Part 2 of a 3 part series

Warning Signs:

• Increased selling expenses.
• Increased overhead expenses.
• Significant adverse deviations from budget.
• Significant increase in a particular line item's cost.

Steps to Improve: MARKETING / SERVICE / SHIPPING

• Marketing; test your marketing results against measurable standard.
• Marketing; use targeted data base to improve direct mail lists.
• Marketing; improve use of yellow pages with selective, thought-out use.
• Marketing; improve distribution of flyers and brochures.
• Marketing; weigh use of sales reps vs employees.
• Marketing; piggy back ads, flyers, brochures and trade show booths.
• Marketing; use party sales.
• Marketing; use seminar sales.
• Service contracts are a form of insurance; follow insurance guidelines.
• Shipping Cost; charge client, explore local options, shop express mail, review policy.