Free samples :/ advertising advice please - Page 4

I don't give out free samples to random business. I do take cupcakes from time to time to the salon I go to, but that is because I really like my hair girl and nail girl and want to take them a treat a couple times a year.  I also take a couple dozen to my accountant at tax time, but again, that is because I like him - not because I am trying to get business.   Both businesses know me so they have never had a problem with me bringing cupcakes to them.

I honestly can't see how this deal with the photographer is good for you...

He gets free cakes and you MIGHT get an order in return, but no guarantee???

 

You should really think about revising the agreement.  He gets the first month free but after that then the photography client (or the photographer) needs to pay for the cake but maybe at a discounted rate. 

OR you throw in the smash cake for free if they order the birthday cake or cupcakes for the party.

 

You may see it as only being 4 cakes a month but how long are you going put out from your own pocket with no guarantee of any kind of return?  It's not good business sense.  It's one thing to offer a few free samples to try and get business in the door, but to keep giving away cake for free in the hope that he might refer people to you...and wait until he spreads the word to his friends that you are giving him free cake and really, there's no obligation to provide you anything in return.  It will be very easy to get taken advantage of here.

ok I have read through the pages LOL ( This is advise for anyone else reading, NOT the OP)

 

If I was to do any deal with a business, it would have to be win win NO MATTER WHAT.

 

For example, I cannot take a photo to save my life, but if I struck up a deal with a photographer, it would be something like, I will give you a smash cake for your shoot this week, if you can do a shoot of my cakes for my business.

 

They get the cake they need, I get some professional photos. If it was on going, the most I would do is offer a discount if he was needing many cakes (more then 4 a month) That way again, he gets the cake he needs for the shoot at a price for how many shoots he does, and I get PAID.

 

 

I will not had out free smash cakes for a MAYBE order...

 

 

OP you will be lucky to get 1 out of 4 cakes for a inqury, let alone an actual booking.

And PS - the photographer will be charging his client for that cake, probably a pretty penny too.

I have really learned alot from this thread...and alot of buisness threads on this site. I must also say that what i have realised is that   jason_krafts comments are like medicine it may seem harsh but it's actually good for you. 

Agree with posters above about the photographer thing- Why should you give away free cake just so that he can recommend you? We have many fellow wedding and event vendors that do that for us without us having to give them anything. Now, if he is willing to work out a deal with you where he gets a discount on the smash cakes for ordering all of them from you, that would make sense. Otherwise, he's just getting freebies.

I want to ask as well, What if he books more sessions then your 4 a month? Is he going to get someone else? Ther eseems to be no upside for you whatsoever

Oh and one more thing I wanted to add sorry lol

 

 

You shouldnt need to cold call (tho depending on the situation sometimes it can be helpful). If people like your work they will recommend you.

 

I am buying my bosses shop, and I have a customer that comes in from a hair salon across the street, when I told her I was taking over SHE ask ME for business cards to hand out.

Question: How would you go about asking event planners to consider your product for their clients? Is it also a wrong Idea to call them? Is it a good idea to offer them free samples or a tasting?

If you serve the same market there's nothing wrong with calling an event planner and setting up a meeting where you provide free samples and learn about the planner's business to make sure you are a good fit.