[cashflyer]

In 2011 I had my old HVAC system removed and a completely new HVAC system installed - including ductwork. I also had a new roof put on my house. I will briefly tell you about my experience and hope that you can learn something from it (I know I did).

I got estimates from 3 HVAC companies. I went with the one that quoted what I asked for without hitting me up for a bunch of extras. The crew started the job on time, then disappeared for a week, then had two guys come out and finish the job. Two weeks over their quoted schedule, and the job was all fuched up. Ducts in the wrong places, heat unit installed backwards, etc.

I requested roofing quotes from 4 companies. 1 never showed up for the appointment. 2 came out and looked - 1 failed to ever quote and the other refused to give me the quote in writing. The 4th company quoted in writing and they got the job. They were 8 days late starting the job. 90% of their work was fine, the other 10% was shoddy. It took me contacting the state licensing board before they agreed to come out and correct the poor work.

What does all this have to do with advertising?
Well, with the HVAC contractors, I went strictly by word-of-mouth. All 3 companies were recommended to me by my friends who had used them.
With the roofing, I went strictly by billboards, radio ads, and yellow pages. I looked for established companies that were licensed, insured, and bonded.

In the end, it didn't matter where I found their info. They all let me down one way or another, and as a result I will never recommend them. If they had done what they promised, I would be giving them free word-of-mouth advertising.

My point is this: The very best advertising you can buy is bought by just doing what you promise, and integrity is free.