By Dave B.
Marketing is an endless stream of figuring out a way to sell your clothing line, used car or boat, a campaign for a position in government, and pizza. It is expensive and can be a large part of a small businesses’ bottom line. Here on Vashon you have various options, including The Loop, The Beachcomber, and the sides of our buses running up and down Vashon Highway.
But what do folks do? They utilize sandwich boards and signs stuck in the ground on various roads in numerous quantities. I have heard all kinds of pros and cons on this subject, so let’s wade in.
First, does it work? I think so. After passing “Gomer for President” fifteen times on Vashon highway six days a week, it becomes engrained in my little skull. I should vote for Gomer, right? He has something going, right? Kind of like Tayor Swift songs.
It’s not that I WANT to look, but it is like a magnet. “Look at me, look at me, look at me.” Come on, admit it, you are curious when a new one goes up, as to what it says, yes?
Second, will you buy, rent, go see, or vote for the company, movie, or candidate that you observed on your way to Island Queen? Maybe. It is not my place to say, but if you have no idea who is running for XYZ district, and the ballot is in your hand, who stands out? Yep, sandwich board candidate!
Does it detract from our Island’s beauty? Now, there is the key to this situation. Yes and no. My opinion is the grey area in-between. I understand Vashon is fighting for your almighty dollar, rental, or vote, and we DO NOT have those large, obnoxious billboards along all our major arteries like in the city centers. That is a good thing, and also, I think that as much weight as these billboards have, they might fall over in our sandy soil.
We do need to maintain and grow our businesses here on Vashon and keep this place clean and beautiful at the same time. Can we agree to do this? Can we just minimize the AMOUNT of signs folks put out and then also TAKE THEM DOWN when the election is over, the business is successful, and the movie is long gone?
It drives me crazy that politicians take months to get their team to take down “Gomer for President” campaign ads. If you can put them up, then be responsible and take them down.
What do you all think? Do you have signs out currently and how do you feel about this subject? Has it been successful for you and your endeavor? Please write to DaveB@idontcare.org. Kidding …
