Any ideas for my usp?

Posted on: Sat, 05/01/2008 - 16:36
Any ideas for my usp?

I'm desperately searching for a USP and/or tagline for my business. I do restoration and repair of photos. My target market is personal users rather than other businesses.

But, I can't think what makes me unique. A brainstorm produces:

My prices are mid range - there are cheaper and dearer competitors
I give free quotes before starting work
I turn down work if the photo is unsaveable rather than do 'half a job'
I communicate by email or phone with the client as the job progresses
I do a quick turn round, usually within 24 hours
I don't take payment until the client is totally satisfied - they get a watermarked copy, then when they're happy and payment is arranged, they get the copy with the watermark removed

Benefits to client:
They get a good copy of their photo to pass to future generations
They get a better copy of a photo that was taken badly, eg red-eye, under/over exposed, trees growing out of someone's head
It's reasonably priced - affordable
It's quick - they're not left wondering what's happening with their photo

The trouble is, these things would apply to most of my competitors, so has anyone any ideas for a brilliant unique selling point? I'm willing to add a service or aspect of service if it helps!

Kate Wilkey Digital Imaging
http://www.kate.wilkey.org.uk


Posted on: Sun, 03/02/2008 - 09:14 #1
Presented as a gift?

Hi Kate

Nice business and looks like you have a lot to offer.

Just a couple of thoughts.

- Could you offer the photo presented as a gift? I guess this may be a main reason most people get this done and this might add some value?

- Do you offer the image as a JPEG or BMP too?

- Could you have some form of tie-in with geneology magazines and websites?

Apologies if all these are being done and are obvious.

Take a look at our website when you get a chance - www.buy-local.net

We are an Online Farmers Market offering local produce delivered to the door. Use the postcode example on the site if you are not in Bedfordshire. We are looking to sell franchises across the UK now, so if you know anyone who might be interested - drop us a line!

Very best of luck and hope something 'develops' (bad I know!).

Regards

Rick Sanderson
Local Food Crusader
www.buy-local.net

Rick Sanderson
Local Food Crusader
www.buy-local.net

Posted on: Tue, 05/02/2008 - 21:56 #2
re: Any ideas for my usp?

Hi Katey

From the points you make in your brainstorm, it would seem the major asset you offer is the personal touch - a personal service, communication with the user, payment only when the client is happy etc.

I wouldn't worry too much about a USP or tagline, as the personal service you offer means its more about you and the personal service you offer. If a photo means enough to someone that they want it restored/repaired, then they would be reassured if they felt a personal service was being offered.

If you have a website, something that could really help would be some customer testimonials and, if possible, some sample restoration jobs - before and after, maybe.

Just a few thoughts.

Patrick Walsh
www.webusability.es

Patrick Walsh
www.webusability.es

Posted on: Tue, 02/09/2008 - 12:22 #3
Here's a thought:

You could always borrow from Avis. 'We're not the biggest, or the cheapest, or the quickest. But we try harder!'

Best wishes, 2ndRateMind.