I came from the beauty industry, so I know the perils of liberally applied discounts. However, to build a client base, I was considering using strategic discounts to hook specific clients, ie:
a) Recurring- marketing packages
b) Temping agency users
c) Regional clientele.

I drafted these mini-coupons just to get my ideas out- are they too- loud, liberal, aggressive- in your opinion?

Thanks in advance!

If I would look at this without knowing your business I would think it was some kind of food industry based on the cherry.

Not sure about the colors maybe it is the black outline around the name that is throwing me off, just not sure.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Yes, I'm not sure of the purpose of the cherry and the black lines around the letters looks harsh

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Julia

Originally Posted by leedrozak

If I would look at this without knowing your business I would think it was some kind of food industry based on the cherry. Not sure about the colors maybe it is the black outline around the name that is throwing me off, just not sure.

Originally Posted by Prime Admin Solutions

Yes, I'm not sure of the purpose of the cherry and the black lines around the letters looks harsh

Thank you for the feedback- looking at something with your own eyes is a bit difficult after a while.

I know the consensus is mixed, but has anyone had success with special offers to kick-start? I used to do facials, so I know devaluing a service is a big concern.

I re-worked it, but I could just ditch the idea. I'm really just playing around with branding.

Anyway, thanks again! (re-design)

I think your question about discounts devaluing your product is an excellent one. Some would say don't offer them. Maybe try to come up with some other kind of offer. I know it's hard, when your 'product' is service. What about putting a little info about (or list of) what you do on the coupon, along with the offer of a *free initial consultation* ... or maybe "Visit my website for free download." There are alternatives to the discount that can be just as successful in attracting attention.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

I have to agree with the comments about the cherry.

I would suggest offering something that you can attach a dollar value to, for instance

1 hour of free services, that's at $40 value.

Or free inital consultation, regularly $40 or whatever your hourly rate is.

Hello,

First, congrats on your business, and welcome aboard.

1. I agree with the others that you should eliminate the cherry. The first coupon where it says "Taste Test Discount" may be confusing as well, it would make me think you were running a food catering business.

2. Third coupon where it says "Pre-launch incentive" - perhaps you could consider adding a bit more of details. My first impression with this one was "pre-launch what?" so maybe consider something like "New Business Pre-launch" or something similiar.

3. I like the earlier suggestion of including dollar values. We like to think how much we save!

Good luck and keep us posted on how it worked out for you!

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Brenda A. Jones
www.brevos.com

I agree w/ the other posters' comments. Ditch the cherry, for sure.

In the first coupon there were a few typos.

I don't think it is a bad thing to discount services. A lot of companies use this strategy to "get them in the door" so they can get an idea of what you have to offer. Once they realize that your service is of real value to them, they won't mind paying full price.

I'm doing something similar to you - offering 20% off my normal hourly rate - minimum of 2 hours and max of 4 hours with the normal rate applied thereafter.

I think the next version of your coupon looked a lot better, in regular B&W.

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Kari Thevenot, Virtual Assistant
www.yourlefthand.net

I love the coupon without the cherry as well. I sell avon and give free products away. I'm not sure that it has helped me get additional business. Perception is everything so I would start with the receive a free consulation $40 value tip.