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Research Help: Attracting More Business

The TVClubHouse: Archives: 2004 January - Arpil: Research Help: Attracting More Business users admin

Author Message
Lkunkel
Member

10-29-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 12:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Hi, all!

I just received an assignment from my editor for a trade publication. This publication will go to the owners of Packing and Shipping places (The UPS Store, Postal Express, etc.).

The assignment is to discuss how the establishments could attract more business from the artistic community--for example, offering photocopies on acid-free paper.

What would you like to see from your neighborhood packing store?

Lkunkel
Member

10-29-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 3:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Another example I thought of was offering Customer Loyalty Plans and carrying more shipping tubes.

Jagger
Member

08-07-2002

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 5:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Well I never use these services because I mail everything from work, but if I did use a service like that I would want them to keep a file of all my activities, like when and what I sent to who. For all I know they probably do this already.

I would also want them to be open 24 hours a day, and offer both local and county wide overnight or same day delivery of packages.

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 5:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I wish I could help you out with this, but I have never set foot into a place like that. Could be because I am just a SAHM though. When I am sending something it is just to the grandparents usually and I just run out to Target for all my supplies then send it off to the post office. I have a fax machine at home so no worries there either.
Sorry, I know I am no help...just wish I could be....this board has been so helpful to me on so many issues.

Sherrie
Member

11-23-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 6:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Laurie - that is a tough one. What about free home pick up in a 10 mile radius? Good Luck on your project!

Karuuna
Member

08-31-2000

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 6:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
For the true artistic community? You need to advertising temperature controlled shipping, moisture proof packaging, acid & ligin free materials, tarnish proof packing, non-synthetic packing, packing that will guarantee the art pieces won't get scratched.

Maybe what you need to do is offer them specs on how to package different kinds of art materials, since paintings require different packaging types than bronzeworks.

Also, maybe they could carry some commonly used art supplies as a sideline?

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 6:28 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
What about file transfer compatibility/access in the appropriate software programs? So the UPS Store could print/mail/deliver something on their end from a file sent to them? That's what their competitors can do (Sprint, etc). They must be at least competitive with resources.

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 6:38 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Lk, I worked in one and there were several features I find lacking in the 'other' stores. We offered boxes for sale in odd sizes for use in home moving and such along with the packing boxes for shipment. We sold bags of 'popcorn/peanuts' and bubble wrap in various bubble sizes. We also offered a gift wrapping service for presents being shipped. Everything we packed for shipping was guaranteed and insured.

Having an up to date all occasion card assortment was nice. Most places have a small area where you can finish writing your address on your package, but an expanded area complete with pens, scissors, scotch tape etc helps. Having the priority mail boxes and envelopes readily available for the customer to grab instead of behind the counter frees up the clerk, too. A zip code book, map of the world on the wall, weight scale for lettersize mail and a copier in the lobby would be handy to the customer. A stamp machine with single stamps, too. As an added bonus, several wall clocks set with different time zones.


Lkunkel
Member

10-29-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 6:44 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Great ideas, everyone! I appreciate this a lot!

Colossus
Member

10-04-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 7:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Start by looking at what PIP & Kinkos does in the electronic and shipping world. Then add in Karuuna's wonderful ideas

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 7:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
How about a bright cheerful store? I've been in many such stores and they are usually drab. A pleasant environment would make a big difference.
You could offer coupons for free photocopies, or free gift wrapping. That might attract a lot of people along with artists.

Max
Member

08-12-2000

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 11:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Computers where I can bring a disk containing my artwork and then set it up for printing on a color copier. Some good quality white cotton paper to print it on, along with some color choices and maybe some specialty papers (like for making transfers, printing on canvas, etc.). Customer loyalty cards -- get a punch every time you make x number of copies or spend x dollars.

These are things I need to do for some of my projects and that would be helpful. :-)

Justavice
Member

07-12-2003

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 11:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Following along with Max, (although this may be totally unrealistic)I think it would be great if they had more resources for photographers and ways of reproducing photographs and sending them safely, in "bend-free" containers. Or, to liven up the store, how about opening up the walls for gallery space? Or providing ways to turn art work and photography into greeting cards,stickers and stationary sets?