Paint and Panel has visited many shops that spend time and money recycling and make considerable efforts to carry out their business sustainably, but a customer or insurance company would never know it. There’s no signage and nothing about it in any of the shop’s literature or on their website.
Marketing your green efforts can make your shop more appealing to consumers and insurance partners and make you stand out in the local market place. Green initiatives are increasingly important to consumers and that means insurance companies too as they reach for improved customer satisfaction.
Telling people about what you do to reduce your shop’s impact on the environment needs to be part of overall marketing plan to vehicle owners and insurance companies. Quality, efficiency and environmental benefits are the three main components to focus your marketing messages on.
If you use waterborne paint, market the fact that this is what manufacturers use so you’re providing the customer with a better quality finish while also reducing negative environmental impacts.
Awards and certifications you have received as a result of environmental efforts are valuable selling points – get a green stamp certificate from your local MTA.
Signage is a small investment and really smartens up your workshop. A recycling area in your yard can look like a messy pile of junk, so make sure you have a recycling area sign nearby, especially if the area is visible to customers.
Design an attractive notice for the reception area which lists your environmental credentials like efficient equipment and good cycle times – customers will read it while they are waiting.
Lastly, try to market your green messages using environmentally friendly tactics as well. Use your website or email rather than sending out hundreds of flyers printed on paper.