WAHM Forums

a catalog?


Do you all mail out catalogs when someone requests one or send them to your website? Whether it's for the business info, purchasing products, or both.


I ask because if the website has all the information, it definitely saves you on replacing your catalogs and mailing costs.Woulditnot be more pratical to keep your books for your parties?


Don't get me wrong I am not cheap by any means, but running any type of business requires managing it as best as possible.


I am interested in hearing how you handle this part of your business.


Thanks!Edited by: PQMom

Hi Sandra!


Great question!


I always send out a catalog if someone requests one. I figure if they don't order now, maybe they will keep the catalog and order when it's a better time for them.


Also, some people aren't as computer savvy as others, and are very unlikely to go to the website and order. My grandparents are that way. They can go online and look at things, but don't ask them to make an online purchase of anything or you'll be in big trouble! It's just not something they do.


I can't wait to hear everyone else's answer!

I tell them first that I have a website and give them that url. Then I ask if they still want a catalog, I also like to get an email/number. That way I can get back to them and ask what they thought.





cindy





build your sales, NETWORK


http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/buildyoursales/

At this point in our business, I am just starting a list of catalogs to send out when we get them, but I would do both really.

Our sites won't allow ordering online so they'll need to contact me anyway. Might as well send a catalog so they have my contact info right there.

Brenda P.

Hi Melissa and Cindy,


What great responses!


Melissa: you are so right and made a great point about some people not being so computer savvy, so the catalog would be helpful in conjuction with looking at the website!


Cindy: great point about getting an email/number for follow up, of course!


Thank you for sharing.

Brenda that makes perfect sense. Not all sites have an online ordering option, so a catalog is necessary.


Thanks for bring that point up!!!

BeautiControl has a direct mailing program that sends out product guides to my clients in January and August. I really like this feature! It is cheaper than mailing them myself and the company has my contact info on the guides.


I do mail out product guides to anyone requesting one. I put a sticky note in them with a 10% discount when they place their first order. That has worked well for me.

I don't send out catalogs unless someone requests one after I have sent them to my website where they can download our catalog and see all the products and business info on the website. Our catalogs don't have the biz info in them so I direct them to that part of the website.


I do 99% of my business online so almost all business opp requests come via email and I like to show my prospects how easy and affordable it is to run the business.


I'm not opposed to sending out catty's and info after talking to a prospect a few timeshowever I have found over the past 6 years that when Ihave sentthem out and follow up they have lost the info or are no longer interested.


So it really dependssmileys/smiley2.gif

Great topic!


I have to say I like a lot of the responses here but the one that stuck out to me the most was this one:

I tell them first that I have a website and give them that url. Then I ask if they still want a catalog, I also like to get an email/number. That way I can get back to them and ask what they thought.


(Just my opinion, lol) But I think this is the best way to handle this. Some people may not be aware that you have a website or know that they can order from it. So, I usually say something along the lines of ....


Dear Julie,
Thanks for your interest in *my company*. If you let me know your mailing address, I can send a catalog right out to you. However, I did want to mention that we do have a website at *URL* that you can take a look at and even order if you'd like. If you'd still like a catalog, please let me know and I'll get one right out to you.


Heck, I *live* on the computer and do a lot of online shopping but there still times (depending on the company) that I will request and actual catalog to browse over better. So, sometimes customers just rather the printed catalog.


Again ... just my opinion, lol.


Take care,
Anita smileys/smiley17.gif

Thats one great thing about Linen World...we get reimbursed for supplies weuse eachmonth...it is based on how many parties you turn in. We get a voucher the next month and all we pay is the shipping. I'm talking catalogs, invites, flyers, even hostess packs! It's one of the perks that helped me make my decision to join LW. My commission check is truly my commission check!! They will also send info packets out if you give them a name and address...so you don't even pay the postage! Gotta love it..great topic BTW!


Lisa

Great topic! I ditto on sending them a catalog!


I keep a list and follow up with them as well! Follow up is important. Not intentionally, but we tend to get busy in our daily routine and often push things aside. A gentle reminder is a great way to learn where your customer stands~


Good luck! smileys/smiley17.gif

Well, if they won't give me a phone number, they get notta. I'm stingy! :-) Actually, I've just seen to many walk out the door without people returning my calls.


So I really do case by case. I email them back and ask to do a phone interview first, and ask them a few questions about themselves. If they don't respond, I won't send out anything. I want a phone number.


If they email me back and say I want to see something first, then I will ask them a few personal questions. If they respond again, the catalog goes out, they are serious and we have a rapport.


I will send one out to anyone who I talk to first if they request it, but most people who want to sign up, just do it that week.


Just my 2 cents,


Debbie

Thanks for sharing your 2 cents worth Debbie!!!


I do agree with the phone interview and doing case by case. After all we are building a business and just like an employer, why not interview whom we will possibly work with on a team.


It's all about using our time wisely and effectively to continue growing a successful business, not matter what it is.


Ladies: Wow, the responses have been absolutely wonderful and the best part is that we can tweak how we handle this part of our business with the tips that have been shared here.


Keep them coming....


Thanks,


Sandra smileys/smiley32.gif

Hi,


Here's my two cents worth from the other side (the person requesting the catalog). I go to the website look at theproducts and the comp plan. IfI look what I see I call the company. I tell the company that I amtalking with a repand would they mind sending me a catalog.


I do this fortwo reasons, I get to talk to people at the company, see how they handle requests and I ask questions about the company. Also, when I follow up with a rep I like to have catalog in hand and talk to them about their products.


My second reason, even though I know that a rep doesn't mind sending a catalog, why should they. It costs them money. I would rather they keep their catalogs for local events and or parties.


Just my two cents worth.


Irene

Great, idea Irene! You get the catalog from the company, but let
the company know you are already in contact with someone! Perfect!
Especially when some company catalogs are pricey!



I think it is important for a customer or potential consultant to see a
catalog up close because it lets them see how proffessional (or not)
the company is. I have seen some beautiful catalogs from
companies, and some that are not so great!



I love your idea. smileys/smiley32.gif

Great point Cherly,


Ijust want saythat even though some catalogs may not be the best in appearance, it may or may not reflect the product to it's truest form. It doesn't mean a company is or isn't professional enough, but everyone will have an opinion on this.


For example: Cool Sets, in my opinion, is not the best catalog I've seen and I am a consultant saying this, but when people see the line of products and learn about the benefits,they are just extremely impressed. Ihave senta small fabric sample, after initial phone contact, which they can touch, feel and see first hand! The responses are, Wow! Plus I haven't had any negative feedback from them.


I personally don't judgea company by the qualtiy of the catalog, but by the quality of the product.


Just me 2 cents....


Sandra

Irene,


Great way of handling this situation!


So glad you shared that with us.


Sandra smileys/smiley1.gif

I'd have to agree strongly with Debbie on this one! I always get follow-up information, and I judge them all case by case - I've had people request a large catalog at fairs, etc. and I'll say sure - that will be $1 - that will be refunded with your first order. That weeds out the ones who are truly interested!


But, if I do have someone who is interested in hosting a party or in the business, I will give out catalogs - it's just those people who think they are doing you a favor by taking your catalog.


I wish there were more customers like Irene - I like her way of thinking!!


Nora

Irene,

That is great!! Thank you for sharing that with us.smileys/smiley4.gif