engfant

Once again. $1/tan x 100 visits = $100
$0/tan x 100 visits = $0

There is NO NEED for "absolute free". Buy 1 get 1 free is NOT free. It's 50% off.

Not saying the free tans doesn't work, just unnecessary.

gripmarketing

I understand your math but have a different equation:

$1/tan x 100 visits = $100 (with lower response rates from respondents who for the most part are already presold on spending only $1, the expectation level preset by the offer itself...making the upsell and cross sell job difficult - don't think it doesn't!)

When you advertise for a $50 customer you will get a $50 customer. When you advertise for a $1 customer you will get a $1 customer. There ain't much difference between a $1 customer and a free customer except in the response rates to the ad offer.

$0/tan x 100 visits = $0 (with higher response rates resulting in more upsells, cross sells, and selling more to the respondents - respondents don't have as many preconceived notions or expectation levels of what a tan costs because after all, its free)

Therefore, there is A NEED for "absolutely free". The only question is CAN YOU CAPITALIZE on it??? Test, test, test to find out.

engfant

"The only question is CAN YOU CAPITALIZE on it???"

"GOLDEN SHOWER SUNLESS STAINING AND UV TANNING GRAND OPENING! $1 TANS! $2 LOTIONS! $3 SPRAYS!"

I'd be there.

I NEVER show up, click on, tab to, mouseover, drive to anything for free UNLESS I know what the **** is going on. NOTHING IS FREE. NOTHING SHOULD BE FREE unless it's included with something, therefore making it NOT free.

ALSO if the salon is a smaller salon you are gunna MAX OUT real quick. It would be a shame for 500 people to show up for their freebee and the wait is until next tuesday. No where to put people if you got under 8 beds.

gripmarketing

That's the amazing thing - since our advice is always "test, test, test", Grip Marketing puts you where you may want to be in the debate over offers. Above it.

engfant

[ This Message was edited by: engfant on 2004-08-05 18:23 ]

tanu01

Yep, See who can give themselfs away first.
Flick

jo

Those who give free tans - do you ask each new customer for picture ID?
I had folks turning up 2, 3 or more times attempting another freebie (I gave freebies the first month) I've had other offers and people think they can have it over and over.

tanu01

Thats why I never started it.When I first opened everyone was doing free tans. People were shocked when they came in and expected a tan for free,Sorry NOOOOO. 14 YEARS LATER I'M STILL HERE! And with 37 more units then I had back then.
Gary push your PR all you want. Free tans will get a small salon nothing more then a higher electric bill.
Flick

jo

Also - what about the drop-ins from out of town who may never darken your door again - do you let them tan for free? I probably get one of these a day - I prefer to get the $10 plus the lotion sample they came in expecting to pay for

jo

What about buy one get one free, or price of the tan off your first package if bought that day (making the first free anyway). I would never give a month free - that's all some folks come in for! - It's different at gyms - no one is going to get all the muscle they desire in a week or a month. Tanning costs us a lot to set up and continue providing. Aestheticians charge a fortune for little treatments of this or that with comparatively small product cost (but admittedly similar overhead costs ie rent etc.) Why does tanning have to be cheapened? It's a relaxing luxury similar to massage with health benefits such as vitamin D as a side effect - people look and feel better and for less cost per month than one massage. I'm not a marketing genius to be sure but I'd rather give a free sample lotion to first timers than the free tan.