Archive for January, 2009

Ask Vicente: Comfortable Recliner

Posted by Vicente in Ask Vicente on January 29, 2009

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Master Bedroom LoungerFrom: Laura

Comment:

Vicente,

I am in a pickle as my husband and I have purchased a pied a terre and he requires a recliner.  Help!!  I must give in as he often sleeps in the chair due to arthritis.  thanks  laura

Vicente Responds:

I just dealt with a client who has major problems and is not able to lay in bed. First I would suggest getting an automated bed, which has helped my client a great deal as he’s not able to lay flat. This helps him as he can raise his legs and his head and it can still blend in decoratively. If it’s a King sized bed you can do two twins with separate controls. There are chairs that can go completely flat – how about looking at hospital suppliers?  We do custom recliners for our clients, but it doesn’t always recline back all the way. I haven’t found a comfortable recliner from any of the catalog stores yet.

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Ask Vicente: How to market to designers

Posted by Vicente in Interior Design Business, Random on January 13, 2009

From: Damon Carson
To: Vicente Wolf
Subject: Designer Question
Vicente,
I ran across an article about you in an old design magazine.  Honestly, Mr. Wolf, I can’t remember if it was in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, or which one!?!  After seeing you in the magazine, I found your contact info online.
Anyway, I have a question about designers.  We sell a unique and fun product which is described below if you’re interested.  My question regards marketing to designers like you.  How do you usually find new product ideas that you may eventually use in a client’s home – direct mail, trade shows, magazine articles, etc?  In other words, how do you, and designers at your firm, usually learn about new products out in the marketplace?
Whatever quick thoughts you could give me on marketing would be appreciated!
My company, Carousels in Miniature (www.carouselsinminiature.com) crafts miniature carousels for kids.  We can customize the colors and theme to anything you or your client may desire!  These operating little 48” in diameter carousels are popular with parents and grandparents in playrooms, bedrooms, etc.  As our tagline says:  “Remarkable design.  Unquestionable fun.”
Again, I appreciate your time!
Damon Carson
CEO of Fun

From: Damon Carson

To: Vicente Wolf

Subject: Designer Question

Vicente,

I ran across an article about you in an old design magazine.  Honestly, Mr. Wolf, I can’t remember if it was in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, or which one!?!  After seeing you in the magazine, I found your contact info online.

Anyway, I have a question about designers.  We sell a unique and fun product which is described below if you’re interested.  My question regards marketing to designers like you.  How do you usually find new product ideas that you may eventually use in a client’s home – direct mail, trade shows, magazine articles, etc?  In other words, how do you, and designers at your firm, usually learn about new products out in the marketplace?

Whatever quick thoughts you could give me on marketing would be appreciated!

My company, Carousels in Miniature crafts miniature carousels for kids.

Again, I appreciate your time!

Damon Carson

CEO of Fun

Vicente Responds:

  • Editorially would be the best way of grabbing my attention.
  • We have built relationships with sales reps who come around with their new products.
  • Advertising in the shelter magazines is another way of getting your message across.
  • Having bad product, or pitching something that really has no relation to the end user is a waste of time for all involved.
  • Be sure to study your product and see which designers really fit your product. I’m not going to look at a catalogue about ruffles and pattern.
  • Focus your attention on the people who you have the best chance of selling your product to.
  • Editorially works better than advertising in my opinion, so it may be worth your while getting some PR help to get your product placed.

These are my quick thoughts – perhaps some of the other designers out there have something more to add?

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