I have started up a computer recycling business. Does anyone have any tips for gaining new clients?

6 Answers

1. Simon, it's a little tricky to know how to answer your question: is the issue about (a) positioning to potential clients or (b) a wider issue of what services is my business providing to my customers?

   
   

   Obviously, they are interrelated, so you may find it very useful to take the General Business Viability Assessment, as a great way of 'kicking the tyres' of your business and identify some of the unknowns in your business which may exist.

   
   

   You may find some useful information in our Resources section of this website: in particular, the Strategy, Marketing and Sales categories.

   
   

   Finally, VentureNavigator ran an event in January 2010 specifically for Social Enterprises in conjunction with Doug Richard's School for Startups (The Resources for Social Enterprises or the Social Enterprise Assessments may be useful to you.) One of the featured entrepreneurs was Darren Taylor, Founder of ECO Computer Systems - look at the overview of Darren's business on the S4S website - it may give you some ideas and encouragement!

   
   

   PS I have an old MobilePro 790 which died about 2 months ago - any use to you??

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   Answered by Arthur Meadows, July 2010   -  Contact this person

2. Hi Simon,

   
   

   Are you not feeling confident because it is not working? It is a perfectly legitimate approach but may take time to perfect. Have you considered delivering your pitch to a 'friendly' (i.e. constructive) 3rd party? Some sales training might also do wonders for your success rate. There are plenty of courses around.

   
   

   I'd also suggest follow-up calls with good prospects. The chances of catching someone with PC's to dispose of at that moment are slim, so you could schedule 3month catch-ups with interested contacts.

   
   

   Phin

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   Answered by Phineas Wenlock, July 2010   -  Contact this person (Edited on 2010-07-20 16:19:53)

3. Hi Simon

   
   

   Keep on pushing and calling again and again, diarise calls and dont be put off by any negativity, it is about relationship building. Try and establish a set of key contacts and dont be afraid of telling them of all your success stories or who you have done this for. I would also set up an email distribution list (get permission first) and send them gentle news every two months or so - but never lose the faith

   
   

   Umesh

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   Answered by Umesh Mistry, August 2010   -  Contact this person

4. Hi Simon,

   
   

   All true business men and women know just how hard it is to get off the ground without support. My best advice to is, try to find good contacts who are potential suppliers to your business model. For example, if you need business stationery or good quality flyers etc, then negotiate hard with your suppliers and obtain the longest repayment terms such as a 90 day credit line.

   
   

   Little things like this can help you to move a very long way but only if you are proactive after you have instigated everything and have got the deal you want. Be proactive, calm, sophisticated and professional in your approach, and the most important ingredient above everything (even more so than money) is SELF BELIEF.

   
   

   You can do it simon and I hope you stay in touch so I can watch you flourish.

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   Answered by Qamar Hussain, August 2010   -  Contact this person

5. Hi Simon,

   
   

   Sorry if my answer is a little late. I ran my own IT business for ten years so I can probably provide you with a few ideas here.

   
   

   I had a quick look at your website and specifically the "prices" link. This could be an area where it might be worth reviewing your strategy. Let me explain. My understanding is that you have a charge for collection and removal of the obsolete equipment and that the value of the equipment to be recycled is deducted from the collection charge.

   
   

   A problem that I can forsee you facing is that a prospective client could think to themselves "ok, I have some old computer gear. I could have someone put it on ebay or take it all to the nearest second hand shop, get rid of it and also end up with a small amount of cash from the transaction. If on the other hand I deal with computer_Recycling.IT, I could end up having to pay money to have the items collected and not generate any income from it".

   
   

   Businesses are incredibly concerned about data getting into the wrong hands. This may be something that you need to consider in your sales pitch.

   
   

   I'd be interested to find out more about your sales pitch and I'd be happy to give you some feedback.

   
   

   Andy.

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   Answered by Andy Salmon, August 2010   -  Contact this person

6. Simon,

   
   

   Andy makes a really good point. As well as data security you have a number compelling reasons to highlight in your pitch including the companies social responsibility, compliance with the WEEE legislation and the fact that you donate part of your profit to charity. In a nutshell 'We solve your waste, comliance and data issues, help the planet and save lives' It's hard to argue with that!

   
   

   Phin

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   Answered by Phineas Wenlock, August 2010   -  Contact this person