I need some advice on what advertising has worked best for you when you first opened your shop. I have done the obvious (brocheres and cards at sporting goods stores and butchershops) I tried newspaper ads and they didnt work. I have other taxidermists in my area but I feel I do better work than most. This past fall was my first year in business and I did not take in as many heads as I would have liked. I take pride in my work and feel I do Quality work. My problem is I need more work to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Tom,
Advertising can be a very fun part of running a business. I am enjoying it so much, that I am taking a few marketing/advertising classes while working towards my major of conservation management. And the best thing is, 90% of it can be done by yourself and a computer. There are many obvious places to advertise. This year I will be posting an ad in the Yellow Pages. Nothing fancy, just the regular 2 lined ad. Very cheap, yet effective. Hurry soon if you want to do this, it may be too late in most locations. Continue with the business cards and brochures. Also, consider making posters to hang on the bulletin boards of grocery and convience stores. If you still need more advertising, bars and grills, barbershops, exc. often like having wildlife hanging on their walls. (Just make sure you have a contract stating that you can take them back whenever you want too.)
With all this in mind, you have to consider one aspect. You are new to the business and you haven't gotten a reputation yet. I am just starting my second year as a part-timer and am scraping to find work. However, as with any business, WORD OF MOUTH is the most important key, and someday I hope to have a solid clientel. Taxidermy is not a get rich quick gig - it takes time, effort, and of course $. Consider getting the Breakthrough Taxidermy Business Manual as it has helpful tips.
Good Luck,
Brady
Tom,
Every year I do a display at the Michigan Regional Sportsman's show. I take a few gameheads, a couple lifesize, some fish, a rug or two and just set up a nice display. I have plenty of business cards to hand out and just basically sell myself. It's 3 days of just bs'ing with sportsman. The friendlier you are the the better it is for business. I have acquired alot of business off this show.
I also have some of my mounts on display at one of the local barber shops. You would not believe how much business this has brought me.
You have to be creative in selling yourself. I have also tried newspaper and radio ads and it just doesn't work. The best advertisement you can have is one of your mounts on display somewhere that has a heavy stream of sportman going through. Bait shops, butcher shops, sporting goods stores, etc...
As you said Word of mouth is the key. You have to build your customer base. It's not going to happen over night.
Good luck
Terri
I have displays in several stores in town, yellow pages, a web site that had brought in work from out of state, newspaper ads, and one of my best ads has been a very nice sign with my logo on my vehicles. I've probably had as many responses from the vehicle signs as any. Not the cheap magnetic signs but vinyl, looks very professional. I'm even considering some radio advertisement for this up coming hunting season.
Thank-you for your responses! You all have given me a few ideas I never thought of. Iam working on mounting critters for display. It takes alot of time and money to get enough for the shop and other displays. I really hate to put my own trophys somewhere other than my shop! Does anyone have plans for a backboard for show displays they would like to share? Iam new to this website and so far I just love it! Taxidermist have to be some of the most creative people I have ever met! If anyone else has any ideas to share please do!
your work will be the best form of advertising, give every one your best pc. and it will come to you
Tom,
E-mail me and I will TRY to send some display plans via e-mail.
-Brady
bradybergey@hotmail.com
tom i have that the best adverstisement is doing good work. i have been doing taxidermy for 5 yrs. i put out cards and every thing else,and cards are excelent.mount a couple of deer heads,bass or whatever is popular game in your area and ask local baitshops outdoor stores even your local walmart manager,to let you hang your mounts and put a card with it or leave cards there. but your best is going to be your work itself.if you have only done it for a year give it time,if your work is as good or better than others in your area this year you should see a differnce . i hope this helps.-randall-randalls taxidermy
this will not work everywhere but in illinois deeer shot with a gun need to be checked in at a check station - i set up during those short seasons for nothing and get a bunch
I have a display at our county fair and went through 150 cards the night before it officially started.Tonight is the last night but at least I know that there are about 200 cards in peoples' hands that weren't before.Now if each one of those tell their 3 hunting buddies well,it should be a busy year.Good luck