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Share your customer lists with non-related vendors and ask them for some cost savings.  Your company most likely does not compete with your bank, insurance broker, automotive repair man or the company that trims your grass.  These vendors are in other industries but can and would like to offer services to some of your current customers. Consider giving them your marketing lists and request cost savings in return.

Cost savings you might request for sharing data:

• Bank loan officers:   Give your customer list to your loan officer and ask for a lower interest rate on your next equipment loan.  If he cannot do this specifically, ask for him to forgive the loan fee, normally paid upfront, or a reduction in other loan costs.
• Lawn care owner: Give your customer list to your lawn care man and if he picks up any new customers, ask for a cost reduction or at a minimum to hold your lawn care bill steady for a second year (indirect cost savings).
• Insurance broker: Give your marketing list to your insurance broker, offer a great reference (if it is deserved) and ask him to get you a discount on your current premium or maybe a reduction on your renewal. Ask him for some ideas first and he may come up with more than you anticipated.
• Scrap dealer: Give your client list to your scrap dealer and ask for a better scrap price on unused cardboard, leftover wood, various types of metal shavings or solids, pickup fees, fixed monthly service fees or free calls on weekends or holidays. If you are not sure what benefit he can give you, ask him. He will be glad to consider something you will appreciate in exchange for your client list and your solid positive reference.
• Office products representative: Give your customer list to the office supplies guy who brings copier paper, pens, notepads, copier ink cartridges and other company office supplies.  Ask him for a further reduction on your bill or maybe a one-time credit memo in exchange for a good referral.
• Auditing/tax preparation: Provide your client list to your external CPA tax preparer/auditor and ask for a fee reduction on tax preparations, auditing fees, state tax form preparation or any of the services he or she provides.  You will know it is working when those companies call you for a reference.

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