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Any Suggestions?

For you experienced builders out there. I am wondering if anyone has any advice on how to actually get to the point of being able to sell our builds? I know how to get the job done as far as building, but I'm a total idiot after that. Advise Pleeeeeeeeze!

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Permalink Reply by Wade on June 23, 2009 at 1:09pm

The first CBG I saw was 2 years ago at a GC, believe it or not. I walked right past it and did'nt think twice about it. I thought it was a decorative thing to hang on a wall. It was'nt until I saw what sounds came out of that box that made all of the difference.

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Permalink Reply by Mortimer Snerd on June 24, 2009 at 3:22am

I think you have a gold mine there Jack, you have a one of a kind instrument that no one else is producing,,YET. Your product should bring better money then a cardboard box with a stick ever will demand. The trick to sales in any market, is to decide who you want for customers, the rich, the average, or those on welfare, and price your product as much as the market will bare. Don't whore out your product so "everybody" can afford them. Good quality should bring better money, and your instruments fit in that category. There is a market for everything, and exposer is key in getting your product out in the market, plant the seeds everywhere. Ted gave you some great tips.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Dudley on June 24, 2009 at 10:20am

Thanks, Ted. I really appreciate your input. We have to date, started a website which is not complete yet, but it links with my Sipsey River Steel Myspace page. The Website should be complete soon. www.dontfretinstruments.com Check it out and tell me what you think. Like I said, For now, it's sending you to my myspace during construction. I also have youtube video demo's. Check out my myspace at myspace.com/sipseyriversteels. I have been fortunate to befriend Andrew Winton, Who is one of the premier lap steel players on the planet, and just sent him one of the steels. He has indicated that he'll promote it on his website.I like the newspaper idea. I also need to take your advice and set up a buy now account. If you have any info on how to do that, I'd surely appreciate it. I'm pretty new at all of this, and surely appreciate any info offered. Thanks again, Jack

Ted Crocker said:

Jack, from what I've seen you have a legitimate instrument that isn't an impulse buy, but a save your money to buy item. You've gotten a name for yourself here but sadly we're mostly poverty builders and can only dream...

What you have to do is generate interest in the folks that will gladly pay to be on your waiting list. Become a brand. The first thing you have to do is have a product. The second thing is presenting your creations so people understand how great it is. The third thing is getting that presentation out where people notice it. The 4th is making it easy to purchase.

Easy!

HAAAAAAA

As a first step you could work on a press release that you can email to your local newspaper. Pick your words carefully so that they know you are interesting and you and your (insert instrument name here ((srs?)) is something people wouldn't mind reading (and seeing) about.

I just went to your page here and it looks like FaceBook and not a web presence for your creations. And I didn't see your brand name there. It's easy to reorganize your page, just ask. What is SRS?

Local newspaper Features editors scramble to find some fluff to print every day, you have something interesting and all you have to do is let them know. They love it when an idea lands on their desk.

An online presence puts you in front of a worldwide audience. Get a website or manicure your page here so AT A GLANCE people know what you are about. Think out your photos and make it so they not only want to learn about srs, but will even click another link to learn more.

If you can't play it virtuoso, shoot a video of someone that can. Show them what they can do with it. Tickle them with something that they want to be able to do.

Make it easy for someone to buy one, make it enticing to buy one. Put a Buy It Now button right there after they see and hear your presentation. Don't be red dog obvious, but when someone clicks they should be able to look at, learn about, see & hear it and purchase.

Today's assignment is to make a logo, shoot some pro photos, shoot a great video with a star, quote some testimonials, code a website, create a PayPal storefront, and put all those links into an amazing letter to send to the local newspaper. Then after lunch clean and organize the shop and get ready for a wild roller coaster ride...

Any questions?

tc