Best approach for a new service contract?

[jamesejr7]

Hey guys,

There is an Internet Cafe located in my area in which I would like to approach offering some kind of service contract. My question: what would be the best way in your opinion or by experience to approach them? Should I stop in and check out the place? or send some kind of post card or letter to their location? how about a phone call or a combination of these?

I should mention, this is my first time doing something like this. I am a recent startup and have been doing a lot of computer repairs, network installations, etc. to residential clients in the past. Would like to focus on small businesses as well. Any advice, much appreciated.

This is a great site! Thanks!

James

 

[Simmy]

I would imagine someone who has setup an Internet Cafe is capable of sorting out their own computer problems, but it's worth a shot I guess.

I would start off with a letter (something which they can read and think about in their own time) and mention that you might stop by to have a chat to them sometime. I hate people who come to my door to sell me stuff and they almost never succeed. Sales phone calls are just as annoying as they distract you from what you're doing, and you don't usually care about what the person is selling! A professional looking and informative letter is much more likely to get my attention.

Once you have a letter template and leaflet to post to business', just blitz through your local business directory and mail shot as many relevant companies as you can. I had no response from my mail shots at first, but after 4 months I got a response from an accounting company and a solicitors

 

[jamesejr7]

I would imagine someone who has setup an Internet Cafe is capable of sorting out their own computer problems, but it's worth a shot I guess.

I would start off with a letter (something which they can read and think about in their own time) and mention that you might stop by to have a chat to them sometime. I hate people who come to my door to sell me stuff and they almost never succeed. Sales phone calls are just as annoying as they distract you from what you're doing, and you don't usually care about what the person is selling! A professional looking and informative letter is much more likely to get my attention.

Once you have a letter template and leaflet to post to business', just blitz through your local business directory and mail shot as many relevant companies as you can. I had no response from my mail shots at first, but after 4 months I got a response from an accounting company and a solicitors

Thank you for the reply, in fact, this internet cafe is very small, it seems like one person owns the thing and just set up computers in what it looks like a small room and called it an internet cafe lol. It seriously is not anything big like they would have someone who solves their problems. But im probably wrong and like you said, its worth a shot. Thanks!

 

[Crgky127]

I agree with Simmy, it is worth a shot. However it might be a good idea for your first service contract to be for something that is more of a sure thing than just worth a shot. Assuming you do go for it, and assuming they need help, keep in mind they will probably need more user proof security features than your average business.

 

[cmonova]

cafe

I would just stop in and see the person. Let him know who you are etc...and get a feeling for the person. Maybe you will find out they are a genius when it comes to networking. At least stopping in you can give the guy a business card and get a feeling for things without wasting time doing a mailing to them.

 

[Nathan H]

I tried this before, done the letter and then called in when i saw it was quiet.

They had deepfreeze already installed so my services were not relay necessary, but they did allow me to leave a stack of business cards, some flyer's and put up a poster.

I only got a few jobs (Then the café went bust!) but as Tesco said every little helps.....