24 June 2009

Squatters in our Brochure Holders

At LDS Tourism Services we have a name for the unauthorised leaflets that appear in our display units from time to time. As a clue, the ornithologists among you will no doubt be aware of a certain feathered critter known for laying its eggs in the nests of other birds - frequently evicting the host’s clutch and live young in the process. Yes, you’ve guessed, these freeloading flyers are known to us as ‘cuckoos’!

Over the years we've evicted our fair share of ‘cuckoos’. In fact, signs on our stands inform potential squatters: “Unauthorised Material Will Be Removed”. Nevertheless, there are inevitably a handful of distributors who think we won’t spot a leaflet or two promoting their clients among all the others. They couldn’t be more wrong!

Whilst extremely annoying, this has never been of serious concern – until now. We have suddenly noticed (what could only be described as) flocks of ‘cuckoos’ appearing in our holders; to such an extent that we have been impelled to contact various businesses to let them know their leaflets will never reach the public. It would be unfair to highlight individual names because we are quite sure this problem is down to one or two unscrupulous distribution companies rather than the attractions themselves. However, it’s a great pity to see so much promotional print go to waste and it benefits nobody in the long-run.

So, the moral behind this story is beware unprincipled businesses passing themselves off as reputable distribution firms. If they offer to display your leaflets in hundreds of stands throughout the region (perhaps for half the price), then they are probably cuckoos in doves' clothing.

6 comments:

Mike said...

We seem to have a growing issue with this currently as well....

Paula Bardell-Hedley said...

We have a fair idea who is behind the problem in our neck of the woods - perhaps it's the same nasty lot moving in on your area, too. If it's the same bunch, they're claiming to have hundreds of holders in prime sites throughout the North West (all complete rubbish, of course).

UK Travel said...

We used to be in this business, too (same area as Mike) before specialising in online promotion only.

I understand how frustrating this can be. Whilst we never had our own display stand for all our clients, some of our clients did produce their own individual dispensers which invariably on top-up visits could be found displaying someone else's literature.

Very frustrating but that's a great term you have there!

Paula Bardell-Hedley said...

Many thanks for posting your comment, UK Travel. I know you've been around on the web for many years (great site, btw) and I also remember your leaflet distribution days. Glad you like our term! ;-)

Days out Info said...

No i know who it is up our way and i'm sure you know who they are as well, but hey ho

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