FREE WINDSHIELD REPAIR *ask or details

[splitpit]

I didn't bash anyone. I simply find that way of doing business amusing!

[SGT]

If "something" works for you great. If "something" does not work for you great, try something new. Thank GOD we live in America and you can do what you want and it none of my or anybody elses business.

[splitpit]

FREE WINDSHIELD REPAIR works for some people, but it is tied to a program that eventually will not exist. Don't die like a dinasaur. Be prepared for what lies ahead.

If they pulled the plug today and you had to abandon your gimmick marketing, would your business survive?

[StarQuest]

Splitpit,

I'm not overly fond of using the words "Free Windshield Repair" for advertising either but I have to be honest and tell you if all insurances stop waiving deductibles on repair you'd start to see many biz advertising repair at under $30? In my area it's already taking place. (Belle Tire chain with over 80 locations in Michigan pop out daily TV advertisements at $19.95) They don't say "free" but you can bet your booty when a covered insured walks in they then sell it as free!

So, what would aggravate you more? The "Free Windshield Repair" signage(where insurance is still paying me, you and everybody else $50-$70 a repair) or a tent setup that offers $14.99 when things go cash?

[splitpit]

If the tent guy drops to $19.95, I still won't change the way I do business or what I charge. I see it as their loss!

[splitpit]

I'm sure some fools will think that once they lose their FREE gimmick, that lowballing is the answer. They'll lowball themselves out of business completely!

[sunshine wr]

I don't personally use the free "gimmick". This is a boring and non-informative thread. My$.02

[splitpit]

Then why did you read it? My $.02

[maxryde]

Wow interesting, Here's my 2 cents worth, I have 6 signs, 3 locations at times, I love the summer month's where I can pop up in these locations and do business. My worst day I got a tan, (this is unusual) I have done 1600,00 dollars on my best day at 1 location. More often than not "we", (I have two techs manning the post a the "prime" location) run our butts off trying to keep up. The folks who don't have time will be placed on our schedule for repairs at the next earliest convenience. The signs say "Free", I get folks who say "well it's not free then" I say well if you would rather not use your coverage then it's $xx.xx for cash. they then more often than not get busy with the paper work and the sale is complete. Seldom do the prospect's leave, usually if they do I am relieved to have the folks in line better attended to rather than feeling a loss. That being said I live in a rural area, the population is 13,000 and swells to 65,000 during the day. (They call this the Hub city) Our location is at the only mall within 30 miles of this one and some folks have to travel to get here. The other malls would be further. splitpit I do a lot of fleet work and referrals but I love the slow summer times when I can pop-up a living and gain new customers and referrals via this effort. that beingsaid I have to agree doing this alone is a way to go by the wayside for sure. #1 is do good business. #1 too is to treat your prospect as you would be treated. Be friendly, don't try to force the repair issue. If your helpful folks will come back whether you repaired their shield this time or not. #3 Be honest with you efforts and your price's. You don't have to retire off this one job. (and no I don't low ball) fact is I am the Highest in this area. But you get what you pay for and people know it too. (at least here). Bottom line any time I want more work I think about the tent thing and then decide on a course of action. Sometimes it means cold calling on fleets too, if I can fulfill my end of a potential bargain. If you new, don't bite of more than you can chew.

[splitpit]

Thanks for the insight max. Some find the topic "interesting" others find it "boring"!! So goes the world.