These FAQ's will try to answer your questions about how Cartoon Map Production Works. It is a general overview of the process. If you have specific questions as a School or Non-Profit organization additional information is available by clicking the "Schools" button to the left. For the Professional Map Producer who knows the "ropes" click on the "Professionals" button to get the specific information you need.

What do I need to get started?

Do you like talking to people? Can you be a self-starter? Can you keep track of the most basic records and a bank account? Do you want to make money for yourself, your school or your community?

If you have these basic skills and a willingness to put in the time and effort to be a success then you've pretty much got what you need. (A car is a definite plus to get around but a bicycle could do the job in a smaller town. We would love to see someone do a map using only public transportation to get to their appointments and call on potential advertisers.)

Do I need to be an artist?

Absolutely not!. That's why we're here. We include with your materials package an almost 300 page Sample Ad Catalog full of sample ads for just about every business imaginable. Simply show the category of ads to your advertiser and let him select the one he likes. Can't find that ad you want? If you can draw stick figures then you're good to go. The sales invoice has a place for all the important information. Just fill in the blanks and we'll have all the information we'll need. Customer wants a drawing of his building? No problem. All you need is a simple camera and color film. We'll even show you a way to provide us with "location" information so we can position the ads on your map.

How big does my town have to be?

This depends on the size of the map you want to do. A 25 ad calendar map could probably be done in a community with as few as 250 businesses.

Sound like a lot of businesses? Take a look at your local Yellow Pages, Every business in there is a potential advertiser. A "business" can be a retailer, with or without a store or shop, a service provider like a doctor, plumber or gardener. It can be a manufacturer, a trucking company or hospital, or police, schools and other non-profits organizations that deal with the public. A business can be in entertainment like a movie theater or DJ, a wedding planner, a bank, or even a mortuary. Don't limit yourself to thinking that the only "businesses" in town have to be in building.

A high school group might find it can sell 75 ads in a community with 500 or less businesses since there would be a lot of community support for the school fund raiser.

For a 100 ad map, the most popular size, 750 or more businesses is probably a good rule of thumb. Of course, the more businesses you can talk to the better will be your outcome but there is no hard and fast formula for what works.

You could sell two ads per block in your downtown area. Or 25 ads on a main street. Or every store in a shopping center might buy an ad.

Support from the Chamber of Commerce is valuable and a big help. Chamber merchants are often the very best businesses in a community.

Got a local radio station? See if they want to get involved in both promotion and support. They then add pizzazz to their promotion by tying it to a listener Treasure Hunt call-in using the map as the source for the correct winning entries.

What goes on a map? In a Business Guide?

All full size maps contain the cartoon ads for your advertisers, approved by them, positioned on the map as close as possible to their actual location. Important streets, roads and highways are included to show the most direct method to get to the advertisers. Additionally, some landmarks, an information panel ( with community events or school schedule), custom title of the map, school mascots where appropriate, humorous cartoons, and full color background are included. One sided maps are shipped flat.

For a two sided Map & Business Guide all the above is included on the map side. On the reverse or back side there's full color front and back covers, two interior pages that can be used for important phone numbers, school sports schedules, community or organization calendar of events, and an index that allows every business to have a short descriptive paragraph about their business. The map is folded to a convenient size for display.

The interior pages normally used for information can be sold as display advertising and add to your income. There is a charge for the production of the ad art by us for your client or to insert art supplied by your client. This is covered in the information guide in more detail.

How do I distribute the maps?

We recommend that you simply provide every advertiser with 75-100 maps and let them hand them out. Usually there is a "Compliments of" panel on each map for the advertiser to stamp his or her business name so there's an extra incentive to make sure he hands out his copies. Any extra maps can be given to the Chamber of Commerce. Schools can distribute the maps this way or at sports or other school events.

How long does it take?

The time for sales is entirely up to you. Are you going to go out every day and sell ads? Are your salespersons students who will only be selling one or two afternoons a week? Are you a Chamber of Commerce member who can make a presentation and sell out your map one meeting? The time period for sales generally takes 6 - 8 weeks but larger maps can run longer. We can even start on your maps before all your ads are sold to expedite the process and enhance your cash flow. Whatever time it takes you to sell your ads we'll be ready to start as soon as you let us know you're ready to go.

The actual production time - time in our art shop and printing - usually runs 8 to 10 weeks. Some maps, depending on size, complexity and special requests may take longer. If it appears your might we'll call and discuss the time line and options.

Can I do a map for a special event?

Sure. However, remember this rule: Deliver special event maps BEFORE the event and you're a hero... deliver them AFTER after the event and you're the goat.

Event maps can be wonderful souvenirs or just colored fish wrap. We recommend that you allow plenty of extra lead time for sales and production of any Special Event Map. Please call us if you have something specific in mind.

Can I get RUSH delivery?

Sure. But that's how the printer can make those extra boat payments!

A RUSH designation can cut production time ALMOST IN HALF... and at least DOUBLE all costs!

Printing, shipping and the art costs all at least double. The problem is not the work but the time involved. To rush your map either it is almost always done on overtime. That's awfully expensive. Think very carefully about designating a map or guide for rush delivery. Best to contact us first.

What does it cost?

Click on the PRICES icon to the left for general information on costs and profits of our most popular map. Please feel free to call us for any additional information you might need. A complete price list is included in your sales package.

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