Should I Start a Coupon Biz?
A: The web is affecting the local coupon business in
several ways. First, it can help you distribute your coupon books.
Someone entering a city name and the word "coupon" into a
search engine will immediately find the available sources of
coupons in that community. Searching the web can also help you
check out existing coupon publishers in your community. But even if
no one appears to be offering coupons in your area, double-check
with your local chamber of commerce and prospective customers,
including accountants, chiropractors, cleaning services, printers
and web designers.
The web is also providing new competition to advertising coupons
printed in booklets, fliers, newsletters and magazines. Some local
websites offer downloadable coupons, which attract the businesses
and consumers you want for your printed coupon book.
If you're interested in pursuing the coupon publishing
business, franchises are available, but this is a business you can
start without a franchise. However, you will need the help of
someone with desktop publishing skills to produce a book. If you
can sell the space for the first issue of your coupon publication,
you're well on your way. To do this, you have to guarantee
delivery to an agreed--on number of targeted customers. If an
advertiser gets even a minimal return on their ad, chances are the
advertiser will buy several more times, since one of the advantages
of coupon advertising is that it generally costs less than other
forms of advertising.
If you live in a larger city, it's a good idea to organize
your coupon booklet around a specific niche, such as wedding
services (florist, caterer, bridal boutique, wedding makeup, etc.)
or new parents (diaper service, day-care center, parenting class,
children's clothing store, etc.).
Authors and career coaches Paul and
Sarah Edwards' latest book is a new edition of Making
Money With Your Computer at Home. Send them your questions at
www.workingfromhome.com or in care of
Entrepreneur.