J, yeah u is.
When I was a part owner in a business we set up a booth at trade shows. Gave away trinkets. Taught classes sponsored the survey conventions. The trinkets are a touch. But 90 percent of the time they go to the kids at home so us parents trip over them in the middle of the night lol. We did have one that was a real hit for the older surveyors. A magnifying glass pocket ruler thing. I used that thing all the time myself. I like some trinkets. If like @chris-bouffard said logo it’s a branding technique. It was interesting that one of the big manufacturers of surveying said they had never sold a unit at a show. Got contacts follow up yeah. I got lucky one year and one a beer from them. I sold a unit right on the spot. Did a demo outside and bam. Those are some times this at those conferences that you mingle and get some one on one time with potential clients. I don’t know how it would work for a surveyor though. Clientele is different. Chris is probably correct on that for sure. Unless maybe if one did construction stake out and those companies were there. But it matters who from those companies.
Think for the surveying business. That sales person that build a relationship with that crew chief gets the ear of the owner or manager. He builds a relationship with the owner or managers through that crew chief often. Not always. I have seen one guy a crew chief be the squeaky wheel and final as time came to revamp old equipment go to a totally different brand. Now money comes in boss has last say so. But sometimes they listen to what is being talked about and the enthusiasm of that crew chief. The boss does his or hers research. Talks to others that use it. Next thing you know it’s in the office and being implemented.
Really appreciate all the responses. Gives me lots to work with. 🤔
I will take you up on that!
There is nothing that says “cheap” like some of the tawdry tat offered up by certain equipment manufacturers.
It was interesting that one of the big manufacturers of surveying said they had never sold a unit at a show.
So...we always had instruments that were yellow. But, we never wore the hats from the vendor, because they sucked, were ugly, and were uncomfortable. Like every year somehow they were worse.
Kuker-Ranken always had the best hats, and they sell green stuff. We wore their hats until they were threadbare. BUT...we still bought yellow equipment. We did try to make sure we bought enough supplies from them that we could get their calendars and hats...
Kind of in the same line...My buddy sells software to farmers. The city folk sent him cases of hats to give away. He took one look and refused. He said, "If it isn't a Richardson, I won't hand them out. I do not want my hat in the trash can."
