What are your plans once you return from lockdown?

[Phill Fenton]

Good question. I’m expecting it to be pretty slow at first so will need to make a big effort to bring in some work. No point in waiting for the work to come to you, you will have to go out and find it. If that means walking around your local industrial estates handing in business cards and letters of introdution then so be it. This is still the most effective way I know of to gain new business.

I did a van last week (first job in ages) and the company asked for it to be done simply because they recognised the need to promote themselves in every way possible to bring in prospects. Previously they ran about with the vehicle unsigned as they felt no need to do it before. I’m hoping this will be a common perception and I intend to promote vehicle signs as a very effective way to advertise. I’ve always said this in the past but I do believe it will become more important than ever as we emerge from the lock down and every small business fights for its survival.

The downside is there are many that see signage as an option, but not essential to a small business. So when money and cashflow is critical this type of expenditure is the first to be cut back. I aim to try and change that perception again on the premise that signage is one of the most cost effective ways to advertise. You only pay for it once – but as long as the sign(s) are in place they are promoting the business.

I will be applying the same principles to my own business by ensuring good quality signs are in place at my premises and on my vehicles

Of course information signs are always going to be needed – and for many companies Covid 19 signage will become a neccesity so of course this will be a big opportunity to sell signs that weren’t needed before. These types of signs are springing up everywhere but there’s no reason at all not to take a slice of the cake. Maybe take the initiative and develop a range of standard covid 19 signage and contact existing customers to promote the range as well as offering bespoke versions. Don’t wait to be asked – but actively promote these

[Gary Forbes]

I agree Phill. It is bad enough right now, I really think we have to up our pace and as you say, revert to the old fashioned methods of knocking doors and leaflet drops. I will be honest, I don’t really see why people stopped these methods, ide much rather buy from a person than some random spam email from someone at the other end of the UK.

As you say, all businesses will be like us, desperate for work. so maybe now gives us the opportunity to knock their doors and be welcomed in. at a safe distance of course! :rollseyes:

Yes, I will also have signs up and all else I can think of that shows we are keeping with government guidelines. It’s also a good way to show we have these stickers should our customers need those too!

As you said, I have also started creating my covid signs for customers. I just dont want to be doing them for nothing as thats how i see them going already. Ide rather focus on vans and other more profitable income for my time, than hundreds of stickers going out for buttons. of course i cannot refuse the stickers work i am just concerned will be quickly devalued.
i read that the 2 metre rule is looking to be relaxed, does that mean all those stickers out there and the stock big companies are producing are now no longer required? :awkward:

[David Hammond]

I’m not jumping on the COVID-19 bandwagon. IMHO we’ve missed out on that.

When lockdown was introduced there was an urgent need for social distancing graphics.

Speed was more important than price, and most shops that were open were big companies and had that sorted pretty quickly. Same with the perspex screens.

People saw this, and now every man and his dog is selling them, possibly even bought in media just for it. I think the markets saturated. When lockdown is lifted, and I assume social distancing is the new norm, prices will drop, and it’ll be a commodity, like H&S signage. They need it, dont necessarily want it.

We’re doing a massive shift in our business, as I anticipate vehicle graphics will get increasingly competitive, with DIY kits advertised online, and the low barrier to entry for competition. You can work from a bedroom, and fit them on the customer drive.

Some customers are happy with that, others wont, and we’ve already put in place things to stop that kind of customer.

[Phill Fenton]

I’m intrigued to hear of your plans David and would love to learn more?

[David Hammond]

quote Larry Levitt:

You can’t provide everything to everyone. The math doesn’t work.

:thumbsup: