!!!
Rich that is a good idea.
I have TONS of labels that need to be used.
Thank you both again.
I gotta get everything together asap.

[twoeyesopen]

Breezy

1.Have a special appointment book (two week calendar) made up with this show's name and encourage them to make the appointment now. That is the sale you are trying to make at this point and time. You can allow them to buy your services when they show up.

2.Make a form with all the right questions for them to fill out and bring to the appointment. A good title might be "Planning the Images of a Lifetime"
"What are some of the ideas you have for your wedding images?"
"What experiences have you had with creating wedding imagery?"
"Are there any specific images you would like to see in your wedding images?"
Make up questions that she SHOULD be asking, a FAQ.
Make it reflect the image you want to project. You a photographer. Make it look good.

When the price question comes up have a stock, practiced, smooth, rehearsed answer:
"My pricing has always been competive with the market for the kind of imagery you want me to create. I have some helpful guideline questions that you need to be asking. We can go over these when you come to visit with us next week. My appointment schedule is right here."

Give the customer some service (your guideline questions) and ASK them for the appointment. The service you gave them gives you the right to ask. Smile and have a good time. This won't be hard to do if you believe in how fabulously the customer will be treated when they hire you.

David

[Breezy]

That is great advise too David
Thanks :D
I knew you guys would help me out :D