Holiday Discount?

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cjmst3k

cjmst3k

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
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Apr 25, 2006
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I'm a "non-discount" shop (or so I call myself), but once in a while in a group coupon book for my shopping center I'll throw a $20 off framing order over $X.

...now I'm thinking about this winter and have a deadline for a coupon booklet on Friday.

Any other "non-discount" shops planning to run a holiday promotion?


The big boxes near my have been running 1/3 off and 1/2 off, depending on which chain.... not that I should look to them for guidance. :)
 
Find out when those big boxes stop taking orders for Xmas completion. Make sure any discount you run ends the day before that day. If someone comes in two days before Xmas and really really really needs that gift the next day so they can put it under the tree, they should be prepared to pay full price. And then some.
 
cjmst3k said:
I'm a "non-discount" shop (or so I call myself), but once in a while in a group coupon book for my shopping center I'll throw a $20 off framing order over $X....
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When you have done this before what results did you experience?

I think that a set dollar off coupon is the best of all off price promotions especially if you only run it occasionally because it doesn't train your customers to always look for a discount or reduced price. Also it allows for tracking and evaluation.
 
...AND most customers read the Amount off as a Discount. Thus, $20 off becomes 20% off. So, $70 off a $1000 order will convert in a customer's mind to 70% off a $100 order. Just make sure you are still going to make money, or all you will be doing is entertaining yourself when you should be making the only big money we, at least, make all year.
 
Why would you discount work at a time when we tend to be the busiest and customers are the most needy?

I'm not sure why you shouldn't look toward them for guidance.

If I were to experiment with discounts for the first time, why not do it at a time when I could use more business, like the slower summer months? For what it's worth, I would more likely to do the opposite and drop any discounts in November and December.
 
True, Jay, but if this is a modest coupon it may plant an idea during the time that folks are starting their holiday shopping.
 
Sure, go fishing when they are biting. But if they're in a feeding frenzy....

I also find that Xmas shoppers are the cheapest on earth. I get very little price resistance but when I do, its a gift for somebody. People don't frame as well when its gifts. The right ad might just drag out the cheapest of the cheap and believe me that one Xmas in the mall about depressed me to the point of leaving this trade completely.
 
Also true, Jay. Maybe just a classy card inviting them in and reminding them that custom work takes bit of planning ahead for that special gift would be just as effective and not spread the discount virus.
 
Jay H said:
Sure, go fishing when they are biting. But if they're in a feeding frenzy....
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Jay, I haven't seen a feeding frenzy in years. I am willing to take all commers at this point in time.

I remember working 80+ hours per week all during December. The last few years I was still able to take my normal days off. We still do see a bump in December but not the huge spike of the past.
 
FrameMakers said:
Jay, I haven't seen a feeding frenzy in years. I am willing to take all commers at this point in time.

I remember working 80+ hours per week all during December. The last few years I was still able to take my normal days off. We still do see a bump in December but not the huge spike of the past.
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I agree. I used to get panicky around the 20th of December, because I wasn't sure I'd be able to frame everything by Christmas. The last few December's have been busy, but no feeding frenzy, maybe just a nice spike in framing orders.
 
So what little spike remains then, we need to start discounting? The month of December, we should actually increase our prices.

I think last December I stayed and worked late maybe 5 nights. I wouldn't call that a frenzy either but the point still stands. We're going to be busy rather we offer no discount or 80% off. I'll choose no discount.
 
cjmst3k said:
I'm a "non-discount" shop (or so I call myself), but once in a while in a group coupon book for my shopping center I'll throw a $20 off framing order over $X.

...now I'm thinking about this winter and have a deadline for a coupon booklet on Friday.

Any other "non-discount" shops planning to run a holiday promotion?


The big boxes near my have been running 1/3 off and 1/2 off, depending on which chain.... not that I should look to them for guidance. :)
Click to expand...

I forgot to post to the original thread. I've stopped discounting during December. I usually send out a postcard the first of November with a 10% off coupon good until the end of November trying to stir up some Christmas framing orders. I better get working on that postcard.
 
I, increasingly, find myself in agreement with Jay

Imagine that you own a Hotel in Las Vegas

When do you offer the deepest discounts on your rooms?

Mon-Thurs or on the weekends?

Or, how about booking a room on New Year's Eve or the Saturday before Super Bowl Weekend?

The truth is we all ought to increase our prices 5% the first week of December and another 5% the second, another 5%, the third....

And then have a 20% off Sale in January

Not one of us has the guts to do it

Or, book a flight on any airline the Wednesday before Thanksgiving

Again, I realize that our quaint little industry has absolutely nothing we can learn from other trades

BTW the argument against these discounts just went out the window for Thanksgiving Weekend
 
Gotcha.

We've noticed the "spike" did not happen last December too, though all winter months have become kind of uniform. About the same numbers, but no crush at the end.

Without making my discount public for competitors, It would be X amount off of everything (art & framing). Framing discount expires much earlier, and art discount ends just before Christmas. This will give people an incentive to place an order early, and will give them a few weeks to do so. Also I'm going to put on there "Special Discount" or something to make it clear this is not going to be an annual sale or anything.
 
cjmst3k said:
I'm a "non-discount" shop (or so I call myself), but once in a while in a group coupon book for my shopping center I'll throw a $20 off framing order over $X.:)
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"....or so you call yourself." You're either a discount shop or not. If you offer a $1.00 coupon it's a discount!

My vote...never, never, ever, discount fine art and custom framing...period. I see so many of us talking on these threads about our proud trade and skills aquired over many years. We boast at our vast knowledge of every framing subject known to man. Why then, would we discount it?

But.... I've been down this path before and pretty much found that I'm in the minority, so ..... bring on the darts.

Just say NO to discounts
 
Hey Hang-No problem on your point of view, but if we take it to it's logical conclusion of proud trade and acquired skills, then shouldn't we drastically INCREASE our prices to reflect that?

SHould we start with things like Museum Glass and Roma mldg
 
I don't know if this helps, but last year I did a 10% your custom framing order for the month of November if you brought in a donation for our local food pantry. It was totally crazy here. Went over and above what I had projected. I plan on doing it again this year and in the following years. Not only does it help out our community but, (dare I say it?) people are more giving before the holidays? ! :shrug: But this is my biggest holiday sale- That way December is clear for all the rush jobs. Works for me!
 
Bob Carter said:
Hey Hang-Do we do it? Did you do it?
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Hey Bob

We're among friends, you can call me by my first name Steve :).

If you're refering to raising prices and carrying Roma....been a Roma customer for 25 years as well as some other top notch suppliers. As for prices...I set 'em so as to be competative, profitable, and RESPECTABLE (to the industry).
 
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