Deck building contest can build your sales

EALERS looking for a way to boost spring and summer sales should consider staging a redwood deckbuilding contest, a proven way to give sales a blast.

According to the California Redwood Association, dealers in all areas have produced excellent results with well planned deck contests. One retailer reported 160 entries and the best summer business in years.

To help dealers be sure that their contest is successful, the CI{A has worked out a check list of contest basics.

(1.) Make sure the entrants use redwood purchased from you.

(2.) Define who may enter. There can be separate divisions for architects, contractors and doit-yourselfers or the contest can be open to everyone. The more competition and pride of work that is fostered, the better.

(3.)

The dates of the contest should be absolute. A contest running from early spring to Labor Day will maximize both lumber sales and the time to complete projects.

use of redwood, etc. Judging guidelines must be followed exactly because for every happy winner there is a disappointed loser.

(4.)

Spell out how many semifinalists and finalists there will be. Also, clearly state who will judge and what the criteria will be: i.e., beauty, craftsmanship,

Story at a Glance

Deckbuilding contest builds sales advertising pro. motes interest... clinic kicks off action dealers profit from publicity and additional traff ic.

(5.) Entering the contest should be easy. Have the entrant submit a snapshot of his deck with name, address and phone number on back. This creates a good file of photos for future use as examples to prospective customers. Launch the contest with a media blitz. Newspaper and radio offer a successful mixture, plus tv for firms which use this media. While the contest is in full-swing, regular print advertising should carry some reminderof theevent.Signs and a handout brochure are essential in the store. Word of mouth advertising

(Please turn to Page 29)

The only complete DIY line, plus pre-stained mouldings to go with it. A low maintenance product, a true peel & place DIY wood tile. Plenty of dealer merchandislng alds.