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I overheard a phone conversation this morning between Brian, the head of Websticker’s sticker company design department and a “reluctant” customer. I was amazed by the depth and length of the conversation regarding sticker products and free sticker design options. I decided to dig in a bit further and better analyze her history with us. Let’s call her Lee.

As it turns out most of the employees at Websticker had contact with Lee at one time or another. Lee was looking to buy various sized stickers for her construction company. The stickers needed to be of a high, long lasting quality to best represent her brand over the long-term.

After initial contact and some general questions at Websticker and forty or so different price quotes, the potential job got passed on to Brian for free sticker designs. Brian cleaned up several versions of her logo, presented several iterations of 8 different sticker designs, discussed the need/value of a different materials and color presentations and went over the best ways to save money while maximizing quality. Keep in mind that this was all before any order was confirmed, and while Lee also continued talking about a “better deal” at another sticker company.

Now, I could be upset about the time and effort going into one potential customer who doesn’t really “get it.” But, actually putting in this time, effort and education on every customer sticker design regardless of the size of job or understanding of the value actually exemplifies everything we stand for here at Websticker. This is what makes us different from other sticker designers & manufacturers – what some people might call our “unique selling proposition.” We just think of it as the only way our sticker company can and should function.

Will Lee’s company definitely buy custom stickers from us? That is not yet confirmed. But regardless, I’m extremely proud of my staff and our culture of service. My expectation is that this investment in time, hand holding, free sticker design work, educating, exploration of options and pricing, etc. will lead to a customer for life. Websticker’s success is completely due to our repeat clients who know and trust us to design and produce the best stickers at the best value. To me, there is no better marketing than offering exceptional service and better than expected sticker design and sticker products.

There is absolutely no doubt that there are always other free DIY sticker design and low-cost production options. The stickers may be “cheaper” but… no focus on sticker design, service, marketing, best options, quality… no focus on value. The difficult part is having potential customers see and understand that value. Really the only way is through what may be perceived as “wasting time” on free sticker design to some – to us it is the culture, marketing and education needed to earn customers for life.

More:

Sticker Design & Printing Leads To Other Identity Building & Marketing Benefits

First Dates and Sticker Designs

Jeff Nicholson

Jeff Nicholson is the founder and Creative Director at Freely Creative, Inc. and Websticker, a sticker marketing company specializing in the design and production of custom stickers, decals, labels and magnets. He is the author of Stick This! Using Promotional Stickers To Build Identity, Create Word Of Mouth and Grow Sales.

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