I just spent $116 on vistaprint.com

4 t-shirts, 2 baseball caps, 1000 biz cards, and a banner. I already have a curbco EZUP that's still in great shape, I did buy a CostCo table, though.

I'm ready for summertime events around DFW!!!

It took me 15 minutes from opening the website, using one of their design templates, to placing my order, which was delivered to my doorstep in three days.

Having them made cheap ""locally"", I'm going to have to find at least three competing print shops that can make all the items vistaprint did, go to their website and/or brick&mortar store, get their prices, design all the graphics myself (which would look like excrement) or get a graphic artist to do it for me (which would cost at least as much as the vistaprint order did) and spend a good chunk of a day of my time accomplishing all this. Then, when the order is ready, I'll have to drive over & pick it up, taking a chunk out of yet another day.

I think I'll stick with my way, thanks.

I'm not trying to pitch for vistaprint here... I was merely pointing out how cheaply one can RADICALLY alter one's appearance to the general public.

I got the I Bar K Recycling registered as an assumed name with the county clerk since my preferred ewaste vendor decided to NOT waste time complying with Texas' new cash-for-scrap laws, and only writes checks to registered businesses. That took a (I think) $20 filing fee and BAM, I'm a real business. I opened a checking account in that name, and now I have a "uniform".

This seems a lot more legitimate to John Q Public than some random guy in a Metallica t-shirt asking if he can have some old computers.

I actually prefer to wear my Megadeath t-shirt

Another option to consider is engraving clothing for advertising. I have a Cabela's corporate account that I use to engrave hats, sweatshirts, jackets, etc. I set up the graphics one time and they do not charge me for the engraving, only the merchandise that I purchase at a lower price because of my corporate account. Not only do I wear these, but I provide them as gifts for my best customers. The more people wearing my logo, the more discussion about my work, ethics, and free PR. Some might say I am paying to much for the Cabela's name (guilty as charged) or that these gifts are to expensive. The way I look at it, if I make $ 1,000 off one job, I can afford a $ 50 sweatshirt or jacket to show appreciation and get the PR. If I make $ 500 on a job, I can afford a $ 20 hat as a gift.

The other thing I consider is what is useful to the customer. Around here work clothing is popular. I pay attention to what my clients wear. If they wear zip sweatshirts vs pullovers or vis versa dictates their gift. I do not want my advertising sitting in a closet instead of the auto parts store. I also use pockets planners which are very popular here, magnets for their refrigerator for cold calls, and drop off pens at the parts store, hardware store, and bank. You never know where these will show up, cheap advertising. I know the intent of the thread was professionalism, but you can go one step further with advertising.

Originally Posted by Patriot76

Another option to consider is engraving clothing for advertising. I have a Cabela's corporate account that I use to engrave hats, sweatshirts, jackets, etc. I set up the graphics one time and they do not charge me for the engraving, only the merchandise that I purchase at a lower price because of my corporate account. Not only do I wear these, but I provide them as gifts for my best customers. The more people wearing my logo, the more discussion about my work, ethics, and free PR. Some might say I am paying to much for the Cabela's name (guilty as charged) or that these gifts are to expensive. The way I look at it, if I make $ 1,000 off one job, I can afford a $ 50 sweatshirt or jacket to show appreciation and get the PR. If I make $ 500 on a job, I can afford a $ 20 hat as a gift.

The other thing I consider is what is useful to the customer. Around here work clothing is popular. I pay attention to what my clients wear. If they wear zip sweatshirts vs pullovers or vis versa dictates their gift. I do not want my advertising sitting in a closet instead of the auto parts store. I also use pockets planners which are very popular here, magnets for their refrigerator for cold calls, and drop off pens at the parts store, hardware store, and bank. You never know where these will show up, cheap advertising. I know the intent of the thread was professionalism, but you can go one step further with advertising.

In the corporate world I think this is referred to as "targeted advertising". Might I say refined targeted advertising. Thanks for sharing, Mike

Nice little score yesterday from a call generated by giving out my cards...

AND, the folks across the street had thrown away a perfectly good collapsible pet crate. Barely used, & these things are 50-60 bucks new!

I may donate it to a pet rescue group to pay it forward...

My wife and I sold used stuff at the flea markets and sold lots of those cages. One thing I always did was take it from my truck bed to the back yard and sprayed it down with tub and tile cleaner. I used the tub and tile cleaner because it has bleach in it

This will kill all the diseases dogs get and doesn't take but a few minutes.

Nice pick up. Using the cards and you sales techniques you will develop steady customers who will help you get more. 73, Mike