Make Money
With Car Magnets
How would like to earn extra money simply by driving your car the same amount and to the same places that you do now? If you're willing to introduce yourself to local business with a little charm and salesmanship, you can---with car magnets. Car magnets are simply removable advertising spaces that attaches magnetically to your car doors as a mobile billboard for local advertisers. Best of all, the only work required is a bit of smooth talking and plenty of driving.
Instructions
1. Investigate what local permits, if any, you'll need to have to start your own business. Most cities and counties require a vendor's license of some time before you can conduct sales within their jurisdiction. Your local Chamber of Commerce and the Secretary of State's office in your state can tell you exactly what you'll need. (Of course, a fee is required for the permit.)
2. Research magnetic car sign companies online and contact several possible suppliers for more information. Ask about pricing, delivery times and the types of artwork or computer files needed for the signs' production. Explain that you'll be selling advertising on your own car, and ask if they can mail you a sample that you can show potential customers. Also ask if they'll design your magnets for free. Your success in finding advertisers is their success is selling you more signs, so many will be eager to help you get started.
3. Decide how much you'll charge for your service. Don't forget to include the cost of having the sign made and shipped to you, and factor in the time it will take you to sign up each advertiser. Design your pricing with one month, three month and six month options, offering a discount for committing to longer advertising periods.
4. Write a basic contract that spells out the service you'll be providing, the starting date and period of the contract, and the pricing. (Local lawyers will usually provide free answers to basic legal questions over the phone, so don't hesitate to make a few calls to find out the details you'll need to know.) Include a requirement that your customers pay for at least one month of any contract up front to avoid being short-changed later by unscrupulous customers.
5. Have some basic business cards printed so you can hand them out to potential customers wherever you are. (Big-box office supply stores such as OfficeMax, Staples and Office Depot all print business cards inexpensively in just a few days.) Business cards will be especially valuable to leave with decision-makers as you're contacting local businesses, since they may need some time to consider your offer or may need your service at a later time. You may also consider designing a flyer that presents the details of your service for potential customers to refer to.
6. Start visiting local business owners or managers with whatever sales materials you've put together. Briefly introduce yourself, explain the terms of your service, show them a sample magnet if you have one available, and then ask them for their business. Whatever they're response, always thank them for their time and leave them some printed information if you have some---you never know when they'll think of you and want to get in touch.
7. Ask businesses who want to advertise with you to provide you with the artwork they'd like you to use for their magnet. Many businesses will create an ad to display in a few days or so, but others may look to you to create something for them. If so, don't panic---ask them what information they'd like to see included, then seek out a computer-savvy friend to help you create a design if you're not comfortable doing this yourself. (The sign company you're working with usually offers this service as well, but may charge an additional fee for it.)
8. Collect the up-front payment from your customer and return to show him the actual car sign you'll be using as soon as it arrives from your supplier. Start fulfilling your end of the contract immediately, and get back in touch with your customer a few weeks later to ask them about your visibility and results.
