Many groups like the Chamber of Commerce, ASB at the local high school, etc. will ask if their members can get a discount if they shop in your store or use your service. Of course, the answer top these groups should be a high-energy YES! They will then make a discount booklet for their members with your company listed, this is excellent and promotes good will for your business.

The more membership booklets and coupon books your small business can be in the better your business will do. Get in all the free ones and any, which distribute to 10,000 or more people for under $50.00 or at least under the ratio of $100.00 per 20,000 units delivered. Watch for scams. Tell them 'you can have one half the payment now and one half when you show me the coupon book,' if you have reason to be suspicious. Make sure the organization is a known name you've heard of or seen around town. We have had only a few problems with these coupon books being scams in the three decades we have been in business. Membership booklets on the other hand as a whole have brought us in countless scores of new clientele. It also has help us maintain our image as community based businesses.

Coupon companies which mail out coupons for a fee are also generally good although every once in a while a no-name company with a fast talking sales man will come in the door so we recommend the same half now and half later deal with them if you are unsure. There are many well-known and established names in the coupon mailer world. Good names to work with include: Valley Shopper; Penny Saver; Value Ads; Coupon Clipper; Money Mailer; Green Sheets; Coupons 'N More of ?; Neighborhood Mail Box Values; Val Pak; Coupon Cash Saver; United Coupons; Homesteader; Super Coups.

Wow! Lots of junk mail. Too bad these things work so well! Many businesses send out coupons because they work so well, just make sure when those new customers come in that they are retained as steady customers, you want to make sure above all that the customers fall in love with the great products and great service and not just the discounted coupons coming into their mail boxes.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs