Branding at trade shows
Posted on November 18, 2009 at 2:11 am by Sherri R
When we were first starting out online we started out like many Americans selling on various auction sites. We did ok selling odds and ends and used the online payment processors as our main source to collect and process payments. As we gained more exposure we started getting free credit card machine offers to help both our online and small retail business. While at first this looked like a great deal once you read the fine print the transaction costs started to add up. Plus most of these systems would charge a monthly processing fee after the first initial 30-60 day period. For a small business getting up and going every percentage point in sales expense can start to add up. As you start and grow your business it is essential to be able to take credit and debit cards as most people are paying in this form and it does reduce your bed debt fees as checks can be a drain on your bottom line.
There are many businesses that use local trade shows and through the use of simple banner stands can help gain brand awareness and gain new customers through a simple form of advertising. Trade shows and local conventions that are part of your target market can be a very economical way to grow your business and help you promote your online business while developing additional contacts through other companies at the show.
