#1. "RE: Marketing Budget" In response to Reply # 0
We use percentages of each sales to put toward things. For instace in my local business, we tythe 10%, donate to our online company 10%, advertize 10%, office supplies 5% etc. It works for us, but the percentages may change at certain times of the year. If we are doing real well and let's say office supplies don't need to be 5% we can up another % somewhere else. I think it varies for every business for what the % need to be so you just need to play with the numbers until it works for you and your busness.
#2. "RE: Marketing Budget" In response to Reply # 1
We also use percentages, but we bank the percentages that don't apply. You never know when they will go over budget. You'll also want to determine whether you want to move the budget or maintain it by banking it based on what your board says (if you have one) or on personal choice, or indeed on necessity... Cash flow for PMEs being what it is when you're just starting up.
Our percentage for marketing is a standard 10% of Revenues.
Tina Brooks, VP Marketing Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc. Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces http://www.peppermaster.com