Anyone providing free services, to get a foot in the door?

[zappy]

I was thinking of like free electrical inspections or something to get a foot in the door. Stimulate some business. Good idea, bad or already doing it?

 

[goldstar]

FREE

Once you start using that 4 letter word you'll start getting real busy. You won't be making any $$$ but you'll be real busy

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

"Free energy audit."

 

[ty]

We install Solar Systems purchased through us *Free*.

There are only a few Criteria that have to be met to get the Free install. Most everyone meets the criteria, and if not, the install still ends up being *free* but there sometimes are additional charges on top of the solar system.

 

[emahler]

we've decided to become an L3C and just quit pretending...

 

[cadpoint]

I think you should read some good marketing books, reinvent and reinvest in yourself!

Work on your strong points work but work more on your weak points. :grin:

Walk your neighbor and place door advertisements!

 

[AV ELECTRIC]

Free has been a marketing ploy for many years as we know most things aren't free its made up on extra charges for goods and services . Take for instance free shipping the charge for that is diverted to a higher cost for the product does this entice the customer I would say yes in this situation. Can this work in the electrical field specifically targeted at service . Ive seen electrical companies advertise A 100 dollars off first service call but they charged 700 hundred dollars for troubleshooting anything so they more than made up for that loss I don't see those guys any more people are smarter than you think . Free may get you in the door and keep you busy as others said will it make you money it depends how good a sales man you are if that's something your not good at you should probably stay away .

 

[cowboyjwc]

Had a guy come by and give me a *free* estimate to replace my windows and he was good, without even measuring he came up with a "one time only", "must sign today" price of $16,000.

I replaced them all for less than $4000.

 

[hunt4679]

I wouldnt do anything for free unless you are talking about maybe changing a switch while you are already there doing something like a service and panel upgrade. A 30 cent switch and 5 minutes goes a long way with a customer

 

[ItsHot]

free handshake

free handshake

Free handshake, after you have paid me!

 

[zog]

I wouldnt do anything for free unless you are talking about maybe changing a switch while you are already there doing something like a service and panel upgrade. A 30 cent switch and 5 minutes goes a long way with a customer

Can change it from one time job to a real customer, the repeat kind that refers you to others.

 

[satcom]

Can change it from one time job to a real customer, the repeat kind that refers you to others.

What you want is customers with long term service and repair contacts, a refered customer does not assure a good customer.

 

[boboelectric]

Nobody reset a breaker for an elderly person,an said,"free Sample"?

 

[laketime]

I wouldnt do anything for free unless you are talking about maybe changing a switch while you are already there doing something like a service and panel upgrade. A 30 cent switch and 5 minutes goes a long way with a customer

30 cent switch????

 

[N844AA]

I sometimes see an electrical contractor advertise "Free 20 point safety inspection". He opens up your panel, pokes around and since almost every panel has something seriously wrong with it, he'll give you a quote on fixing whatever nightmare he found in your panel.

On one hand this is an obvious ruse as the same person inspecting the panel is offering to repair deficiencies he discovered, yet if you didn't hard sell and abuse the consumer, this could be an ethical and valuable service.

 

[hunt4679]

30 cent switch????

I might be off a little on that!

 

[hunt4679]

Ok I was off by .14 at home depot $4.40 for 10 pack 15a sp I think we do about 10% better than that at the supply house

 

[petersonra]

We don't advertise it but once in a while we do something for free.

It rarely gets repaid with enough business to make it worthwhile IMO.

 

[r_merc]

Does volunteering for Habitat for Humanity count.

 

[N844AA]

Does volunteering for Habitat for Humanity count.

Building homes for people with no money? Don't count on them for any future business but I would always mention this to prospective customers, how you "give back to the community"...