Sales calls, suggestive selling, and more
Tips & Tricks
Follow these tips to make money with bows:

• At slow times of the year, plan ahead to make bows in advance and store them unfluffed in bags. Simply fluff when needed.
• When making bows for a big job, make extras while the Qualatex MasterBow maker is set up and store them in a box or bag. You’ll always have a bow for that last-minute gift or delivery!
• For arrangements that will be shipped, place small paper cups or empty paper rolls in the bow loops. Your bows will hold up during shipping without adding a lot of extra weight.
• When decorating with balloons, use big bows to add value and increase drama.
• Show your customers the unexpected. Unique, rich ribbon combinations like “Elegant Rose Red & Gold” and “Gold” metallic ribbon add interest and value to your creations, as well as special techniques like Ribbon Chains or Spiked Bows. Charge more for them!
• Display your everyday and seasonal bows in various sizes and styles on a “bow wall” in your store. Then advertise your bow services with a sign that says you sell custom bows.

• Gift Baskets
• Plants
• Wrapped Presents
• Wreaths & Door/Wall Hangers
• Tables with a Centerpiece
• Seasonal Displays like Trees & Swags
• Outdoor Mailboxes or Porch Pillars/Columns

How to Accurately Calculate a Bow Order
It's important to accurately calculate the ribbon needed for a bow order. Use the Product-ordering Formula below to take the guesswork out of ribbon ordering to avoid over-ordering or running out of ribbon in the middle of an order. If you're using two roll ends to finish an order, and run short in the middle of a bow, download the Working Around Splices instruction sheet and learn how to finish a flawless bow.

Make More Money with the Qualatex MasterBow System
The Qualatex MasterBow system includes everything you need to make beautiful bows quickly and easily. Just look what one customer reported:

“I had the Qualatex MasterBow maker for years at my balloon company in Hawaii, we made tons of money with it. I now have another bow maker here at my new company where we do complete event planning, specializing in decorating, and we use it all the time. It’s really easy to learn, and comes with a great book that gives you all the instructions on how to make different types of bows.

“I heard of one lady who started a business just making bows. She sells them to car lots, for weddings, etc. She only deals in bows.

“I believe the machine is a good investment, though like anything you add to your business, you have to market it to make money with it. And we even get help with that.”

Rocky Toomey, Future Affairs Productions, Inc.
Providence, RI, USA

Courting Commercial Contracts
Sell your bow-making services to commercial businesses that sell large-ticket items. Any business that sells oversized products that are tricky to gift wrap will appreciate this special touch for customers. Target businesses such as:

Always have sample ribbons with you. Organize them on a portable sample board or swatch book to appear professional. Be sure your samples are updated with the latest designs.

Keys to a Successful Sales Call
By introducing yourself and your services to local businesses, you not only make great contacts in the community, you can initiate lucrative repeat orders for years to come. Follow these helpful tips for top-notch sales calls:

• Dress and act professionally at all times. Remember that you’re offering a valuable service that can help them sell their products.
  
• Smile and be friendly. You never get another chance to make a good first impression, so be sure yours is a good one.
  
• Attach Velcro® to foam board and create a professional sample board to display ribbon and bow samples. Use the board again and again by quickly switching out the samples.
  
• Know your ribbons and sample pricing in advance, and consider establishing a discount for quantity orders.
  
• Call on the business during slow periods. And always thank contacts for their time.
  
• Be sure to leave your business card for future reference.

Group Themed Products For Add-on Sales
If you have a retail space, show what you want to sell by hanging bows from the ceiling. Use fishing line or small-gauge chain with paper clips to suspend Patriotic bows near your other patriotic products. And consider hanging themed bows near your wedding, birthday, baby, and get well sections too.

Sell Bows at the Mall
To sell your special everyday and seasonal designs, consider renting a kiosk at your local shopping mall. By displaying pre-made gifts and bows, you’ll sell what you show while you create visibility for your business. Add pretty bows to gift baskets for super holiday sales. Attach a business card or sticker with your contact information to each item you sell to be sure people will know where to purchase your unique creations.

Show What You Want to Sell
When you take ribbon samples with you on sales calls, be sure to suggest ways for customers to use bows to dress up their surroundings. Bring a photo album showing your previous jobs using bows to decorate the following:

• Front Doors
• Mailboxes
• Lampposts
• Wreaths
• Parties
• Centerpieces
• Banisters & Mantels
• Gifts & Baskets
• Toy Collection Boxes