Advertising

Hello everybody,

I will give you some information before I start with my question. I live on busy street in the city and share a drive way with another family. I would like to advertise out in front of my house for this upcoming 3-5k run which runs down my street, now I can be creative on occasion, but I am having trouble with coming with ideas for how to advertise.

One idea would be to buy some plywood and some 2x4, and make a sign out of it. Then paint in some recycling symbols on the ends centered, then my business name in the very center, and advertise that I will take your E-waste/Electronic waste (you would be surprised by how many people don't really understand what E-waste really is) then have smaller flyers, phone number, business cards, and or a quick list of electronics like computers, laptops, servers, printer/copiers/fax machines, cell phones etc...

I don't have a whole lot of money to spend right now I am, for the most part, unemployed and not collecting unemployment, so I guess what I am trying to say is funds are limited.

Also it seems like plywood and 2X4s would be cheap enough for me to start with, unless someone can suggest a website that I can order some decent signs from.

So in closing any ideas or suggestions would be helpful. Oh and pictures work wonders as well THANKS!!!

I know you have good intentions, but you are asking for trouble if you do this, especially if electronics are mentioned. Instead of putting a big sign up, how about this instead: Set up a table with water/gatorade and some power bars or other high protein snacks for the runners. Then you can attach your business card to them, or hand them a flyer. It will draw way less attention from the local authorities and neighbors, but still get your name out there. Plus, runners are more likely to notice the table of refreshments than they are to read a sign as they run.

Try craigslist for your wood...its on there all the time in indianapolis. Then you can tell people your recycle sign was also recycled.lol

Originally Posted by AuburnEwaste

I know you have good intentions, but you are asking for trouble if you do this, especially if electronics are mentioned. Instead of putting a big sign up, how about this instead: Set up a table with water/gatorade and some power bars or other high protein snacks for the runners. Then you can attach your business card to them, or hand them a flyer. It will draw way less attention from the local authorities and neighbors, but still get your name out there. Plus, runners are more likely to notice the table of refreshments than they are to read a sign as they run.

Im confused about why I would get in trouble? I was told that people with cell phones, smart phones could snap photos of my number and just call later on I liked that idea, and as far as setting up lemonade and water stand I think I would get in greater trouble for that because local authorities would want to know what I'm putting in the containers. Also it might get confusing if I'm giving away lemonade and water and I am asking for people's old electronics. Also as far as getting in trouble with the electronics portion I don't see this happening there are no laws where I am located that state or suggest that I can't accept people's electronics, which is what I think you were trying to get at?

just stick an old fridge or washing machine out there and you could paint both sides of it, and even on the front too : )

lol, you mean our fridge that we are currently using right? lol.

@auburn I check with the local zoning dpt. and they said I could have a sign 2ftX2ftin front of my house and I can put what ever I want on it. I will be considering putting up a large sign the day of the run and two smaller signs just to advertise. We will see how it goes.

Originally Posted by happyisthealero

@auburn I check with the local zoning dpt. and they said I could have a sign 2ftX2ftin front of my house and I can put what ever I want on it. I will be considering putting up a large sign the day of the run and two smaller signs just to advertise. We will see how it goes.

hek yeah, put a great big gawdy one out there, and the two small ones. If the neighbors aren't thrilled with the big gawdy one, that's just what you want! They'll be so happy the next morning to see it's been removed, and then they'll hardly care about the one or two small ones that are left ; )

Originally Posted by happyisthealero

@auburn I check with the local zoning dpt. and they said I could have a sign 2ftX2ftin front of my house and I can put what ever I want on it. I will be considering putting up a large sign the day of the run and two smaller signs just to advertise. We will see how it goes.

AuburnEwaste wasn't as concerned about zoning for signs as advertising that you are collecting e-waste. The term "e-waste" carries a very negative meaning especially to uneducated people. All it takes is someone in the city government to see that, and it can cause a problem...especially being in a residential lot. Terms such as e-waste, junk, trash, etc. are red flags. The sign may also be insinuating that you are running a business out of your house, and if you are not licensed, that could be a problem as well. If you are advertising, this needs to come across as a "hobby".