Expert: Peter Gabany - 9/29/2010

Question
Hi,

I'm offering a mobile auto touch-up service for an extra income.  I am offering the service for free to start out with.  Can you give me your opinion on the attached flyer?  My questions are:
Is this clear enough, or should I ad more information?
Would you add, edit, or delete any of the wording?
Any other suggestions?  

Thanks!

Answer
There is NO stock in offering anything for free. It sets a precident of value… if he is willing to do it for free it must not be of value. Also, if you are willing to do it for free to get people interested then is sets a 2nd precident… low price.

So, when you are ready to launch at a price your have complicated people's access to paying.

Make a case for the value of your service - clean the car with the touch up - A complete make over for $200. This is not a give-away but people that pay the $$$ should feel the value. They should say to themselves… Wow! this is like driving a new car. I feel good that it has been cleaned and detailed. I have taken care of the exterior and I know I can get several more years out of it. And Evan even did the interior for me… I have to tell others.

You could announce a Gold, Silver, Bronze package and DON'T discount. Fairly price everything and you will get customers (if you are any good at what you deliver).

As for looking at a flyer - nothing attached and I would have said no if it offered something for free. Wanna give something for free, make a deal with the coffee shop around the corner for a deal on coffee, give out free coffee while they wait, send them to the neighbour and the incentive will have the coffee guys business increase as they buy something else in the shop while waiting.

Pete