Issue link: https://docs.hic.us/i/403552
So what are the possibilities? Let's do some brainstorming to determine what the client might be interested in and what type of spin or angle we can pitch. Concept #1 - people with large yachts tend to have large pocketbooks and large egos'. They like to be waited on. So, a good clean image is a must. When a yacht pulls up for $500.00 worth of fuel, they don't want to be met by a ragtag bunch of dockhands in t-shirts and cutoff jeans. They expect a professional staff that can assist them with the docking process. The quickest way to put that image in the Captain's head, is the visual appearance of the dockhands. Matching polo shirts and caps with the Marina Logo is the perfect solution. (And don't forget, that headwear with a bill is a must on a hot summer day.) Another spin on the uniform angle is security. Yacht owners get suspicious and nervous about strangers hanging out on the docks. Now the employee uniform takes on the roll of identification for security purposes. Those who were once strangers are now identified as Marina Staff. Also it makes it easier for the Yacht Owner to find assistance. Upon docking he can be told "we're here to take care of your needs. When you need something, just look for one of our staff members who are easily identified by their royal blue shirts with the marina logo." If a mechanic has to come onboard to perform maintenance, a professional appearance goes a long way towards making the boat owner feel comfortable with this otherwise unknown person. That about covers the uniform spin. Now lets look at other angles to pitch. Typically the marina will have a Ships Store, which is a cross between a small grocery and a marine parts store. Local boaters as well as transient boaters depend on the Ships Store to supply their needs. Most of these stores sell apparel with the marina logo. For the local boat owner such merchandise is a way of showing off to the world that they own a nice boat. For the transient boater logo'd garments serve as souvenirs for their travels. In both cases, embroidery will be associated with prestige. And to top it all off, souvenir apparel serves as income-producing advertising for the marina. That's a neat concept, people paying you to let them advertise your business. This is a key point to store away in your memory for application to other potential sales opportunities. As you can see, the typical marina offers plenty of sales opportunities for the aspiring Embroiderer. The next step in the sales process is to turn the brainstorming into reality. Make a list of every angle that you thought of during your brainstorming session. Review it for practicality. Now develop some real product ideas. Going back to our Marina customer, lets look a bit deeper at our product possibilities. For the uniform shirts, you might want to consider 50/50 since it launders better. On the other hand, if they are worn outside in the hot summer sun, then 100% cotton is better. Speaking of launderability, consider white since it can be bleached routinely. Typically a promotional weight will be more appealing due www.hsi.us care@hsi.us 136