James W. from Lexington KY. Been debating offering free sample audits to hook new clients. Did one for Kentucky Utilities customer last month and found $3200 in errors, but they still didn't hire me for their other locations. Are we just giving away our expertise? What's everyone's experience?
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Free sample audits - worth it or race to the bottom?
Ramona L. in OKC here. I've done maybe 6 free samples with OG&E customers over 2 years. Only 2 converted to paying clients but those relationships have been worth over $80k in fees. I think it works if you set clear expectations upfront about what the full engagement includes.
Pete T. from San Jose. PG&E Schedule E-19 accounts are perfect for free samples because there's almost always something wrong with time-of-use billing or demand charges. I offer to review 12 months of one meter for free, then propose full facility audits. Converted 4 out of 7 this way.
Bob W. in Akron Ohio. Did a free sample for FirstEnergy customer and found nothing. Absolutely nothing. 18 months of perfect billing. Client thought I was incompetent even though their bills were actually correct. Sometimes no news is bad news for business development!