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Old 02-14-2008
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Default Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
Many months ago I learned of a girl who advertises her business with car magnets and vehicle card pockets. She buys her car magnets off eBay and the vehicle card pockets from a company in Canada.

I bought the vehicle card pockets for my own car but have not yet put them on my car. I am also shopping around for a place to buy my car magnets.

This is an inexpensive way to get your name out there. The vehicle card pockets have a flip top lid to keep your cards out of the harmful effects of rain, sleet and snow. However, it is advised that you purchase coated business cards since uncoated cards will fade from the sun.

Below is the link to the vehicle card pockets. You can see that they stick on your car (with apparently harmless adhesive). Your business magnets will be seen by anyone who sees your car. The cool thing is the card pocket. It really attracts attention. The benefit is this; when your car is parked in the mall or grocery store and someone sees your magnet and cards, it is easy for them to just take your business card. People don't always have a pen and paper handy to write down your business info so having the cards accessible is a real plus.

I asked the girl if she had trouble with people *cleaning her out of cards* and she said no. I was concerned about kids taking all the cards. (you know, just for fun) She said she has never had a problem with that and she's had the magnets and card pockets on her car for 2 years.

I'll post a photo once I get my magnets and card pocket on my own car!

See the pockets here: http://www.vehiclecardpockets.com/
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Old 02-14-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
Great tip Shari!

I recently saw a car that had those sticky vinyl letters up on their back window, advertising a home business, they had their company name, tagline and URL all up there in stylized fonts - I have no idea where to get that kind of thing (any idea?) but it was a really neat way to promote the biz. Car magnets and card pockets are a great idea!
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Old 02-14-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
I am so leary about anyone being close to my car so I don't think I could do the card pocket thing. I have seen the magnets and I think they are a big hit.
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Old 02-14-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
Originally Posted by Tess View Post
Great tip Shari!

I recently saw a car that had those sticky vinyl letters up on their back window, advertising a home business, they had their company name, tagline and URL all up there in stylized fonts - I have no idea where to get that kind of thing (any idea?) but it was a really neat way to promote the biz. Car magnets and card pockets are a great idea!
Hi Tess,

I can't recommend any *one* company but if you do a Google search for customized vinyl car decals or customized vinyl vehicle decals you will find a great assortment of companies.
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Old 02-15-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
My family has had these done before for a company we previously owned. We had ours done at Fast Signs which is local to the Kansas City area but any place that makes signs can do them. Have you seen signs on the side of the road for childcare and the like that are on corragated plastic? This lettering is made out of the same material that can be applied to your car window. It comes off easily with a razor blade.

Make it a great day!

Sundi

PS - forgot to mention the sign is of course a tax deduction and to check with your tax advisor on being able to write off some of your car for advertising purposes too! Legalities may depend on the business you are advertising...
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Old 02-15-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
Originally Posted by Sundi View Post
My family has had these done before for a company we previously owned. We had ours done at Fast Signs which is local to the Kansas City area but any place that makes signs can do them. Have you seen signs on the side of the road for childcare and the like that are on corragated plastic? This lettering is made out of the same material that can be applied to your car window. It comes off easily with a razor blade.

Make it a great day!

Sundi

PS - forgot to mention the sign is of course a tax deduction and to check with your tax advisor on being able to write off some of your car for advertising purposes too! Legalities may depend on the business you are advertising...
Tax deduction - GREAT! So not only can you write off your mileage, then you could write off some of your other car expenses? That's awesome!

Great tip on the magnetic signs! Thanks!
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Old 02-18-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
Vehicle card pockets ... I love it! Who'd a thunk it?
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Old 02-18-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
Hi Shari,

I have done a website decal for my back window. They run about $25.00.

When I have it on I have to remember not cut anyone off :-)

All the best,
Julie Barnes
Let's Coordinate, LLC
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Old 02-21-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
I use a car magnet, and I was very pleasantly surprised at how effective it was. Just from the time that I had run my errands during the week, I had received several inquiries.
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Old 02-25-2008
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Default Re: Marketing tip for a shoestring budget
Originally Posted by Tess View Post
Great tip Shari!

I recently saw a car that had those sticky vinyl letters up on their back window, advertising a home business, they had their company name, tagline and URL all up there in stylized fonts - I have no idea where to get that kind of thing (any idea?) but it was a really neat way to promote the biz. Car magnets and card pockets are a great idea!
Go to quotethewalls.com. This is run by another work at home mom. She has done these decal letters for lots of mom operated/home based businesses on another forum that I'm on.

By the way, she is also in Arizona!
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