Rick Howard

A trend that has lasted as long as companies have been in business is attracting new clients/customers by giving something away for free. It can be seen in any sector where a sale needs to be met, whether it be department stores, design agencies, lawyers or restaurants.

Examples of freebies are:

• Services - most of these encompass a free service such as a “free estimate” or a service in conjunction with a purchase. Think “free windshield wipers” with an Oil Change.
• Company Item - This would most likely be a free mouse pad or drink cozy with the company logo emblazoned on it.
• BOGO - “Buy one, get one free” sales which can usually be found at any hat, shoe, or clothing store.
• Free Item - One great example of this is when Taco bell gave away one free soft taco per customer if someone got a stolen base. This deal is also usually done through a coupon or some other loose advertising.

While these giveaways are nice, wouldn’t it better to get a quality product?

Once these companies get you in the door, do they wow you with their customer service or work? Do they try to intimidate you by reminding you of the free item you received?

As far as design agencies go, I can say the best way to find out if you are at the right place isn’t based upon the number of clients or the number of giveaways. You should base it on their work and the work ethic of their people. Look around you, if someone is offering you something free and not offering you something they have done, shouldn’t you be a little curious.

The creative team of ARC welcomes you to stop by and see samples of our work and meet the designers.

You may not leave with a free set of ARC pom poms, but you will leave knowing you made the right decision.

Who has the best insurance commercials?

I think the answer to that is pretty easy, everyone loves Geico’s commercials. From the cavemen, celebrity endorsements, nostalgic characters to the almighty gecko himself. There is no shortage of creativity from their ad agency.

Recently, I was in a car accident, my insurance company who I won’t mention but says they take a stand. They do take a stand for themselves. I had nothing but issues with them during the process. They wanted me to take a lower price for my car, pay for my rental and I wasn’t even at fault. I have since switched to Geico, they were the other guys company.

They called and kept contact with me, paid for my rental in full, sent me a check for the car and followed up to make sure I was receiving the right information. This is why people switch to Geico. They pull you in with their commercials and follow it up with great customer service.

They realize the importance of great customer service as opposed to just having an image. An important lesson for all businesses.

You may be flashy and offering a great service, but if people can’t use it, then what purpose does it serve. If no one is going to offer guidance then why should your customers refer you or come back to you.

So the Question is “What are you doing to elevate the image of your company?”

* note 1 - By switching to Geico I saved $220.
* note 2 - Geico’s greatness is only the opinion of this guy. ARCdesign does not promote or endorse them as the auto insurance company of choice.