October 3, 2011 8:22 AM PDT
Wondering if anyone else has had luck coming up with specs and copy for a tobacco shop?
Legally you can't mention cigarettes, smoke, brands, etc.
Just curious if anyone has had luck making legitimate copy via "references" to smoking & accessories or am I fighting a losing battle.
October 7, 2011 4:45 AM PDT
I had a chain of discount tobacco stores on an annual. They are getting ready to sign again. It was a little tricky with the script, but I usually sent it thru corporate to get it approved before producing. The client and I came up with the characters. Hoaky, but it seemed to work. I'm attaching 3 spots, including the spec spot.
October 7, 2011 7:57 AM PDT
5 seconds are best. Hopefully the customers name is smoke shop not cigarette depot.
I have for sports been lucky to not cross that line with alcohol or tobacco.
I've read this article, maybe it will help.
October 7, 2011 9:49 AM PDT
I had a chain of Discount tobacco stores on an annual. It was tricky on what could and could not be said, but I just ran the scripts by Corporate before we produced. He is getting ready to re-sign. Attaching a couple of the spots below including the spec spots.
October 7, 2011 2:59 PM PDT
Most sell pipes & papers so we just mention "smoking accessories" and the listeners pretty much get the picture. I will note however that the ban is only on broadcast communications, so selling a link from your website to theirs is perfectly acceptable.
October 9, 2011 5:18 AM PDT
I've had a lot of experience in spirits marketing. I think the best way to address your challenge is through event and on-air sponsorships. You can get a lot of mileage out of tying the shop into various activities and building brand awareness. You trade off in-depth messaging but can make that up with awareness. Good luck.
October 12, 2011 7:29 AM PDT
Thanks for all your help...I think I've got the client sold on a great spec spot now!
