how easy is it to say "FREE"?

[krazyhorse]

Hi there

I am just about to market my website, initially via leaflet distribution. I offer computer services, maintenance and support, onsite, to home and Business users.

the 3 key benefits I want to market about my services are:

FREE 14 day aftercare
FREE remote support for business users
FREE collection and delivery of PC's

As these benefits may be beneficial to some, I was just wondering, how feasable it is it to advertise the word "FREE", from a legal point of view. Also, on the leaflet, I will have "visit protechpc.co.uk for terms and conditions".

I will have the terms and conditions for the above "freebies", but to ask the reader of the leaflet to log on and read the terms and conditions, is this legal?

Also, when I write up the terms and conditions (i have not finished the write up yet) of the above "freebies", if someone could have a look at them and give me opinions, I would be truly greatful. Thanks.

 

[estwig]

Are you saying that if something you do for me breaks after 15 days, I am stuffed.
Of course your not but, that is how it could read to Joe Public.

 

[krazyhorse]

sorry that is not really clear is it?

What the 14 day aftercare service means, is that if anything goes wrong in the next 14days, AFTER i have carried out the work on it, I will fix it for free.

Also, it is a benefit, none of my local competitors offer.

After 14 days, if something happens to the system, and if it was user (customer) error, then i would have to charge. It has happened to me before, i re-formatted a customers PC, and after 1 month, they had got viruses on it again and he wanted to blame me for it! Typical!

Sorry, does that particular "benefit" not make sense then?

 

[estwig]

Sorry, just trying to help and offer a different angle, understand what you are saying, but it doesn't read well, to me anyway.
It is very long winded to explain all that on a flyer.

But prob, I am completely wrong

 

[krazyhorse]

oh yeh, I totally agree with you, its too long winded to put on a flyer.

That's why I will have "visit protechpc.co.uk for terms and conditions" But legally, will I get away with this? so for example, on the leaflet it will say:

"FREE 14 day aftercare service*

blah...
blah...
blah...

*visit protechpc.co.uk for terms and conditions"

Would this be legally ok to do on a leaflet or flyer?

 

[estwig]

I'm no expert, but if in your opinion what you are offering is free, then go for it. What is gonna happen, the 'it is not free police' gonna get ya!!

Don't worry, if it works for you and more importantly generates some business, good on ya.

 

[Kent Accountant]

I certainly think you need to expand the current terms and conditions on your website. I'm not sure that as they stand at present they were any help to me at all in understanding what "FREE 14 day aftercare service" means and what restrictions there are

 

[krazyhorse]

Hi bob

yes you're right! woops! once it is completed, I shall upload the correct file!

 

[TIL]

It appears to me that you are offering a 14 day warranty or after sales care. If this is the case say that.

I would be more convinced by a month (28 days) tho'

 

[krazyhorse]

yes, I agree, i think 28 days, is much more peace of mind. Ok, i will change it to 28 days and see how it goes. If I get to many, ahem, user errors, "taking advantage" of this benefit, i might reduce it to 14 days.

Thanks for your input guys, its really appreciated, as i am sure you can tell, I have just started my business adventure Thanks for your time guys.

 

[confused]

ok heres my thoughts - I'm in the same business.

1. 14 day aftercare, from the way I understand you posts is 14 days "guarantee" on the work you have done, IMO that is nowhere near long enough, 12 months for hardware, software - well as you know, you cant really warranty it, it only takes a click to mess it up - I wouldnt go there at all.

2. free remote support - dont go there mate, believe me, all you will get is loads of phone calls with simple problems that they cant be bothered to sort out themselves, or hours on a remote session when you should be there earning money. Remote assistance is an option, but certainly not a free one.

3. free collection/delivery - good idea as long as they dont live 100 miles away!

Hope I dont sound to negative - just my opinion.

EDIT:

My post is of no use whatsoever regarding your original question but I hope it gives you something to consider, I find it annoying but helpful if someone finds negative things in enything I've been planning for ages and hopefully my comments will be of help to you in some way.

 

[krazyhorse]

Hi Confused

I appreciate "negative" feedback, or as I like to put it, Positively criticising. As someone that is in the same business, I value expereince and opinion there.

Yes, you are right, I am expecting time wasting calls, with regards to remote support, but I need to find out myself how flexible I can offer this, dependent on the business client. It's all subject to abuse, and if they abuse it, I will stop it, I will definitely put in a "get out cluase" in my terms and Conditions, if this service is abused.

As for the guarantee, yes, 12 months manufacturers guarantee on hardware. Maybe you are right, I shouldn't really gurarantee work that can be messed up by one click...