Marketing is an absolutely essential function at  the store level. Word of mouth and superior customer service are the most important marketing functions of the store.

Leverage the personal contact
As RTO professionals, we have a distinct advantage over the "retail" industry due to the high level of personal contact with customers. A customer chooses to rent for specific reasons. They may have temporary financial circumstances that require renting. They may be unable to get traditional retail credit. Regardless of the reason, our customers pay their bill in person. That gives you 4 times the opportunity to market additional services to that customer. Every visit to the store by a customer, new or existing, is a selling opportunity.

Superior service is the best advertising
Sending fliers to payoffs and buyoffs is very important. But if my level of service is superior to the competition, my current customers WILL RETURN. If I go above and beyond the call of duty, word will spread and I will gain customers.

This is a cheap way to market because the customers are already coming in. If employees are properly trained in what the customer service requirements are for your store it helps the efforts as well.

Cross Marketing
Another vital marketing tip is to get to know area business managers. Make deals for cross marketing with such places as Payroll advance, and Check cashing companies. We share the same customers and these business are great for skip traces as well. I've managed a Rent to own as well as a Payroll advance location so I know first hand how closely related the business are.