Question for Ming and JohnT, and other interested parties

[JohnT]

Yeah, if you like crappy chain pizza.

[Kataphraktoi]

Some of the non-chains around here are getting sites,too.

[notyoueither]

Thanks John, and Ming.

Seeing as fixing people's computers is part of the business, I feel held hostage to continuing to pay for YP exposure and most likely increasing our presence there.

It just sticks in my throat that these guys are selling less for more.

[Ming]

Have you tried pushing back on the price... all advertising costs are negotiatable. Get a competitive bid from the other book in town, even if you don't have any interest in it... Make sure your sales rep knows you are shopping around... Let him know you are considering dropping print entirely to go all online... worse case, you end up paying the same... but who knows, maybe you can get a better deal.

[notyoueither]

Hmmm. Maybe worth a try. Only trouble is that the 'other books' in this town have never amounted to much more than a joke.

But that gives me an idea. Thanks.

[Ming]

The other books usually does suck... but when you talk about the "deal" they are offering, you can claim that an online and cheaper book strategy is more affordable to you... If neccessary, tell him you need some more time to consider his "expensive" proposal... and ignore the first few phone calls he makes to you

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Japher
we have one

it takes up the space in one of the drawers

[mrmitchell]

Clarification: We only hit the phone book if we're looking for a new place or have somehow lost the pizza place's number. Most of the time we keep the best joint's phone# magnet-ed onto the fridge.

If you're not already, give your customers a business card, flyer, coupons, or something with your contact details on it. That way (if your service was good) they'll know how to get back to you the next time they need it...

[JohnT]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Hmmm. Maybe worth a try. Only trouble is that the 'other books' in this town have never amounted to much more than a joke.

But that gives me an idea. Thanks.

Ming is absolutely right...

But...

I might be able to help you.

See, I have access (at a cost of $3 grand a year, but access) to the entire Rates and Data databases for YP ad space... for every single book published.

So, if you're thinking about buying a 1/4-page advertisement in SBC's Oklahoma City book, I can tell you what they will charge for that ad. I can also look up competing books in the same market and tell you their prices.

However, I can only do this at the office - the password is cookied on my computer and, because you pay 4-figures for it, they just don't email you a new one via automatic request.

[notyoueither]

Do they have info on Edmonton with competing books?

It wouldn't surprise me. I've heard that the directory business is fairly crossborder freindly. The company that was running these pages also published books in a lot of American markets.

[JohnT]

Who is the publisher?

[notyoueither]

I'll have to look it up.

Do they have a section on YP publishers?

[JohnT]

Yes, of course. Why is that a funny question?

But if there are multiple books printed in Edmonton, I'll need to know which one so I can look up the correct rates.

[notyoueither]

No problem. It's funny since the first 'other pages' that came to town several years ago were the 'Purple Pages'. I still think of Barney and laugh.

This last summer someone else came around trying to sell an alternative directory. I'll have to look up who they were. Hence my mirth at wondering if the YP would have a listing for them.

[JohnT]

If it's anything like the US, yes, they will. It's required by law.