Double Digit Coupon Growth Continues

For the fourth consecutive quarter, coupon redemption and distribution continues to experience double digit growth. When comparing the third quarter of 2009 with the same timeframe in 2008, the industry saw a 29% increase in coupon redemption and a 10% increase in distribution.

Source and complete article : CouponInfoNow.com Newsletter 12/1/09

It is amazing sometimes to see how businesses make choices about how they are going to advertise to consumers. Some simple questions to your customers or even random people you meet can provide you with valuable information that can make a big difference.

I’ve been testing this with REACH magazine. I have been asking businesses to do a simple survey before we even have a consultation appointment. Go ask 5 people, “What do you think of REACH magazine?” When I meet with them they usually tell me that several said, “REACH Magazine, I LOVE that magazine, I use it all the time.” They then admit to me that they didn’t have a clue that REACH was so popular. If they didn’t do their homework, I will stand up and call out to all their employees…”Hey, what do you guys think of REACH magazine?” Again, the answers come flowing back in glowing terms. And again, the business owners are surprised… saying “I had no idea.”

I hear over and over, “coupons don’t work for our business, I’ve tried them,” only to find out that they built an ad with no understanding of where consumers are looking and of what consumers want (the incentive must have consumer perceived value in order to work). For the ones that listen, they are pleasantly surprised or even overwhelmed with the results of the right incentives in the right publication at the right time. 20 years experience and I see this over and over and over again.

I gave a consultation recently and after I asked my questions I suggested that the client not start until the September mailing time frame. “You don’t want me to go in your program NOW?” was his response. “No,” I said, “I think that it would be better for you to save your money for now and mail in our September and October editions, then again in late spring of next year.”  He then said, “Wow, I appreciate that you are not just trying to get me in the program now like all the others that I have talked to.”  I wanted him to advertise in the right publication at the right time with the right incentive offers to be as successful as possible so that he will come back again and again at the right times with the right offers and the right publication.

ASK is a very powerful tool. Put it to use and you will quickly be making more money as a professional, as a business owner. In my consultation appointment, I ask more than I tell because the more I learn about each individual business the better I can serve them and help them grow their businesses.

When you have done your homework, perhaps you may want to give me a call: 937-478-6222 or send me an email peter@photosbypdemott.com . Is it time for you to ASK me some questions?