Q & A

Actually there are just a few consistent questions that sales reps ask us…so here they are:

Question – How long does it take to have the sticky notes printed and mailed to our newspaper?

Answer – As soon as NoteAds receives the signed order acknowledgement form and artwork it takes typically 10 business days to have the notes printed and received at your newspaper. If you have a special circumstance, please call. Often times we are able to schedule your order with production without rush charges.

Question – What is the deadline that my newspaper has to have notes in-house?

Answer – Each newspaper requires a different deadline.  Check with the decision-maker at your newspaper.  Typically newspapers require the notes be in-house 4 working days prior to the publishing/application date.

General Selling Tips for sales representatives

Question – Why do I want to offer this product when I can offer the advertiser a larger ROP ad for less cost and hassle?

Answer – I would bet that your manager is asking you to have a working knowledge of all products available.  Basically what advertiser wouldn’t want to be on the front page of your newspaper?  Look at it this way…why are diamonds so expensive? Because the diamond is scarce.  Take a look at our new Coupon Card that has multiple peel-off coupons on the back of the card.  It’s all about perceived value and driving the consumer back in the store with one advertising solution that has multiple offers.

Question – How do I sell this big idea to advertisers?

Answer – Give thought to buying some 8 ½ x 11 Post-it Note paper that has six 3 x 3 notes on the blank sheet and then have your creative services department design an ad.  You can then apply the sticky note on the front page of your paper.  It’s all about show and tell.  The 3M paper is yellow and can be purchased at most office supply stores.   From the advertisers stand point the sticky note is competing against direct mail.  Share with your advertiser that print and delivery of the sticky note is going to be approximately 10 cents per home versus 35 cents just for the mailing costs of a standard post card.  Your application costs can vary so the actual cost per home may vary.

So here is my recommendation when you are competing against direct mail.  Have the sticky note on your paper as well as the pile of direct mail that you received at your home for the week.  And then lay the 2 on the advertiser’s desk.  I assure you, as you are making your presentation the prospect will be predisposed to pull the sticky note off of the paper, and you can’t say that about all the direct mail that is delivered to your home each week.  We live at a unique time where virtually all consumers are looking for a good deal.

Question – Who are the best prospects for sticky notes?

Answer – Simply said, the answer is…any advertiser that finds the sticky note on the front page of your newspaper of value.  Basically you name the business and they have used sticky notes on the front page of newspapers.  Some of the more popular sticky notes have been (fast food and especially pizza and sub-shops, auto repair, dry cleaners, special sales, grand openings, cellular, home general repair, medical, real estate, furniture, travel and events, political, appliances, electronic and education).  Sticky notes are a great way to shout out something special.

Question – So what should the content of the message I’m trying to deliver look like?

Answer – More often than not the sticky notes are all about a special offer.  That’s why pizza and other fast food business are such big users of sticky notes.  Let’s face it…everyone has seen a sticky note before and so they know the sticky note can be pulled of the paper and adhere to a refrigerator or bulletin board.  You want the subscriber/consumer to remove the sticky note from the paper and do something with it.  And that’s exactly what they do.  The advertiser doesn’t have to have 10 different offers on the ad.  The simple goal is to have the consumer take action by first coming into their store.

Question – So why aren’t more sticky notes sold on newspapers?

Answer – First of all sticky notes have been available for newspapers for the past 15 year period.  There are basically 4 different answers.  Some newspapers have really branded this location of the paper just like any other preferred position while others limit the days a sticky note can be on the front page.  Pricing can be an issue sometimes as some newspapers have priced this position that advertisers feel there is more value in buying an ROP ad.

Here is what I know for sure…some sales folks are going to sell what is easiest for them to present.  And that’s not a bad thing because of the number of active accounts they are working with each week.  It’s all about what you believe in, and you have a working knowledge of what works best for your clients.  One last point…the more often the sticky note is sold on the front page the more likely other advertisers will want to place sticky notes on the front page.

Question – I know this account is going to buy…I just can’t get them to sign the insertion order.  What should I do?

Answer – First of all I would just ask the account point blank…what is it about the sticky notes solution that makes you hesitant? Make it easy on yourself and just call us or email and we can offer our 15 years of experience with sticky notes.

If you have questions don’t hesitate to email us or a make a quick call.

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