Green Vendor Directory

Many people are trying to get a message across with their spending habits. They want to send the message to stores, shops and other establishments that they care about the planet and that they want them to care as well.

People are no longer shopping in places that will not even recycle paper, one of the simplest ways to contribute to keeping the planet green. They demand green products, green services, and green goods from green vendors, dealers, sellers and business people. They cannot afford to drive around in search of green vendors. They also know that they cannot keep track of every opening, closing and moving in the green business world. A service that would do that for them would be very beneficial.

What does a green vendor directory actually do?

Just like a phone book, the green vendor directory would list all of the businesses in the area, compare their level of greenness (perhaps separated into color coded sections) and then provide as much information about them as possible. The directory could include such things as contact name, email, web address, physical address, telephone number, hours of operation, green items, best items and any special information. Each company could pay for ad space in the directory to boost their sales and the directory could then be sold in different locations as well as on an independent website.

What kind of training or skills do I need?

The ability to gather information about each of these establishments and then verify that information is vital. Also required are organizational skills. Additional knowledge about desktop publishing would be helpful, but if you are not knowledgeable in this area, you can always work with the printing company for your sales and marketing pieces.

Who are the competitors?

In a larger city, due to the number of businesses, there would not be a great deal of competition. On the other hand, in a smaller town, there may only be demand for one directory which means that competition might be somewhat more, fierce.

What are the risks?

Not getting enough ad space to make the printing deadline would be the biggest risk. Secondary risks would include not generating enough demand about the directory to sell it, and finally, not having enough businesses in the town to create one.

Green Entrepreneurship Resources