How can they be making any money?

[fmtjfw]

I was driving through PA yesterday and I saw several billboards that said "replace 10 outlets or switches $99 -- strike that -- $49"

If I walked to my neighbor's house across the street and replaced 10 outlets, it would cost me, at a minimum, 10*$0.40 for the junkiest big box duplexes. I estimate, absolute best case 1 hour assuming all the furniture is out of the way.

More likely, it would be 1960's style ungrounded with no ground present. Now I would buy 10*$2.00 two prong duplex receptacles. Then there would be an average of 6--8 wires connected to each receptacle, the wires would be 2-1/2 inches long and the box would be one of those form-fitting metal boxes a good 1-1/4 inches deep filled with mouse remains and I'd be there 3 hours sweating bullets.

SO, is it a scam?

 

[kwired]

I was driving through PA yesterday and I saw several billboards that said "replace 10 outlets or switches $99 -- strike that -- $49"

If I walked to my neighbor's house across the street and replaced 10 outlets, it would cost me, at a minimum, 10*$0.40 for the junkiest big box duplexes. I estimate, absolute best case 1 hour assuming all the furniture is out of the way.

More likely, it would be 1960's style ungrounded with no ground present. Now I would buy 10*$2.00 two prong duplex receptacles. Then there would be an average of 6--8 wires connected to each receptacle, the wires would be 2-1/2 inches long and the box would be one of those form-fitting metal boxes a good 1-1/4 inches deep filled with mouse remains and I'd be there 3 hours sweating bullets.

SO, is it a scam?

Could be, or they may lose on some jobs and upsell other items on other jobs and end up profiting in the end.

Why do furniture and appliance stores always have huge discount sales? They may take a little loss as well on certain items, but the goal is still to profit from the whole event.

 

[petersonra]

I was driving through PA yesterday and I saw several billboards that said "replace 10 outlets or switches $99 -- strike that -- $49"

If I walked to my neighbor's house across the street and replaced 10 outlets, it would cost me, at a minimum, 10*$0.40 for the junkiest big box duplexes. I estimate, absolute best case 1 hour assuming all the furniture is out of the way.

More likely, it would be 1960's style ungrounded with no ground present. Now I would buy 10*$2.00 two prong duplex receptacles. Then there would be an average of 6--8 wires connected to each receptacle, the wires would be 2-1/2 inches long and the box would be one of those form-fitting metal boxes a good 1-1/4 inches deep filled with mouse remains and I'd be there 3 hours sweating bullets.

SO, is it a scam?

It is a loss leader designed to get you in the door so you can be up sold. A very common marketing tactic used since the dawn of time. Think Black Friday.

 

[fmtjfw]

It is a loss leader designed to get you in the door so you can be up sold. A very common marketing tactic used since the dawn of time. Think Black Friday.

If they were down here in WV where licenses are required, I might just invite them to replace the outlets in my house (2 prong, no ground ...) And resist the up sell, have my buddy the code inspector pop out of the kitchen, and I'd asked for their journeyman's/master's license.

But then I'm not always the nicest guy you'll meet

 

[GerryB]

It is a loss leader designed to get you in the door so you can be up sold. A very common marketing tactic used since the dawn of time. Think Black Friday.

Kind of like a 200 amp service I did about 10 years ago for $1500. The HO had gotten a price from someone who advertised 200a service for $999.00. Turned out that was for 6 ckts max, 10 feet straight up, no permit, and even grounding the HO said was extra.

 

[jim dungar]

..."replace 10 outlets or switches $99 -- strike that -- $49"...

I wonder how much they are charging for replacing the cover plates also. $10 each?

 

[kwired]

I'm just curious how many people would even respond to such an ad, other than maybe someone that knows they have some receptacles that the cords will not grab tight enough to hold on to the plug. Otherwise I don't think the general population even thinks about this kind of thing all that much. It isn't like an oil change or something you need done on a more routine basis.

 

[petersonra]

I'm just curious how many people would even respond to such an ad, other than maybe someone that knows they have some receptacles that the cords will not grab tight enough to hold on to the plug. Otherwise I don't think the general population even thinks about this kind of thing all that much. It isn't like an oil change or something you need done on a more routine basis.

There are some electronic billboards around here that you can get on that are pretty cheap. You message gets run every so often. the one I see the most has about 15 different messages that scroll through about 10 seconds apart. I have used it in the past for gun show ads. It was dirt cheap. < $100 for an entire week IIRC.

 

[fmtjfw]

There are some electronic billboards around here that you can get on that are pretty cheap. You message gets run every so often. the one I see the most has about 15 different messages that scroll through about 10 seconds apart. I have used it in the past for gun show ads. It was dirt cheap. < $100 for an entire week IIRC.

These were traditional full sized "paper" billboards

 

[d0nut]

Don't forget about the AFCI requirements for replacement receptacles in the 2011 NEC that went into effect on January 1. This sounds like a quick way to lose a bunch of money, or a way to get a foot into the door and sell, sell, sell.

 

[fmtjfw]

Don't forget about the AFCI requirements for replacement receptacles in the 2011 NEC that went into effect on January 1. This sounds like a quick way to lose a bunch of money, or a way to get a foot into the door and sell, sell, sell.

Frankly I don't believe for a second that they would install an AFCI under this scheme.

 

[cowboyjwc]

You guys, you know that it'll take at least a 200 amp panel to run those new receptacles.:roll:

 

[PetrosA]

Welcome to my world :rant:

PA is still on the 08 NEC, so no AFCI coverage needed to replace outlets. I would read the small print on that ad if I were the customer though, since if there is none, some sorry jerk is gonna be replacing 10 GFI outlets for me for $50. I haven't seen those billboards at this end of the state yet, but it's probably a question of time. I've noticed over the past half-year or so that lots more people are interested in getting work done, but they don't want to pay for it. I've talked to a few other contractors and they're seeing the same thing in all but the richest clientele. I could give more details, but what for? I'd just get depressed all over again. If guys start using advertising like this around here, it'll just make it all the harder to sell work at an honest profit.

 

[rt66electric]

Call them up....

Call them up....

I was driving through PA yesterday and I saw several billboards that said "replace 10 outlets or switches $99 -- strike that -- $49"

If I walked to my neighbor's house across the street and replaced 10 outlets, it would cost me, at a minimum, 10*$0.40 for the junkiest big box duplexes. I estimate, absolute best case 1 hour assuming all the furniture is out of the way.

More likely, it would be 1960's style ungrounded with no ground present. Now I would buy 10*$2.00 two prong duplex receptacles. Then there would be an average of 6--8 wires connected to each receptacle, the wires would be 2-1/2 inches long and the box would be one of those form-fitting metal boxes a good 1-1/4 inches deep filled with mouse remains and I'd be there 3 hours sweating bullets.

SO, is it a scam?

Could you call them up ... and pretend to be "ROY D. MERCER" ??

Ask them the twenty questions....

(1)What color?

(2)Do I have to move the Aquarium?

(3) Does that include a 10:00 AM start time( my wife Sara Jean ((350Lbs)) has yoga)

(4) GFCI receptacles?

(5) Can my daughter Latica "help"?

(6) Can my son Raymond be an apprentice?

(7) Don't worry about the dog, the vet said "that was normal"

(8) The exterminator "ran away" but don't worry...

(9) Can you take payments?

(10) Let me give you directions, the address does not show up on google. Do you have a 4-wheel drive?

(11) My grandfather wired the house.. is that ok? He was a country-boy and could fix anything.

(12) We need this done "RIGHT_NOW"

(13) If you do a good job ... my cousin could use some work done also.

(14) Could you please put in 120 v recptacles the some of the old 115 v receptacles appear to be "LEAKING"

(15) Does that include tax ?

(16) Does that include the one(receptacle) in the chicken house??

(17) If Bubba shows up .. Hold my beer while " WHOOP-HIS- BUTT"

(18) Can I borrow your truck while you work?? Mine is in the shop.

(19) HEY .... WATCH THIS>>>>

(20) Can you finnish by 1:30 ?? I have to have to take my wife to the doctor for her appointment with the dermatologist, We think she has leprosy or somthing.

 

[kwired]

You guys, you know that it'll take at least a 200 amp panel to run those new receptacles.:roll:

Could you call them up ... and pretend to be "ROY D. MERCER" ??

Ask them the twenty questions....

(1)What color?

(2)Do I have to move the Aquarium?

(3) Does that include a 10:00 AM start time( my wife Sara Jean ((350Lbs)) has yoga)

(4) GFCI receptacles?

(5) Can my daughter Latica "help"?

(6) Can my son Raymond be an apprentice?

(7) Don't worry about the dog, the vet said "that was normal"

(8) The exterminator "ran away" but don't worry...

(9) Can you take payments?

(10) Let me give you directions, the address does not show up on google. Do you have a 4-wheel drive?

(11) My grandfather wired the house.. is that ok? He was a country-boy and could fix anything.

(12) We need this done "RIGHT_NOW"

(13) If you do a good job ... my cousin could use some work done also.

(14) Could you please put in 120 v recptacles the some of the old 115 v receptacles appear to be "LEAKING"

(15) Does that include tax ?

(16) Does that include the one(receptacle) in the chicken house??

(17) If Bubba shows up .. Hold my beer while " WHOOP-HIS- BUTT"

(18) Can I borrow your truck while you work?? Mine is in the shop.

(19) HEY .... WATCH THIS>>>>

(20) Can you finnish by 1:30 ?? I have to have to take my wife to the doctor for her appointment with the dermatologist, We think she has leprosy or somthing.

Some of those questions remind me of what my sister once told me about where she worked. She is a pharmacist and worked a Walgreen's store at that time. They have a drive up window that is supposed to only be for prescription pick-up, but she said they were always getting requests for items from the retail floor - could you get me a gallon of milk with that?:roll:

 

[Fulthrotl]

Welcome to my world :rant:

PA is still on the 08 NEC, so no AFCI coverage needed to replace outlets. I would read the small print on that ad if I were the customer though, since if there is none, some sorry jerk is gonna be replacing 10 GFI outlets for me for $50. I haven't seen those billboards at this end of the state yet, but it's probably a question of time. I've noticed over the past half-year or so that lots more people are interested in getting work done, but they don't want to pay for it. I've talked to a few other contractors and they're seeing the same thing in all but the richest clientele. I could give more details, but what for? I'd just get depressed all over again. If guys start using advertising like this around here, it'll just make it all the harder to sell work at an honest profit.

they aren't selling ten plugs for $50. who on earth would buy ten plugs?

and the additional plugs, as you are gonna change out the whole house....
well, the 10 plugs is the special..... they are normally 28.85 each....
so, lets count all those plugs up for you.....

iirc the story correctly, lee trevino used to hustle golf by losing $100
a hole for the first 15 holes, and then winning the next three for $1,000 each.....

it ain't over, till it's over.....

 

[kwired]

they aren't selling ten plugs for $50. who on earth would buy ten plugs?

and the additional plugs, as you are gonna change out the whole house....
well, the 10 plugs is the special..... they are normally 28.85 each....
so, lets count all those plugs up for you.....

iirc the story correctly, lee trevino used to hustle golf by losing $100
a hole for the first 15 holes, and then winning the next three for $1,000 each.....

it ain't over, till it's over.....

Ever seen the show "Extreme Cheapskates" on TLC or Discovery channel (can't remember which)?There are people on there that will get their $50.00 worth and then some, plus will try to find a way to reduce the $50.00 fee even after getting extras.:happyyes:

 

[mgookin]

An ad like 10 receps for $50 is like the free a/c inspection or free furnace inspection where the tech, after 10 minutes of tinkering, yells "Holy cow are you lucky you called when you did; this system is about an hour away from blowing up your house. Sign here real quick..." They take your furnace and sell it to the next guy and sell you the furnace they took from the last guy, plus a can of Rustoleum of course.

Scam all the way.

 

[Fulthrotl]

An ad like 10 receps for $50 is like the free a/c inspection or free furnace inspection where the tech, after 10 minutes of tinkering, yells "Holy cow are you lucky you called when you did; this system is about an hour away from blowing up your house. Sign here real quick..." They take your furnace and sell it to the next guy and sell you the furnace they took from the last guy, plus a can of Rustoleum of course.

Scam all the way.

no it isn't. rustoleum is a legitimate product.

 

[satcom]

I was driving through PA yesterday and I saw several billboards that said "replace 10 outlets or switches $99 -- strike that -- $49"

If I walked to my neighbor's house across the street and replaced 10 outlets, it would cost me, at a minimum, 10*$0.40 for the junkiest big box duplexes. I estimate, absolute best case 1 hour assuming all the furniture is out of the way.

More likely, it would be 1960's style ungrounded with no ground present. Now I would buy 10*$2.00 two prong duplex receptacles. Then there would be an average of 6--8 wires connected to each receptacle, the wires would be 2-1/2 inches long and the box would be one of those form-fitting metal boxes a good 1-1/4 inches deep filled with mouse remains and I'd be there 3 hours sweating bullets.

SO, is it a scam?

That billboard ad is a door opener, it gets you inside where you can sell, sell, sell if you know how to present the proposed work, it only requires looking at the overall condition, of the existing wiring in home, and working up a list of needed repairs, and possible upgrades, once your in the door your in the entrance of the gold mine, you can dig in and sell, or let the a hunger seller walk out with the gold