Unusual Sales Gimmicks

A catalog of hundreds of unusual sales gimmicks used by marketers and selling professionals world wide (plus comments on why some don't work.)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Customer Appreciation Extravaganza

Everyone likes a party, with several profit-boosting event marketing ideas already, this one goes back to basics. When was the last time you told your best customers 'Thank You'? You can, should, and can profit from doing just that.

Hire a speaker to share unusual sales gimmicks, a magician, an entertainer, or some other guest your customers want to hear from. Invite channel partners, your best customers, even let them bring a guest. If you really want results here, even feed them.

Now during your customer appreciation event, you've entertained and now the main course. Instead of boring customers and their guests with talk about you, feature your best customers and vendors with an award ceremony. Let them here how much your best customers enjoy doing business with you and sincerely show your appreciation.

© 2009 Unusual Sales Gimmicks, All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Host a Scavenger Hunt

What a rejected New Zealand suitor did that could buzz up your business bottom line? Paul Holewa reports how a man after his wedding proposal was rejected by his girlfriend used Twitter for a scavenger hunt to give away the expensive wedding ring.

Paul suggests the scavenger hunt idea for a Jeweler to use in marketing, but you can go so much further. Imagine hiding hints around your showroom, across town with partner businesses, in your trade show both, and other places you want prospects peeking.

You don't even need to hide something related to your business, just make every hint relevant to what your buyers need to know to purchase. Motivated buyers respond to adventure. With a strong prize for the right audience, the right publicity, and your scavenger hunt will draw in prospects for your database quickly.

© 2009 Unusual Sales Gimmicks, All rights reserved.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Create an Industry Event

Because your buyers want information, resources, and insight from their industry (right or wrong), why not give it to them. With this sales gimmick you are the ring master, by hosting an industry event for your customers you can bring together more buyers for fewer dollars.

You choose either a city-to-city tour, or just in your home town, create a trade show or expo for your very best target customers. Invite other companies who complement what you offer, share the costs, and you get huge amounts of free advertising.

This kind of event is news worthy, a great lead generation source, and an opportunity to pick the brains of your prospective customers. Include training, product demonstrations, and even a bit of fun -- invite those who matter, but make it all about your prospects.

© 2009 Unusual Sales Gimmicks, All rights reserved.