Flaky advertisement letter in the mail

[gary_g]

I received an advertisement letter in the mail yesterday from a local HVAC contractor. It's flaky, to say the least, and reminds me of the tactics of a used car salesman. It came in a plain white envelope. Here it is (the names have been changed to protect the innocent):

TEST DRIVE A New Furnace and Air Conditioner
FREE FOR ONE FULL YEAR!
(It's true. Get all the details for free too!)

PLUS!!! UP TO $1000 OFF
YOUR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM!

Dear Neighbor, this is your private invitation:

XXXX XXX Heating and Air Conditioning selected a limited number of homeowners (79 to be exact) to participate in a FREE TEST DRIVE (TRIAL) OFFER. These special homeowners will be entitled to use brand new heating and cooling equipment with NO out-of-pocket costs for one year.

YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE INVITED!

A limited number of systems have been reserved and unfortunately this offer ends May 30th or when we run out (whichever comes first).

You of course want to know the catch. Here it is: You are responsible for your utility bills so you are only using these quality systems with no out-of-pocket expenses besides the electricity and gas to cool and heat your home.

So, if your air conditioner or furnace has broken down in the past few years or you feel it could break down in the next year, DO NOT WAIT - call right now XXX-XXX-XXXX. Many of you will pay over $500 in repairs this year on your utility-guzzling air conditioners and furnaces. Why would you throw good money towards a system you'd replace?!

Please do not allow this incredible opportunity to pass without at least hearing the details. Call today because when the 79 heating and cooling systems are gone - the program is over. Done. Finished.

[coordinatesales]

Sounds like another way of saying, 12 months, same as cash, or no payments or interest for 12 months.

[RyanHughes]

And what if you don't want it after those 12 months? :D Doesn't sound very professional to me.

[Mr Bill]

Call him up and tell him to move to Houston and he won't have time for thinking up those flaky letters he will be to busy. :D

[mbarson]

That's funny! I got the same add here in Minneapolis. We get some new wild promo about every 4 months from these guys, they changed their business to one of the franchises (1 our). The sad part is people fall for this stuff without asking the important questions about HVAC replacement.

[beenthere]

Flakey doesn't matter, if it gets them more business. :D

[t527ed]

that same advertising had been used around here for years. both direct mail and big ads in the newspaper.

[vancehvac]

Cheezy marketing indeed - But it probably works.

If nothing else, it gets them in your door....Exactly what its designed to do.

People love to think they're getting something for nothing.

Anyone can sign up for this program - Its sold to contractors by "One Hour Heating & AC" which is a franchise of sorts.

I'd ask if I could come to their office to have a look at these "79 furnaces & ACs" and watch them squirm.:D

[hvaclover]

Us old timers remember the late 80's and early 90's when sales training used to teach all kinds "hurry up and buy now" techniques and not to accept a "NO" from the prospect 'til they practically threw you out the door.

That letter sounds chock full of Zig Zigler training style.

[classical]

Sounds more like Jim Abrams than Ziggy!

[BaldLoonie]

Sounds like a Clockwork or Airtime 500 piece.

[push]

Hudson, Ink Has a similar program as well.

[craig1]

Sounds like a Clockwork or Airtime 500 piece.

yep, One Hour

looks like their all doing it

http://hastingsmn.onehourheatandair.com/specialoffers/specialview.html;jsessionid=498CC2ABF56E0951B918E3 0514DF28A8?specialId=34

This poor contractor only got to offer 57 furnaces for the "test drive"


I wonder if they leave the old furnace so they can put it back in a year if you don't like the one you "test drove"

[gary_g]

Wow, the exact same ad.

[ISOTHERMAL]

Yeah and a $grand$ trade in for your old equipment, ...
like push, pull or drag it in:D just like a car salesman. I have a hole pile of used junk I'd take a grand for each system:D

[air311]

What kind of systems are they installing? Probably builder-grade stuff that'll you'll pay premium prices for after that year is up. The fact that this works says a lot about how much thought people put into their HVAC systems.

[javaman]

yep, One Hour

looks like their all doing it

http://hastingsmn.onehourheatandair.com/specialoffers/specialview.html;jsessionid=498CC2ABF56E0951B918E3 0514DF28A8?specialId=34

This poor contractor only got to offer 57 furnaces for the "test drive"


I wonder if they leave the old furnace so they can put it back in a year if you don't like the one you "test drove"

to ask them what brand they install. When/if I get a reply, I will post it.