Need help with marketing new (old)biz

[Disco Dan Richter]

As many of you may know, I am a builder by trade, own a garage company moreover. I am now going to all lower 48 states, by partial building and then shipping to all states, the garage package. Everything will be pre-cut and labeled, and have a dvd on the assembly, and also the option of us building it as well.

The problem: how does one market this nationally? I thought of outdoor tv channel advertisements, and outdoor hunting/fishing mags, but then if I get too busy, how do I handle the load? I do believe this has a chance to be really big, so I want to be serious about the advise.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

 

[jecornel]

You need to do multiple things.
Talk to SBA,
go to the national convention,
go visit the competition,
look how a similar product markets their product.
Alot of foot work and knocking on doors also.
If it was easy everybody would be doing it.

By just your thread here its hard to figure out what you are selling. Are you selling a turnkey garage?
Erik

 

[racingpit]

I sent you a PM.

 

[Disco Dan Richter]

Unfortunalty, I cannot build it turn key, but can provide the materials. I can frame it, so the only thing left to do is finish, but because of every state having different laws on contracting, it is difficult to finish completley in all states.

This is for the do-it-yourselfer, those who are somewhat good with instructions, and good thinkers. It will save costs on labor, as well as provide the owner with a sense of pride by doing it without hiring expensive contractors.(some at least)

I will also need dealers in time.

These will also be available in Canada.

 

[sd900climber]

In order to reach a national audience you need to use an appropriate medium.

But, first and foremost, with any business you have to develop a brand, consisting of your logo and tagline. You will use your brand in every marketing component across a broad range and eventually potential customers will be able to distiguish your company from others simply by your branding. So, needless to say that is a very important step. And the Nikes and Levis of the world don't have them just for show.

Next you have to identify which marketing tools will be the most succesful at reaching your target audience. Obviously to achieve reaching a national audience, you have to use mediums that can reach a broach range of potential customers, i.e. websites, television advertisements, trade shows, etc.

It really comes down to identifying what will get you the most bang for your buck.

I work for a full-service ad agency so if you want to talk more, shoot me a PM and we can talk.

 

[AZ800]

Just playing devil's advocate here, but how could it possibly be more economical to buy a garage that was fabbed in MN and have it trucked all the way to the east or west coast, than to buy the materials locally or have a local prefab outfit frame one up?
Especially w/ the cost of fuel these days, flatbeds are going for $4-5/loaded mile. Ship one 1500mi, that adds up to $6000-7500 to the cost of a garage, when the materials for a 2 to 2-1/2 car garage only cost that much to begin with and local delivery from the lumber yard is free. Of course the fdn, slab, exc, electrical, insul, etc are all on top of this.
Yes you save some cutting and layout w/ your package, but the walls can't be pre-built and sided or you'd need a crane to set them. Roof trusses are dime a dozen anywhere and no cutting or difficult layout needed.
Don't take any of this the wrong way, I'm just posing some feasibility questions.
I'm not looking to get into the garage business, but I'd welcome a PM from you if there's some trick to this that I'm not seeing that you don't want to make public.

 

[decarls]

wondering the same thing, i'm only a couple hours from where these are mfgd and was wondering how they could make any money / or me save money buy buying one.

 

[Disco Dan Richter]

Good questions guys, the whole plan is to go to a dealer program, whereas the dealer takes care of the hauling, ie-each state will have it's own dealer, thus a shorter distance to drive and deliver. The other question you had was cost of the actual building. I said this before, and will say it again, it is for the do-it-yourselfer. Wall panels pre-framed. All sheathing, siding, trusses etc... will be pre-cut and ready for assembly. And not to mention, a dvd with step by step instructions on how to do so. Money is made by offering a partially built product that the homeowner can finish.
How many builders do this? NONE! How many lumberyards do this? NONE! It is only at the beginning stages, but it will work. I have had for years, several requests for it, just never thought of doing it. If a guy can get enough in MT and MN, where I work already, that will be where I focus, then grow once the funds are secured.

I figure, I can send out a 3 car garage for 3-5,000.00 less than what a builder will do it for. Of course, that depends on the area.

Wouldnt that be worth it?

 

[decarls]

gotcha, i certainly don't have any ideas or expertice but good luck. if you ever need gutters put on anything pm me. i'm in the aitkin area.

 

[snow_knight]

Sd900.. is right on the branding.. this has to be established first.. now I know that you arent going to have a huge name at first but you need all the items in line to do so when that time comes... One of the biggest thing that goes with branding is word-of-mouth... this can really make or break your business as most know.. So something you are going to have to identify is forseen problems in your systems when they are actually at the jobsite being assembled..

You mentioned using a medium such as the outdoor channel, mags, etc... This is a very good idea.. however you will find it to be quite expensive.. advertising and marketing shouldnt tie up all of the funding for your business.. Like stated before.. word-of-mouth.. its the cheapest and best form of advertising if its positive..

Another item that you will need to be thinking about.. is two things.. what if this business fails??... and what if this business really succeeds???... There is a local guy here that I have helped out a little... He developed some tool trailors that are really cool and cutting edge.. however he didnt market them for a couple years.. now that he has.. he is around 2-3 years behind on production with his current facility.. this in turn is loosing him sales because of the wait.. <by this, are you in a situation where you can expand?.. will it be cost effective for you??..


Well I will keep it a little short.. but if you would like to continue this chat or need more info p.m. me... I can run you through advertising costs and different medium options..

Also if you are still looking for some dealers.. give me some info on it.. I would be willing to do western sd and eastern wy...

thanks rocky