ABOUT SHOP INDEPENDENCE

Q: What is the Shop Independence mailer?
A: Shop Independence is a professionally printed 9" × 12" oversized direct-mail postcard featuring locally owned businesses in targeted Iowa communities. Each campaign is designed to deliver strong local visibility while keeping advertising affordable.

Q: Who runs Shop Independence?
A: Shop Independence is operated by Nick Derr, a local business owner based in Independence, Iowa. The program operates as a DBA under Uncle Nick’s Toy Venture, but is managed as its own professional advertising initiative with firm timelines, clear policies, and long-term growth plans.

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PRINTING & QUALITY

Q: Where is the mailer printed?
A: All mailers are printed locally at Print Express in Independence, Iowa, using thick, glossy, high-quality cardstock designed to stand out in the mailbox.

Q: What size is the mailer?
A: All Shop Independence mailers are printed at 9" × 12", an oversized format chosen specifically for visibility and impact.

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CAMPAIGN STRUCTURE

Q: Is this a recurring ad or subscription?
A: No. Each Shop Independence campaign is a one-time mailer. When you purchase ad space, you are purchasing placement for that single campaign only.

Q: Will my ad be mailed more than once?
A: No. Each campaign is printed and mailed one time only. Future mailers are separate campaigns and require separate participation.

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PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Q: Is there a minimum number of businesses required for a campaign to move forward?
A: Yes. Most campaigns require a minimum number of participating businesses to meet marketing and production thresholds. This ensures the mailer is effective and viable for all participants.

Q: What happens if a campaign does not reach the minimum participation?
A: If the minimum is not met, businesses will be notified. Payments will be refunded or applied to a future campaign, at the business’s choice.

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AD SPACE & CATEGORY LIMITS

Q: How many businesses are allowed per category?
A: In Independence-area campaigns, most categories are limited to two businesses total, with one placement per side of the mailer. Certain categories (such as restaurants or retail businesses) allow flexibility, but businesses offering nearly identical services will not be grouped together.

This approach ensures fairness and meaningful visibility.

Q: Is it different in larger markets like Cedar Rapids?
A: Yes. In larger markets, categories are typically limited to one business per category due to higher competition and broader business diversity.

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PRICING & COSTS

Q: Are there any hidden fees or extra costs?
A: No. The price listed for ad placement is exactly what you pay for your space in the mailer. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.

Q: What does the ad placement price include?
A: The ad placement price includes:

• Your reserved ad space

• Campaign layout and coordination

• Printing on oversized 9" × 12" glossy cardstock

• Mailing through USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) You pay nothing more for ad placement beyond what is shown on the campaign page.

Q: When do additional costs apply?
A: Additional costs apply only if optional services are selected, including:

• Ad design services

• Logo design (if you do not have one)

• Additional design revisions beyond what is included

       All optional costs are clearly stated in advance.

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DESIGN, CONTENT & MATERIALS

Q: Do I need a finished ad or logo?
A: No. You may submit a finished ad or choose a design option. If you do not have a logo and need one created, logo design is an additional cost.

Q: Who owns the ad content and design?
A: You retain ownership of all materials submitted. By participating, you grant Shop Independence permission to use your materials only for designing, printing, and promoting the mailer. You may reuse your ad materials for your own marketing.

Q: What content is not allowed?
A: Submitted materials must be appropriate for general audiences. Content that is offensive, misleading, inappropriate, or unrelated to the business will not be accepted and may require revision.

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SUBMITTING MATERIALS

Q: How do I submit my ad materials?
A: Materials may be:​

• Emailed to nickstoyventure@gmail.com​

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PROOFS, ERRORS & RESPONSIBILITY

IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ

Q: Who is responsible for errors in the final printed ad?
A: Businesses are fully responsible for reviewing and approving the materials they submit. While every effort is made to catch obvious issues, final accuracy is the responsibility of the business. This includes spelling, phone numbers, addresses, pricing, logos, and all submitted content.

Once an ad is approved and sent to print:

• Errors originating from submitted materials cannot be corrected

• Reprints or refunds are not available for submission errors

       Careful review before approval is extremely important.

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PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

COMMITMENT POLICY

Q: What happens if a business cancels after committing?
A: Submitting the participation form is considered a firm commitment.

• If a business cancels before the design or print process begins, payment will be refunded or credited toward a future campaign.

• Last-minute cancellations without a valid reason are not acceptable. Businesses that cancel without a legitimate reason may be barred from future Shop Independence campaigns.

• Repeated cancellations or failure to honor commitments will result in removal from future participation.

       This policy protects other participating businesses and respects the time required to run each           campaign.

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COMMUNICATION & UPDATES

Q: How will I receive campaign updates?
A: Campaign updates—including participation status, proof timelines, printing, and mailing—are communicated via email.

Q: What’s the best way to contact you?
A: Email is the best and fastest way to reach me:
     📧 nickstoyventure@gmail.com

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DISTRIBUTION & PROMOTION

Q: What if my business is not located in the mailing area?
A: Businesses outside the mailing area may request a printed copy of the final mailer once the campaign is complete.

Q: Is the mailer promoted online?
A: Yes. The final mailer may be shared on the Shop Independence Facebook page. As the platform grows, additional promotion—such as short photo or video features—may be added.

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FUTURE EXPANSION

Q: Are you planning to expand to other communities?
A: Yes. Planned and future expansion areas include:

• Manchester, Iowa

• Oelwein, Iowa

• Waterloo & Cedar Falls

• Iowa City

• Other Eastern Iowa communities 

• Expansion is phased to maintain quality, consistency, and effective targeting.

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FINAL NOTE

Q: Is Shop Independence still growing?
A: Yes. One completed Shop Independence mailer was successfully mailed on November 25, 2025, reaching approximately 6,500 homes and businesses across Independence, Jesup, Rowley, and Winthrop

The current campaign represents the second mailer, building on that initial success. Shop Independence is operated with clear standards, firm policies, and a long-term vision for sustainable growth as additional communities and campaigns are added.