Im planning a catalogue for our products and the initial thought was to just whack all our products in the catalogue with a price and description etc, make it look REAL professional. Of course i would like everything else i do put a lot of thought into it and im sure it would generate sales and build brand recognition once mailed, handed out or whatever.

Heres my thoughts i had while planning though, What would most people be more likely to read and keep, and what would make people believe they needed our products as soon as possible. I then thought O.k what about instead of just a 20page catalogue we make it look and feel like a magazine.

Id have a nice cover that resembles a magazine cover with sub headings etc. Instead of having just product pics and prices for the content Id write an article on something lets say for example "Alternative uses for business cards" or "The benefits of Outdoor advertising" then on the coinciding pages I would advertise those products. I would also work on getting a couple of other industry professionals who are not in direct competition to me to contribute with maybe an article in exchange for a small piece of advertising space.

I know this has and is being done by others but im just after other peoples opinion on which they would see themselves picking up and reading or keeping and most importantly which would work best.

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http://www.coedesign.com.au

I think your idea is a sound one and more and more traditional magazines are taking this approach. They are trying to follow the success of the infomercials but they are trying to make it a softer sale. The benefit of this approach is that if you are selling other peoples products you can have them help you participate in the writing of the articles

I agree with The Consultant, I think offering value added information with relevant products is a potent combination

Jase do you really need to have a physical catalog could it not be online and save you hundreds of dollars?

I already have it online (it needs updating).
Im looking at targeting some companies who may not have the patience to search online. And also a lot of companies dont know that some of my products exist. So if they get a catalogue in front of them there is more of a chance they will have a look at it.

I have thought of firing out emails with links to my site but I along with many others consider this spamming and it probably wouldnt be a welcome email.

__________________
Im saying this with a smile...!
http://www.coedesign.com.au

I think the biggest challenge with your idea is identifying your target market.

I agree it is a very unique product.

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