I'm considering offering free preliminary audits as a way to get in the door with prospects here in Grand Rapids. Maybe just a basic rate analysis to show potential savings, then propose full audit if they're interested. Thoughts on whether this strategy works or just devalues our services?
Free sample audits - worth it or race to the bottom?
Tina B. - I tried the free audit approach when starting out and it was mostly a waste of time. People don't value what they don't pay for. Now I offer a low-cost "utility assessment" for $500 that gives them enough information to see the value but positions the full audit as the real solution.
David C. makes a good point about perceived value. Even a small fee changes the dynamic completely. I charge $250 for a "quick look" analysis that takes me 2-3 hours but often leads to $5K+ full audit engagements.