US Bank Wants To Put My Sign Up In There Banks

wackman

Got a call yesterday from the area manager of US Bank, who I bank with, and it seems that they'd like to put some of my signs up in the lobbys of some of their banks. I was surprised and asked what they had in mind. She said I was one of their important customers and were showing their appreciation for banking with them. WOW!

So now I'd like to come up with some sort of promotion for remodeling and custom homes but I have limited experience with marketing.

I was thinking something directed at people who refi or get a heloc as well as the normal customers. Maybe some sort of bonus, for the bank and individuals who work for the bank, for leads that become jobs from them.

Maybe bring them all lunch and explain the promotion and bonus/incentive program to them.

What do you guys think? All yer ideas, throw 'em at me!

POOLMANinCT

I see no need to throw a bone to any work you pull out of it.

if you provide a "special" to anybody limit it to bank employees.

the occasional bagel & coffe basket, is cheaper than lunch & people seem to get a kick out of breakfast. plus it leaves their lunch hr free..

why let the great publicity turn into a pay cut?

Second Look

Poolman's right. Accept the offer graciously without feeling a need to reciprocate. Part of the reason they want your ad up there is to help sell loans which makes money for the bank.

Don't be afraid to spend around $500 on graphic design and advertising copy services. If you don't have a logo, now might be a good time to get one.

__________________
Second Look home improvement www.SecondLookHome.com
Handyman and Home Repair Specialist in Rhode Island
RI Licensed Lead Safe Remodeler/Renovator, RI Registered & Insured Contractor

Ed the Roofer

No matter what the banks incentive to do this, I think it is a fantastic idea. I wish my bank would offer this. I have left discount flyers on the tables where customers fill out their slips and come back the next day and they are removed.

I will once again bring up the concept with them and see if they want to follow through with some sort of policy to establish some sort of criteria.

Thank them very much at the minimum.

Ed

wackman

I have a new graphic designer and he's working on all new business cards, graphics for the signs that go in front of the homes we build, shirts, caps etc...

I'm going to have him make some signs that look real professional and up to the same level of the banks stuff. I'm also going to make sure they can be used in places other than just this bank.

What kind of angle should I take? What do you think would read well and grab attention? I'm thinking primarily these would attract remodels and additions but I'd like them to know we build homes as well.

To the great and wise Marketing Masters...What would you do?

wackman

Good point.

CheckmateOhio

Wow, wish my bank would do that, I even framed the damn thing. I did get me name on the project sign though

woodmagman

Now that you know your bank trusts you with their customers, speak with the loans officer incharge of loans in your field of expertise and ask them if they would like to pay for half the cost if they put their name on the signage. Nothing looks better to the customer then referals. And a trusted referal from your own bank, Golddddddd

wackman

Do you mean the signs in front of our homes, the signs in front of the renovations or the signs inside their bank? Or all three?

vinylguy

i would jump all over this oppurtunity, but it won't last long cause some stupid guy will cry the blues about not being fair to other builders that bank their. so my sugesstion would be to run with it classy hard and fast. take pictures for your pitch book and photo album so you can show future customers this and tell a story. for the life of your company but don't be surprised inside a week or two if it don't come down. its tuff for the bank cause that little guy using them may not do your volume but someday he may and 100 little guys may leave that bank to go somewhere else thats not playing favorite why would i want to bank at a bank that gives all my potential customers your business? so run with hard and fast and milk it for all its worth and good luck!

Mike Finley

I don't think you need to over thing this one. I agree no kickbacks, none of that stuff, you already have the deal you don't need to sweeten it.

What are they saying you can do? A nice big easel with a poster size ad saying what you do, with one great picture on it and a brochure box attached to it would be my ideal. Usually they have something in mind, have they said anything to you about it?

Ed the Roofer

I agree with Mike. Except, rather than ask them what their limited vision might be, you should present them with 3 options you and you marketing/sign guy can come up with and present a professional image that reflects well on your relationship with your bank. If ou poster/sign/or whatever points out the similarity in quality remodeling/construction that you provide and supreme customer service, then relate that to your similar quality oriented experiences by being associated with your bank.

Here is something cheesy, but expand on this thought process.

Nice honest people like to deal with other nice honest people, thats why wackman company supports this bank. When you want a reliable banker, use U.S. Bank. When you want an honest wackjob, call wackman company. (I couldn't resist. )

Ed

wackman

I almost spit out my coffee I was laughing so hard!!

They said they'd like a sign pretty much exactly like you said Mike. I was already having new signs, cards and stuff made so I'll just have a few of these signs made too.

I like where you're going with the ad Ed, just wrap U.S. bank into the ad and that is a good trade off, we support them and they support us.

You know it's funny about the small guys getting pissed off and the bank yanking our signs, well, we are a realtively small outfit, that's partly why I was so surprised when they just called out of the blue.... I don't even know anyone that works there besides the couple times a month they see me when I go in to deposit checks. I will definitely run with it and if it only lasts a little while it's still great FREE advertising.

jmic

Vinylguy,
Thats exactly what I was thinking, about the bank opening up a can of worms. Wackman go with it while you can, good luck

__________________
___"Remember You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression"______________________
Joe