Marketing

Topspin101 · 10-23-2012, 04:11 PM

How do you market your services? What has been the most successful approach? Tennis Clubs offer their own stringing as do most retailers. Cards left on courts disappear. Any surefire ideas?

Thanks/Don

zapvor · 10-23-2012, 04:35 PM

word of mouth is best

Topspin101 · 10-23-2012, 06:47 PM

Word of mouth works. I need a Pro endorsement. Johnny Mc owes me big. At 12 I parked cars in my friends driveway in Forest Hills. Maybe he will see this post and let me string him up when he plays in Surprise, AZ this winter.

Don

fortun8son · 10-24-2012, 12:14 AM

Word of mouth works well, but it takes time for the snowball effect.
You can saturate craigslist.
You won't get many hits, but each one will be one more than you had before and they'll tell others.

Topspin101 · 10-24-2012, 06:28 AM

A list of email addys from the local clubs would be killer! Thanks for the help.

Don

cluckcluck · 10-24-2012, 08:26 AM

I use craigslist and word of mouth. Generally what I do, is for my HS players, I tell them I'll knock off $5 on labor for every person they refer.

Topspin101 · 10-24-2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cluckcluck

I use craigslist and word of mouth. Generally what I do, is for my HS players, I tell them I'll knock off $5 on labor for every person they refer.

Great idea re: HS players! Thanks.

cluckcluck · 10-24-2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspin101

Great idea re: HS players! Thanks.

No problem. I have also been pondering another idea, a punch card or some sort of frequent string club. For example, get 5 string jobs and 6th is free* (*minus cost of string). Something like that, build customer loyalty.

Wikky · 10-24-2012, 09:38 PM

Word of mouth is big, from my experience email lists are the best. However these are hard to come by since you can't exactly walk into a club and ask if you can get their current email list.

If you play a lot or are in an area with leagues try to get into a management position where these lists would be available. A lot of people might suggest something like "first racquet is free" but don't do it, they just see you as a handout and will go back to their old service.

Irvin · 10-25-2012, 05:58 AM

If you are going to be using email for promoting your stringing I would make sure you let people know how they can be removed form you mailing list. I would also not send out emails with everyone's email address visible to everyone. That is exactly how some people collect valid email addresses for spamming. If you BCC everyone no one sees anyone else's email address.

Topspin101 · 10-25-2012, 07:42 AM

Thanks all. Some good tips. Keep 'em coming!

Don

coachrick · 10-25-2012, 01:55 PM

I never cared for the frequent stringer program. Unless you keep perfect computer records, there's always a chance at a mix-up. Plus, you're effectively telling the customer that you 'could' discount each stringing by 10-20%, but you'd rather not.

I tried to go out of my way with turnaround times, drop-offs at league matches, restrings for anything remotely resembling defective string or stringer error, etc.

Careful how you use the email lists...a club REALLY wouldn't want to find out you spammed their membership when Suzie behind the desk let you have the list. Things have changed over the years, but quality work that inspires customers to refer others to you is still the best way to build your business organically. It's not like you're some big box trying to keep a half-dozen stringers busy every day. Honestly, I didn't want folks 'walking in off the street' for my personal stringing business. It's easier to avoid the headache customers if the new referral has to make a 'connection' to get to you.

fortun8son · 10-26-2012, 01:23 AM

Most cities also have Tennis Meetup internet sites.
'Twould be wise to join one.
Also check your local, municipal Parks and Rec.
Perhaps they may need help at small tournaments, or an on-site stringer.

max · 10-26-2012, 06:17 AM

Wow. Some really very excellent advice here! Tops entirely.

Irvin · 10-26-2012, 11:09 AM

Here is one I have never seen. Open a Facebook account and invite your friends and tennis players you know to be your friend. make a post every few days with a tennis tip. if you set up your icon with some thought your can let every one know your string rackets. any be a photo of you stringing or standing by your stringer. Whatever you do don't be a spammer so post too much. When others comment on your port their friends see it like a snowball effect.

treblings · 10-26-2012, 11:59 AM

i´ve followed the thread and like to add something from a consumers viewpoint.
i would like my stringer to be up to date with new strings, hybrids, new trends like low tension on polys, etc. i know a guy who strings very well but has maybe 4 different strings he sells and if you talk about solinco, msv, and other names he has probably never heard of them.
i want my stringer to be as passionate about the game as i am

cluckcluck · 10-26-2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treblings

i´ve followed the thread and like to add something from a consumers viewpoint.
i would like my stringer to be up to date with new strings, hybrids, new trends like low tension on polys, etc. i know a guy who strings very well but has maybe 4 different strings he sells and if you talk about solinco, msv, and other names he has probably never heard of them.
i want my stringer to be as passionate about the game as i am

To add to this, a stringer should be able to consult his customers. Not just a "what tension do you want?" stringer, but more of a "if you tend to hit the ball long, we should consider tightening up your tension." or "when do the strings feel the best? Right after stringing, before they break, in between these two?"

Topspin101 · 10-26-2012, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treblings

i´ve followed the thread and like to add something from a consumers viewpoint.
i would like my stringer to be up to date with new strings, hybrids, new trends like low tension on polys, etc. i know a guy who strings very well but has maybe 4 different strings he sells and if you talk about solinco, msv, and other names he has probably never heard of them.
i want my stringer to be as passionate about the game as i am

Your stringer may find it difficult to inventory the "latest and greatest" strings. I agree he should be informed but if he does a good job, as stated, and is consistent, buy your own strings and pay his labor rate.....

Don

zapvor · 10-26-2012, 06:25 PM

inventory can be an issue but thats minor. the service is key

zapvor · 10-27-2012, 04:46 PM

hey-i know you are new here, but its against rules to post about a retail competitor.

10-23-2012, 04:11 PM	#1
Topspin101 Rookie Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 106	Marketing How do you market your services? What has been the most successful approach? Tennis Clubs offer their own stringing as do most retailers. Cards left on courts disappear. Any surefire ideas? Thanks/Don

10-23-2012, 04:35 PM	#2
zapvor Legend Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: tennis courts Posts: 7,969	word of mouth is best __________________ Member of TW MAC. yes, we are better than you. and we bout to hop on a court to make another 'mil

10-24-2012, 12:14 AM	#4
fortun8son Hall Of Fame Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: The Desert Posts: 3,008	Word of mouth works well, but it takes time for the snowball effect. You can saturate craigslist. You won't get many hits, but each one will be one more than you had before and they'll tell others. __________________ Neos 1000, Eagnas Combo 810 Member USRSA

10-24-2012, 08:26 AM	#6
cluckcluck Hall Of Fame Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Between the baseline and netcord. Posts: 1,661	I use craigslist and word of mouth. Generally what I do, is for my HS players, I tell them I'll knock off $5 on labor for every person they refer. __________________ Bullfan, "Bull rap, there is video evidence." and "Dude it's on the Internet, and hasn't been hidden."

10-24-2012, 09:38 PM	#9
Wikky Rookie Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Big Rapids, MI Posts: 216	Word of mouth is big, from my experience email lists are the best. However these are hard to come by since you can't exactly walk into a club and ask if you can get their current email list. If you play a lot or are in an area with leagues try to get into a management position where these lists would be available. A lot of people might suggest something like "first racquet is free" but don't do it, they just see you as a handout and will go back to their old service. __________________ "I knit with fence wire for a living" .... its as exciting as it sounds.

10-26-2012, 06:17 AM	#14
max Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,336	Wow. Some really very excellent advice here! Tops entirely. __________________ Trustworthy - Loyal - Helpful - Friendly - Courteous - Kind - Obedient - Cheerful - Thrifty - Brave - Clean - Reverent