Aside from learning how to use the BallStars system, the highest priority of any new owner is the task of sales and marketing. BallStars balls have far-reaching potential to sell in a wide range of markets, but just starting out, it’s important to pick a niche that will allow you to focus your efforts for the greatest results.
Marc and Monica Dominguez, Texas Photo Ball, Little Elm, Texas, purchased their BallStars system in August 2007 and initially have chosen to focus their efforts on youth sports leagues and minor league franchises. One of their first marketing attempts involved attending youth soccer tournaments.
In addition to attending soccer tournaments, Dominguez also is doing as much networking as he can as well as trying to generate word of mouth exposure.
He also has used a full-color flier, which is available from BallStars, with contact information stamped on it. “We have used almost all of the marketing materials provided by BallStars,” says Dominguez. “The marketing materials helped us to attend our first games with less worry about our presentation.”
Dominguez also has used the BallStars gift packets. (These are preprinted packets that you sell to the customer. The customer then goes home, chooses a photo, fills out the order form, and mails it into the licensee for order fulfillment. Orders can then be picked, delivered, or mailed to the customer.)
“We sold some gift packs at the games. I also have tried to put them into some stores, but arranging the meetings with them is taking a little longer,” says Dominguez.
When it came time to put together a marketing plan, Marc and Monica had an advantage. Monica has a master’s of business administration degree, and Marc has nearly completed his, so both are well grounded in how to run a business as well as marketing and sales techniques. As is often the case in a new business, the original marketing plan is evolving from its original form as they begin to learn more about their market.
“I budgeted money for print, point-of-sale materials, and the Internet,” said Dominguez. “But I have since reduced my Internet marketing budget to $50 because I was not seeing a return on that expenditure. The cost per click (CPC) was too high. I was getting clicks, but no sales. I have since determined BallStars balls are a sale that needs to happen in person. Customers need to touch the ball and be swept up with the emotion of the knowledge that their child just won a game.”
Marc and Monica Dominguez, Texas Photo Ball, Little Elm, Texas, purchased their BallStars system in August 2007 and initially have chosen to focus their efforts on youth sports leagues and minor league franchises. One of their first marketing attempts involved attending youth soccer tournaments.
In addition to attending soccer tournaments, Dominguez also is doing as much networking as he can as well as trying to generate word of mouth exposure.
He also has used a full-color flier, which is available from BallStars, with contact information stamped on it. “We have used almost all of the marketing materials provided by BallStars,” says Dominguez. “The marketing materials helped us to attend our first games with less worry about our presentation.”
Dominguez also has used the BallStars gift packets. (These are preprinted packets that you sell to the customer. The customer then goes home, chooses a photo, fills out the order form, and mails it into the licensee for order fulfillment. Orders can then be picked, delivered, or mailed to the customer.)
“We sold some gift packs at the games. I also have tried to put them into some stores, but arranging the meetings with them is taking a little longer,” says Dominguez.
When it came time to put together a marketing plan, Marc and Monica had an advantage. Monica has a master’s of business administration degree, and Marc has nearly completed his, so both are well grounded in how to run a business as well as marketing and sales techniques. As is often the case in a new business, the original marketing plan is evolving from its original form as they begin to learn more about their market.
“I budgeted money for print, point-of-sale materials, and the Internet,” said Dominguez. “But I have since reduced my Internet marketing budget to $50 because I was not seeing a return on that expenditure. The cost per click (CPC) was too high. I was getting clicks, but no sales. I have since determined BallStars balls are a sale that needs to happen in person. Customers need to touch the ball and be swept up with the emotion of the knowledge that their child just won a game.”
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