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OneStepAhead · 03-14-2008, 04:33 PM

I go to the local university where we are expecting an estimated 2,000 - 3,000 incoming students in the fall. I have recently gained access to the contact information of these students and would like to use it to my advantage.

The school is making it mandatory for every incoming student to attend orientation so all incoming student will be here from June - August. The opportunity I would like to pursue involves tours of the area.

I would like to set up a company that gives a 2 - 3 hour tour of the area around the school (shopping centers, scenery, etc.) and provide wine to the adults ( I live in the Sonoma/Napa area, which is famous for its wines). The tour would be very professional, informative, and display landmark for both students (party spots) and adults (cultural spots).

I would also like to set up a contract with a local fine diner allowing me to take my clients to their establishment after the tour and giving them dinner, giving me a percentage of the proceeds.

I feel that the demand would be there because both parents and students would want to check out the school before coming here.

Now the question: Does any one have experience with this kind of business model? I would appreciate any information you may be able to give me.

Gaulkin · 03-14-2008, 07:25 PM

Sounds like your on to something, good luck with it.

Ahern & Brucker · 03-14-2008, 11:07 PM

I don't have experience with this but

seems the school is the real customer and your service is mainly to the school so make them pay for all of it... dinner, wine and tax and a tip and a comission for your signups... and if the school isn't your customer than the recruiter they hire is... or your become a recruiter?

If your presentation is right it should be an easy sale.

everyone hs to pay to get a customer one way or another...schools included. why should the parents have to pay for their entertainment when they are getting ready to mortgage the farm for little junior

It's big money if yuo nail the sale... big money for the school and you are going to do what?? charge a % of the food bill??? you can pay your way through college that way? once a year???

better to take a cut of the tuition.

ADVERTISE HERE! · 03-15-2008, 12:07 AM

Just a question: Why would a school pay for this when they already have the commitment of the students' tuition? Doesn't seem like the school is the customer at all.

Ahern & Brucker · 03-15-2008, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmenq2

Just a question: Why would a school pay for this when they already have the commitment of the students' tuition? Doesn't seem like the school is the customer at all.

I missed the first part that they were already students...I was thinking they hadn't enrolled yet and were just coming to look the place over. Sorry.

ADVERTISE HERE! · 03-15-2008, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahern & Brucker

I missed the first part that they were already students...I was thinking they hadn't enrolled yet and were just coming to look the place over. Sorry.

No need to apologize. Would be a pretty good enticement though.

Ahern & Brucker · 03-15-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmenq2

No need to apologize. Would be a pretty good enticement though.

It's still do-able and she could still approach the college and offer this as a special service or, maybe to the alumni foundation or who knows, probably lots os parts to a college and funding is spread in every direction... maybe she could offer this as a quarterly service to say the physics dept or break it down in some way and than build frrom there??

It's an interesting idea and one of the few i've heard lately that really sound do-able... but still, she needs to create a need for the school to pay for her services.. counting on just some % of the food take doesn't sound like it would pay off unless she wass selling cases of wine for fetzer. but the parents aren't there to buy cases of wine...

maybe she can work out some school related sales like selling (whatever it is kids need to be successful in college??? books, bongs and kegs of beer???)

but still, make the school pay. give them a reason...

ADVERTISE HERE! · 03-15-2008, 11:39 AM

I wouldn't count on the school paying for any of it. They don't quite work that way generally. Where the could come in to play is if you could get them to pass out brochures maybe. Or something else along those lines.

hugh009 · 03-15-2008, 12:06 PM

I agree with the posts that say the school would probably not want to pay especially as we face a recession. I would look for sponsors for your project that could benefit from the tour.

Ahern & Brucker · 03-15-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmenq2

I wouldn't count on the school paying for any of it. They don't quite work that way generally. Where the could come in to play is if you could get them to pass out brochures maybe. Or something else along those lines.

even if she could create a need for her service that would benefit the school and make a proper presentation?? you don't think the school would buy a service that she can prove would beneffit them in some way?? (cost reletive to the benefit)

even a 1/2 assed salesman could make that sale and I'd be willing to bet it would be a slam dumk. tell you what, you help her create the need and identify the service better and i'll go and sell it for her.

like taking candy from a baby... and I could use the recession to drive my point home and nail it.

capforge · 03-15-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneStepAhead

I have recently gained access to the contact information of these students and would like to use it to my advantage.

Just curious- have you cleared this with the school? Seems like they might not want you directly contacting their incoming freshman, at least not without them pre-approving your offer and use of the information, or compensating them for the use.

Aside from that, this seems like an idea with potential.