Posted by Charm_AL on 1/4/06 11:16am
Msg #85937

anyone up for a debate? notrot biz cards...

A lot of times I stick my foot in my mouth because of my candor. I'm about to do this again here, but don't shoot my for my opinion

While I am thankful to be a recipient of 2000 free biz cards, I am pondering a few things.
I've had a few cards laying around for the last day or so to look at them occasionally and develop an opinion. Here's what I've been thinking....
Now keep in mind, I like colors that will jump out and grab you, if you use colors...

My side of the card features a soft blue banner at the top with my name in white letters, the body of the card is white with soft grey lettering. When the card is flipped over I see the notrot accusearch target in blue, orange and white...this side grabs me, it's more bold, has orange bullet points and even a message from me (signed Cheryl) encouraging them to use the search feature here.

I may be a little paranoid, but I'm thinking....I will shop a sale before I spend premium money for something, I will look around the internet for an item I wish to purchase or airline tickets, hotel rooms and such and buy the cheapest. Do you think our companies are doing the same right now in today's market?

The question I keep asking myself is, Am I hurting myself buy buying 2000 biz cards from here for $102.00 and advertising this website where SS's and TC's are personally invited by myself to shop around for a notary?

The reason I'm thinking along this line is because I turned down a round trip of at least 60 miles for $40. last night and they didn't call me back. If all my companies were armed with this search, wouldn't they (by Murphy's Law) be able to find a bottom feeder much more easily?

I don't know, just thinking out loud here, any thoughts?

Reply by John Gonzalez on 1/4/06 11:22am
Msg #85943

I agree with you. I do my best to make my customers think that I am the only signing agent alive. I paid double for my business cards, but it takes just one saved loan where the tc didn't look elsewhere for that to be paid for. The way I look at it is I would never do any kind of marketing that might lead my customers or prospects to even be able to consider anyone else but me, thats just my opinion though.

Reply by NM_CO on 1/4/06 11:28am
Msg #85946

I'm going to jump on the bandwagon

Here I go again, following another posters opinion.................Missy, are you reading my post?

Charm, I agree, that was my very first impression. If I'm going to pay for them, I'd like to be able to design them myself without advertising for another company. I'm also thinking that it could be a possibility that since they were free these cards will be the only cards with the advertising on them but who knows, maybe this is how it is going to be permanently?

Reply by thnotary_NY on 1/4/06 11:30am
Msg #85947

What makes you think they aren't going somewhere else anyway, cards or not.? I think I follow your line......why encourge them.! Did you have a choice on the backing or did you even kinow they were going to print on the back.?

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/4/06 11:39am
Msg #85954

Of course they are shopping around, I know that. What I'm saying is that I'm personally pointing out that they can find other notaries by searching for them here with my biz card. Yes I knew they were going to advertise on the back, but the website is in bold black , much more standing out than my website on the front.
NM, I know what you mean, the point of the card is to advertise notrot and pay to do it.

Reply by SLP_VA on 1/4/06 11:35am
Msg #85951

I do believe the letter that came with the cards stated that when they were up for sale on the site, and you actually puchased them, that the information on the back of the card regarding searching for other notaries would be optional.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/4/06 11:43am
Msg #85958

*I do believe the letter that came with the cards stated that when they were up for sale on the site, and you actually puchased them, that the information on the back of the card regarding searching for other notaries would be optional.*


That would make sense.

Kind of like www.vistaprint.com has their info on the other side and they are basically free cards w shipping.

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/4/06 11:48am
Msg #85962

ok...maybe I better reread and stop gleaning stuff...
thanks

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/4/06 11:58am
Msg #85971

I didn't get the cards. No picture on my profile. And reading everyone's comments makes me think I'm okay with that. I'm not interested in advertising my competition. Now that was probably not the general idea when it was put out there, but everyone is making a good point.

For NM...I'm following everyone else too. Didn't want you to feel alone.

Reply by SLP_VA on 1/4/06 12:37pm
Msg #85993

Yes Charm..

The letter actually reads word to word:

"Business cards will be competitively priced and will not include Notary Rotary branding inless specified".

It also states they will have a number of designs and templates to choose from so that you can build your own cards. (I know you said you liked certain info on your card to stand out).

Reply by TCMN on 1/4/06 12:31pm
Msg #85991

I wasn't one to get in on the cards but

my thought is this:

I believe that the card I hand out should be all about ME. I wouldn't advertise where someone can find my competition. That would be like me putting someone elses email address or phone number on my card (easy example but I know someone with business sense wouldn't do that)
I think that vistaprint is a little different because you are not advertising competition. You are promoting a service for others to get a good deal. jmho

I'm not saying that their isn't a deal that Harry can offer his members but think that you can potentially LOSE your income when that company you are working with sells to a new owner and they are trying to be more profitable and they tell your contact that they need to find someone who charges less (like the $40 notary) and they just so happen as to have your card and go do a search.

I think that we are paying membership fees that should be factored in Harry's business plan to pay for the advertising of his site. Not where we pay for a card AND advertise for him.

jmho

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/4/06 2:37pm
Msg #86026

Re: I wasn't one to get in on the cards but

I think the cards are pretty neat. I am trying them out myself so that I can give Harry feedback. I am more than happy about getting the free advertisement. Since it does talk about looking up other notaries in my area if I am not available....which can lead to potential loss, I thought I could place some in local areas where people need "regular" notarizations. (i.e. Grocery stores, libraries, malls, etc). Some people feel these types of notarizations aren't worth it, but I love them because one a day pays lunch for me. Those add up, for sure. I like the colors, too, but in designing my own, I would definitely want to put my logo that I created on it. JMHO

Reply by Mike_NJ on 1/4/06 4:22pm
Msg #86061

I left my comments in the feedback area since not that many folks got the cards.. I have my issues with them and will stick with my current cards.