Talking Discount Flyers From People In Time Square

[thismyshow]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 9:57am

I recently started a job in time square handing out discount flyers for various broadway shows, my question is does anyone on this board actually take any flyers when they walk through time square, what grabs your attention to get you to stop and take one?

[siny]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 11:20am

I'll only take it if it's for a show that I want to see anyway. You'd probably have a better luck with tourists who are wandering around looking for something to do.

[thismyshow]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 11:33am

i figured that about the tourist but was just trying to i guess do market research in a sense like is it more likely you would stop and take one if you were aware of what the exact discount i was offering was, or do you feel price points arent a huge deal....

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 11:55am

I normally take one for my collection (Yes, I collect the Broadway flyers) if it's a show I haven't already obtained.

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 12:00pm

i figured that about the tourist but was just trying to i guess do market research in a sense like is it more likely you would stop and take one if you were aware of what the exact discount i was offering was, or do you feel price points arent a huge deal....


punctuation would help.

I only grab flyers from shows that I know are on my list to see. It never really matters at first what the discount is, in order to get my attention. Every show papering times square are selling their production for aproximately the same price range.

The best way to get someones attention is be personable and engaging.

Get me to talk to you, and maybe I will be interested in seeing your show. If I was a tourist that is.

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 12:07pm

"The best way to get someones attention is be personable and engaging.

Get me to talk to you, and maybe I will be interested in seeing your show. If I was a tourist that is."

EXACTLY!, Also, if you can, understand the show you are peddling and know you could answer some questions if asked. I don't know how many times I asked flyer people a question and they stared at me as if I was the Kraken.

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 12:22pm

did you mention to these flyer people that you wanted the advertisement to add to your collection?

I would look at your funny too.

JUUUST kidding. kind of.

[singtopher]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 3:41pm

It's not un-common for those who are handing out those flyers to not have seen the show they are peddling. While the bosses try to give everyone a show they have seen when they work, that doesn't always work out so they are suddenly stuck with a play they know nothing about.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 4:42pm

Talking discount flyers?! I might collect those!

As for taking discount flyers? I don't, and I agree that tourists would be most interested (and that the best way to interest them is with an upbeat, positive attitude).

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 4:59pm

Target people with cameras, people walking at a snails pace and people who look generally confused and/or bewildered at their surroundings.

Do NOT target people wearing headphones (or ask them to take them out like those damn HRC people), people on the phone or people walking fast trough the crowds (locals).

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 3/26/11 at 11:13pm

Look for big clumps of people standing around Times Square. Those would generally be your tourists.

[singtopher]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 1:28am

Look for the crowd frantically jumping up and down and waving their arms while they see themselves on that damn jumbotron across from the Marquis.

[masb19872]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 3:46am

I used to pass out flyers at TKTS, fun times :)

I agree that being personable and engaging is great. Have fun while you're doing it, or pretend you are! I'm not taking a flyer from a bored looking person. Also, knowing your show, and the others currently on Broadway. Be able to compare your show to others. Often times tourists are weighing several options, or may have their hearts set on Mammia Mia! or, sadly, Cats (which frustrated me on several levels). When all else fails, get a gimmick

[suechru]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 4:15am

Jordan, I wish someone would pass that message along to the comedy show guys. The broadway flyer people seem to understand headphones on + walking at a fast around tourists means a local who knows where she's going and doesn't want to be harassed. In my experience they're actually the most respectful of all the groups scouring for tourists in that area. I've never had anyone doing flyers for a broadway show shove anything in my face or call after me/harass me as I walk away like the comedy show people do.

The only reason I blare my iPod in this area is to drown out the comedy show hawkers.

[thismyshow]

Posted: 3/27/11 at 5:13am

yeah ive noticed the comedy people are extremely aggressive and slightly rude, which dosnt help when people pass 3 of them and then come toward me