Scratch me Back Blog

Scratch me Back is all about word of mouth.

Customers spread the word about the huge discounts available.

Businesses spread the word through their networks that Scratch me Back works in gaining new customers and encouraging them to spend more. Scratch me Back is spreading through franchises and chains such as:-



Shepparton, Nathalia, Myrtleford, Bendigo and Benalla



Mooroopna and Nathalia





Shepparton and Wangaratta



Shepparton, Seymour and Echuca




Shepparton and Myrtleford



Myrtleford and Maryborough



Echuca and Ballarat




Cobram and Maryborough

Scratch me Back has been given great exposure in nearly all towns it has been launched.

Businesses are encouraged to work together to get good media exposure and keep promoting the benefits of low fuel prices by shopping at participating businesses.

Click here to see how SmeB has featured in the Media.

Kieth Westblade of Ballarat Stationers (Office National) heard about Scratch me Back and after researching the various fuel discount schemes, invited Geoff to start in Ballarat with his help.

Kieth liked the way that SmeB focussed on locally owned businesses and rewarded loyal customers with huge fuel discounts by being able to add the cards together.

Brendan Zala (Chisholm Petroleum) was approached and he agreed to make available the following 3 fuel outlets - Caltex Depot in Latrobe St, Ampol Shop Stop in Sebastopol and Ampol Stop Shop in Wendouree.

Scratch me Back will commence in Ballarat early March with Ballarat Stationers and Autobarn.

Many other businesses have indicated their desire to join and an official launch will occur late March.

Scratch me Back has been endorsed by Echuca Moama Tourism and the Echuca Business and Trades Association.

Scratch me Back launched in Echuca on February 8th with 10 participating businesses:-

Sutton's Bakery
Travel Scene
Echuca Workers and Services Club
Autobarn
Hare St Butchery
Echuca Newsagency
Carters of Echuca
Nu Manz
Bennett's Sports
Betta Electrical

Businesses who are members of Echuca Moama Tourism are invited to join.

E Banc Trade joined with Scratch me Back around April 2005 as a way both businesses could cross promote and work together supporting small business.

E Banc Trade businesses who join Scratch me Back get significant rebates which makes it a very cost-effective way to reward their loyal customers.

Requests for Scratch me Back to start in many towns around Victoria saw the need for a fuel efficient car and eye-catching signage.

A VW Golf signwritten by Michel Signs in Shepparton was the way to travel.

Geoff Allemand originated the idea and worked with Rob Oldfield (Archer St Mobil) to provide a way for small businesses and small fuel outlets to fight back against the large supermarket/petrol station alliances.







Mick O'Callaghan of Colliver Rd Butchery was the first business invited to participate and Scratch me Back became a reality late February 2005.


Sammy Rachelle of Finer Fruit was the next business to join and SmeB was up and away.

A new Scratch me Back image was required to market the brand more effectively. Shout Design (who handle graphic design for the Sundowner Group of Motels) was given the brief to come up with an eye-catching logo for the cards and promotional material.

This is the result:-














Click here to see A Current Affair story.


Scratch me Back now operates in many towns and cities around Australia. Click on a town to see the participating businesses:-

Shepparton
Mooroopna
Tatura /Byrneside
Benalla
Nagambie
Myrtleford
Nathalia
Wangaratta
Carlton
Maryborough
Bendigo
Seymour
Cobram
Blairgowrie
Echuca
Frankston
Ballarat