Radio Sales Café

Do any tattoo parlors advertise with your station?  Any thoughts on how to approach them?  Does your station tell you to stay away from such clients?  Just wanting some feedback.

Thanks

Andrew:

Anytime I hear about Tattoo parlors I am reminded of a billboard I used to see in Louisville for Tattoo Charlie's: "Tattoos done while you wait". I love the mash up of ideas.

As for spots on the radio, as a writer and producer of ads, we have done some. We approached them from a psydo education point of view. "Parents don't understand today's tattoo parlors and neat and clean, plenty of options, etc." I'd be happy to shoot some copy ideas if you'd like, or even provide a non-station voice if that is a concern for management.

Andrew,
We've had several tattoo parlors on the air in our market. The ones that have been in business for several years are really good clients on our rock station. The dj's have good response on giveaways and they're not offensive to our rock listeners. Be sure to get cash with order on new shops that seem to be opening up on a daily basis.

Andrew,

I've worked with two different tattoo parlors. The first was a small, hole in the wall place. Nice guy, but we never went anywhere after the initial buy.

Then, a new place opened up in town -- immaculately clean, a very "artistic" place. This place has more of the "come hang out" feel to it -- and they are working to overcome the "stigma" associated with tattoo parlors (especially in our small, conservative town). For instance, last year they participated in our annual food drive, and recently had their own to celebrate their one year anniversary. They frequently have local musicians come in to do acoustic shows. It's more of an eclectic, artsy kind of place that does tattoos and piercings! Oh, and they love any "great idea" I bring to them. We've had a lot of fun doing remotes, online contests, etc.

Bottom line? Get to know what they're about and make a decision from there. Who do you want to be associated with? Who do you want to do business with? Who would you refer your friends to?

Oh, and I have no tattoos whatsoever -- and my client knows it. They're ok with that, as long as I keep bringing them good ideas

I have had a tattoo studio on the air for several years on a steady basis. We run certificates for his tattoos on our radio auction monthly and they are always popular with lots of bids. He usually likes to run his ads around spring break time at the local colleges.

Yes, we have had a couple of them on over the past few years. We are careful about the stations that air the ads (classic rock and Hot A/C work for us) but that's a matter of what we do with all clients, match them with listeners who are likely to want their services/products. We guide the client away from "screaming" ads with a more straight forward approach stressing the professionalism and safety of the shop. One of the shops sees direct response from the ads...business nearly always spikes when they are on, especially the classic rock station.

Thanks for the input everyone. Our stations have long had a "no-no" policy on tattoo parlors and I'd love to break the mold. We have an Alt Rock station with a strong young male demo that would really work for a tattoo parlor. Thanks again.

We have advertised for tatoo parlors before, and, as in all services offered, these clients must pay in advance. We always stress the professional way the parlor conducts their business....they are accomplished artists with years of experience, the cleanliness of the store and the professional atmosphere. We try to drive our listeners to their website to see samples of their work, which is very important. They have been really good customers, and are the type of establishment who appreciates the way we direct quality clients to their door.

It really depends on the format. In any case, if you are allowed to approach them, make sure you get cash in advance!