ForumsAdvertising, Sales and Marketing

BCollection,

Direct e-mail marketing should work very well for your business. You can obtain the services of ConstantContact, an E-mail Service Provider (ESP), for as low as $15 per month, which would allow you to e-mail your customer list regularly. ConstantContact helps you get started with templates - whether a newsletter, a promo e-mail, an e-mail greeting card, or an e-mail invitation, - enables you to design, schedule, and administer your e-mail piece. ConstantContact also enables you to determine which e-mail addresses were undeliverable, how many were undeliverable, etc., as well as how many opened your e-mail, and clicked any links in it. This will enable you to track their behavior and tailor future e-mail campaigns.

I would start by creating e-mail marketing pieces that are more like e-newsletters: mostly information (stories, tips, etc.) for boating or fishing enthusiasts, or any one who buys your products. You might put a small section in there that offers a coupon, or special promotion. Also, place a link in your e-mail message for your customers to click on to forward to their friends. Most times, boat enthusiasts befriend other boat enthusiasts. You'll thus be able to grow your contact list in no time.

What's nice about ConstantContact is that it's inexpensive and allows you to "do it yourself."

BCollection, I'd be more than happy to answer any additonal questions you might have.

Alex