The fine print

Entrepreneur, April, 1997 by Mark McKeller

"A home-based business with high profit margins, repeat orders, and no competition?" Terry and Laurie Cohen were skeptical. "Seeing is believing," say the Cohens, who were among 350 candidates selected and trained by EPI in 1995 and 1996. A pioneer of its own patented process, EPI was a successful business in Pensacola long before deciding to expand. That experience is clearly evident in EPI's dealer recruitment standards.

"Get rich quick applicants" and high pressure sales personalities are politely declined. EPI recruits in its own mold...self starters who value financial independence and are willing to follow proven marketing techniques. Most important, however, is the desire to help others. EPI dealers are problem solvers. They turn ordinary, everyday consumer products into value-added advertising resources with a home computer and EPI's patented equipment. Then, EPI's innovative marketing programs assist customers in using those advertising resources to make money, save money or enhance the customer's public image. This consumer orientation produces repeat orders which are the secret to EPI success.

EPI succeeds where others fail simply because EPI pioneered the business concept now offered to Dealers. "A top-notch business concept is not enough," says EPI co-founder Mark McKeller, "unless the concept is backed by proven strategies for finding and keeping customers. The real secret to our success," continues McKeller, "is that we know where the customers are and have learned to demonstrate our products in such a way that they sell themselves. The products are beautiful but you really have to see them to appreciate the full effect."

EPI's marketing philosophy was developed by Bob Chism, McKeller's partner. Chism opened a single location in Pensacola and, within eight months of opening, had a 21-customer account base that is still intact today. These accounts produce thousands per month in repeat orders as well as a steady stream of referrals for new business. Amazingly, Chism's business continues to grow even though he has not made a sales call in five years.

This extensive customer experience is summarized for EPI Dealers in a comprehensive Marketing Manual which is supplemented through monthly marketing updates and annual Dealer workshops. "We are in business to do three things," says McKeller, "we help our customers make money, save money, or enhance their images. That is why we get so much repeat business. We show our Dealers how they can do the same for their customers."

Most prospective dealers are drawn to EPI by the desire for financial and personal independence afforded by a home-based business. "Such motivation is important," says McKeller, "but, frankly, our most prosperous dealers simply follow the formula which has proven so successful for us. There's no reason to reinvent the wheel; we've already done the hard part."

The patented Color Transfer Unit, scanner, laser printer, Windows-based software package, cutter, marketing materials, samples and display items cost $9,995. Dealers use their own personal computers. Technical training is provided by Michael McKeller, a third EPI founder, and his staff through a step-by-step Operations Manual, telephone consultation, and, soon, a video support program.

The success of EPI's unique marketing approach has not gone unnoticed. Mark McKeller is in demand to share his experience at both the local and national levels. He writes a regular column, "Ask Mark," for the nationally distributed HomeBusiness Journal in which he advises aspiring entrepreneurs.

EPI's success was reflected in its selection to the prestigious "1996 Business Opportunity 500" published by Entrepreneur Magazine. The ultimate compliment, however, comes from EPI dealers..."Finally a business that makes sense" (Gale P.); "I never thought I could make so much money with such a small investment" (Gary H.); and, "This is the best home business I've ever seen." (John R.)

For more information, call EPI at (800) 844-7909. You may also visit EPI's Website at www.bomida.com