Any creative ways to get tobacco/smoke shop specs?

  • 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.

    Seeing Clearly Through Thick SmokeTobacco Advertising on ...

     

  • 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!