Show Help

Greg Nichols · 06-23-09, 08:42

Hey Gang:

I'm one of the sponsors for the largest car show in the state, and because I am they have given be a booth (outside 10x10) to showcase my detailing business. I need your imput to make this experience outstanding!

Questions:

1. What gets you to visit someone’s booth, sorry I don't have bikini clad women.

2. What should I have at my booth to showcase the business?

3. What about a handout/flyer with contact info and with something like the top detailing myths or detailing hints for the average person.

4. I have a 50$ gift card to give away, how best to use this for the business?

My ideas thus far:

1. I am going to have a car detailed 50/50 exterior and interior near the booth.

2. Some of my clients will bring exotic cars I've done to show in my space.

3. Use the gift card as a client card for call back after the show.

4. Sell some micro-fibers

5. Have a computer slide show of my portfolio as well as binders.

6. Have some tools of the trade out for discussion promoters.

Thanks in advance, and please keep your comments directed towards my concerns and ideas, rather than bashing someone’s ideas.

Cheers,
GREG

toyotaguy · 06-23-09, 10:54

pm'd you...

poorman's supra · 06-24-09, 12:24

When is it Greg??? I wouldn't mind showing up...

Devin P.

Twista616 · 06-24-09, 06:14

So many ideas...shoot me a PM, we can discuss

Got Wax · 06-24-09, 07:29

Depending on the show - I've done a few - IME, having a rare or WAY expensive car that runs with the show's theme (hot rod, exotic, etc) would draw passers by. Maybe you could find a show entry that may have a car not in the show that you could service during the show??

Andy

nontoxic · 06-24-09, 03:30

I think you have alot of good ideas. I would make up some professional looking signs for your customer's cars that you have detailed.( Detailing by...See me at my booth) This way you are showcasing work that you have already done and benefit by the word of mouth as well. Good luck.

poorman's supra · 06-24-09, 03:45

^^ thats a good idea.. Also If you couldn't park a couple cars that you've worked on around your booth give the owners a hand full of bussness cards to put under the front wiper arms for people to pick up while walking around the car..

Greg Nichols · 06-24-09, 04:21

The Show is July 3rd and 4th! Call me would love to have your supra there!

Keep the ideas coming!

GREG

PaintPolisher · 06-24-09, 11:02

Here are my thoughts and what I do at shows. Let us know what did and did not work at your show.

You’re doing a 4th of July show. How cool. Go with the theme.

Use a couple of flags, maybe some 4th of July helium balloons.

Go out and get some cheap bunting for your display at your local party store. This stuff catches people’s eyes and lures them in. Your first detail will cover these costs plus they are company expense items.

I do a display booth for indoor and outdoors car show’s and water conservation events showing Optimum Eco-Friendly car care products and my detailing services.

I bring:
My bride or a buddy to keep me company and make sure stuff does not leave the table
2 - 2'x4' plastic tables
2 chairs to relax in when we can
Business cards - hundreds
My own cooler with coke just in case there is not a vendor around with cold refreshments.

Packs of gum [you will be talking much more than normal] to help keep me from going hoarse.
SPF 30 sun stuff
Wide brim hat
Sunglasses
My own flyers showing water consumption using ONR verses automatic car washes and at home hose washing.
Product informational handouts

My own policy – I do NOT sell product on the spot.

It is just a pain to sell product [paperwork, taxes, cash, credit card all take up time with one customer] while at the front of my display they are 10 deep looking for answers.

I explain to customers that they send me an email when they place their order saying they were at THIS SHOW and I will ship for free. If they are going to have me perform my detailing services on their car I will give them $20 off when I do the service. I also have a sign saying the same thing.

Couple sizes of each product on the tables
My company banner
Double sided sticky tape to hold banner to the tables, I use Shurtape Hold Strong from Lowe’s.
Small note pad that fits into your pocket to take names and numbers
Couple of pens
My camera – you never know when something cool might happen!

I do wear my bright red work apron – where I keep my note pad, some business cards and a pen along with a MF towel sticking out of one of the pockets.

In case of showers or wind I bring along zip lock baggies for the business cards and handouts.

On my display is my car washing give away package that includes 1 - 3 gallon plastic pail, 1 - 8oz. ONR, 1 - Lowe’s grout sponge, 2 MF towels and a couple of business cards all in the pail with a sign telling them that I have donated two of these car washing packages that are being given away by the main organization. So enter their drawing.

I have tried to do the computer slide show and a video but the sun just washes out the screen so I gave up.

Hand soap

Be upbeat, smile a lot and most of all have fun!
al

salty · 06-25-09, 12:09

Looks like you've done this a few times PaintPolisher, some good info.

And have lots of hot chicks!

odgaard · 06-25-09, 01:45

i did a show and rented a popcorn machine, made tons of people come to my booth

10x10 is not big at all. i have a 10x10 pop up that i put up to display my banner. Here is a picture of me at the last show:

Business cards, flyers with your information, etc.

If you sell a product, have customers sign up for a raffle. That way you get their contact information even if they dont buy anything.

PaintPolisher · 06-25-09, 01:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by salty

Looks like you've done this a few times PaintPolisher, some good info.

And have lots of hot chicks!

Yep, I have done a few of these shows. I really have a blast talking cars and car care.

Generally the show sponsor’s send the local media over to my display because I am an easy interview and fun to talk with. Free PR for me.

Forgot to mention that if we have had showers or showers are in the forecast I bring along fatigue mats that I set in front of my display and have some where I stand behind the display so people can keep their shoes dry. Used for outdoors.

Indoors & outdoors I bring the fatigue mats just for us behind the display to save our legs. Lot’s of standing.

Anybody in the Atlanta area need someone to display about Eco-Friendly water conservation which is my main theme. Have tables will travel.
al