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Steps to Success - Designing your Ornament
- Choosing a Theme: Experience has shown, that for the greatest
success of this program, you should select a subject that is well know in the community or
has historical significance. These sites could include high schools, elementary
schools, bridges, gazebos, historical homes, buildings with interesting architecture,
etc. If your organization is a church related, we recommend that you use the church
building, a new addition, stained glass windows, the alter area, etc. Many church
organizations prefer to do the program as a community wide project, and us historical
subjects that have wider marketability.
- Your Artist: If you have a local professional artist
that is willing to create a design for you, our representative will gladly assist them
with specifications. Ask for the artist's guide titled "Mechanical
Specifications". After receiving your order for ornaments, we will send a
specification sheet, along with a sample border of your choice, directly to you or your
artist. We need your order first so that we know what product ( and size if
ordering ornaments ), what border number ( if using one of Keystone's stock borders
) how many colors, etc., before we can send your artist the specifications.
We'll also offer suggestions to help the create a beautiful design for your subject.
Keystone will then send a colored paper proof of your artwork, to the person in charge of
the project, along with an approval form. This form must be signed and
returned before we will release your ornaments for production, even if your artist
prepared the art.
- Our Artist: If you would like Keystone's artist to create
your drawing, just include a photograph with your order, indicate which one of our
standard borders you would like to use, and within approximately 10 working days we will
send you a color rendering of what you ornament will look like. A good clear
photograph will help with detail. All photographs and maters will be returned
intact. The artwork proof must be approved in writing before we can proceed.
- Production Time: Normal production time is 4 weeks from when you approve the artwork.
If you delay the art approval, you will also delay the expected delivery date.
If a pre-production sample is required, a delay in delivery will occur. Changes to samples
can also delay the expected delivery date. You should also allow 3-7 additional working days
for the freight company or UPS to deliver. Reorders at the height of the season (October-December),
will usually take 3-4 weeks plus delivery time. New orders after October 1st could have a 5-6 week
production time (plus delivery time). Please call for availability if you are having an event.
- Set a Sales Goal: Get your members to commit to how many ornaments they will help sell personally.
THIS IS A MUST FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE!
- Publicity: Plan your publicity. Have a local well known figure, perhaps the mayor,
buy the first ornament. When they do so, have the local news photographer on hand to give you that
extra FREE publicity. Tell the community again why you are sponsoring the program: to promote the
history of their town, to raise funds for the Christmas decorating project on Main Street, a new park, etc.
Give the newspaper a press release announcing the “Limited Edition” Tree Ornament Program and the
purpose of the proceeds. Keystone will automatically send you some examples of press releases.
This is a vital part of your program and should not be overlooked. DO IT IMMEDIATELY!
Keystone will also send you an ad slick (at no charge) for use in advertising your project.
- Contact Local Businesses See if they would like to purchase your ornament in quantity,
especially if their building is being featured. They could use them as Christmas presents for
employees, friends, customers, etc. If you feature your high school, market them to the class
reunion committees, in large quantities.
- Get Excited!! Especially your members. The greater the excitement, the greater sales
potential you’ll have.
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