Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

hey,

I have a client starting a community based business. The business helps lower income group people to work from home. Presently, the client`s company trains these people to make small paper bags to be used in shops. They will be supplied with all the material. The finished paper bags will then be supplied to the small shops around the region. Some subsidy in the paper prices and availaibility of cheap recyclable paper makes cost very cheap.

I have to advise them on inceasing the reveue streams for that business. The profit margin after all the costs is not huge, so additional channels are a must. One I have in mind is, sponsored advertising on those bags.

What can you guys suggest? 

Hi,

While I agree that sponsored advertising is a good route, some companies might want their own logo on the bag to promote their business.

I actually think you should put together some sort of PR campaign around the bags to educate consumers (people like doing good things) and retailers who are the ones likely to purchase the bags, hence increasing revenue. 

It`s a product like anything else and it deserves a branding campaign.  Even something as simple as a sticker that businesses can put in their window (next to the "I`m a member of the Chamber" sticker) to let consumers know they support the program.  Provide each retailer with point-of-sale information (brochures, etc.) to educate them on the bags, how they can buy their own for, say, parties, fundraisers, etc. that they may be involved with.  Also, show consumers how they continue to support the program through online donations and.or sponsorships. 

Finally, I would consider every potentia large (local) business tie-in you can think of, and start there.  However, the big key is turn around time for the product.

I`m sure there are a variety of uses for the bags....how much more do you think you would charge people to purchase the bags and have their logo put on, or advertise for general use?   Please let me know if you would like to brainstorm further.  I feel like I could go a million directions with this.

Jennifer

Thanks a lot Jennifer. I see you are talking from a similar wavelength. We can discuss a lot more on this. I am going to start writig a comprehensive business plan for this. Any help would be appreciated.Suggest me how to contact you.

Also , i call upon all guys here to help me put together the pieces for the business plan.May be you can start by promptin me by asking the right questions.