MAAST decals for use at LFS's for Club publicity

[georgeortiz]

I posted this in the feedback forum but, it does not show up in the latest post columns so forgive me for posting it in the general reefkeeping discussion as well. I thought we could start getting better feedback on this idea if I posted it here.

Hello,
I was wondering do we have decals with the MAAST logos that we can use to place on LFS'S store fronts (with thier permission of course) to generate publicity for the club and help generate membership?

I am sure that if there were more people aware that we had such a club that we could definetely boost membership.

If we had a large enough membership base that we would even be able to use that to recieve specimen and dry goods prices that are close if not the same to wholesale prices.

I believe the only two LFS stores in SA that are taking advantage of us as a means of generating income are Aquatic Warehouse and CB pets. However I did not notice any advertisement on thier storefronts of our Club. I cannot speak for any other LFS in Austin but I know there is at least one I have seen mentioned in the various threads.

As for myself I believe I stumbled onto a goldmine of Information and resources when it comes to this hobby we love. But, interesting enough I had to find it by looking it up in a google search. I am sure that I am not the only one out there that feels the same way.

[Brett Wilson]

I would be willing to talk with Roger about putting something up in his store; AquaTek (austin). When I was part of the Austin reef keepers group AquaTek played a large role in sponsoring the club. I'm sure they wouldn't mind a sticker or maybe a poster/flyer from MAAST.

[georgeortiz]

Sounds like a good start. I am sure that we have to get our board of directors to get this kicked off.

I started thinking about this when I heard Jim had approached esv about getting better prices on thier products merely by showing them the results thier products had on his setup.

If he could do that by just letting them use his aquarium as a testimonial to the results of what thier products can do. A larger customer base can surely be beneficial to any business.

Not only could we benefit by getting discount prices but a larger membership base would mean more resources to share with each other.

[DeletedAccount]

We are getting prices from a couple of companies on goods like this. I will add these to the list to get prices on.

We have tried to get stores to put up our flyers and had very little to no success getting anyone to place them in the stores. But, we can try again...

[georgeortiz]

What has been the approach that we have been using to get these guys to post our information?

Is there an incentive that we offer to these guys other than the obvious of getting thier business exposed to a client base specifically geared for thier goods and services. I know that a couple of the DIY guys in our club sell thier wares to some of these stores. Maybe they would have better influence. I am extremely busy but, if there is some way myself and some other people would like to be involved in this effort I can volunteer.

[brewercm]

I think that something like the oval sticker for them that had "Official Sponsor" around the logo would be nice to see walking into one of these businesses. Possibly include MAAST.org in smaller print on the bottom. Nothing like shameless self advertisement at the same time. :)

[kaiser]

Why would they have to become a sponsor for us to put our sticker on their front door. I'd go with a MAAST Seal of Approval. We'd have to come up with somewhat of a standard, but don't get too carried away on that. The trick is the LFS thinks they the **** and we got our name on their front door! :twisted:

[brewercm]

I would imagine that ther are some LFS out there may not want a seal of approval or have anything to do with MAAST. Remember that some of them have been blasted pretty good in the past on this board for some of their practices. That was my reasoning for the official sponsor route. It lets folks know that they are an approved sponsor of MAAST, at least I take it that we (MAAAST) have a say in who becomes a sponsor and who we'd rather not be associated with.

[Brett Wilson]

And there are also stores that do not want to sell to hobbyist, rather they want to sell their products to people that aren't looking for a bargain. I think there are more of these in larger areas though, like Dallas, than there are here.

[StephenA]

We stick with the stores that want the stickers! AquaTek has a MAAST Flyer on its board behind the counter. They are the ones that told me about MAAST

[captexas]

George - I posted in the other forum as that is the more appropriate place than here in the general reefkeeping forum. Even though it doesn't get shown in the latest post section, it does show up when there are new posts with an orange figure next to the forum heading.

As Misti stated, we have tried in the past to get small signs posted in the LFS. Unfortunately, Alamo and Texas Tropical have not had anything to do with us due to negative comments made by a few people in the past. Instead of working with us and working to fix their problems, they simply chose to ignore us. Signs were put up or given to other stores, but of course over time they lose them or whatever. I'm not sure decals on the front of the store would really get people's attention. A small sign would be better if located around the display tanks or drygoods section. It's been awhile since we really went around and pursued the issue, but perhaps we can again soon. Really, it is in the LFS best interest to support the club even if we don't support customers buying all the snake oils and useless equipment. I think the club helps keep people in the hobby longer by supporting them with better information and of course the longer we keep the hobby going, the more business they get.

[StephenA]

I deal with retail all the time. Door stickers are the best unless you want lighted signs. Paper signs get dirty, messed up, and or lost.