In the Dec. 4, 2017 issue of The NEWS, I discussed some common obstacles that customers present when offered a preventive maintenance agreement and solutions to overcome them. This week, let’s take a close look at how to design and market your service plans.

Reynolds boasts eight years of experience with Field Controls, most recently serving as director of OEM sales.

Like most Americans during this time of year, I’m looking for ways to be healthier and happier in 2018. So, I’ve been scouting different local gyms, shopping around for memberships, and trying to find something that fits my needs and budget.

The biggest objection commercial HVAC sales consultants hear is: “We don’t have the money to the replace HVAC equipment.” But, thanks to recent tax law changes, profitable commercial businesses now have the financial ability to pay you to swap worn out HVAC equipment for better comfort, greater reliability, and lower energy bills.

I may be coming at this late in the game, but a recent article I read online opened my eyes to the whole digital coupon phenomenon. This is the use of the internet to offer deep discounted coupons and vouchers for products and services to a ton of potential customers.

In 2018, creativity should not be at the bottom of the list. However, sometimes it is impossible to find a better deal when there are simply no other options.

Technicans are in a unique position in the HVAC contracting world because they often act as both a serviceman and salesperson. Some companies even push for their service techs to sell, offering cash bonuses or other incentives.

It seems obvious that profit is desirable, maybe even virtuous. If society at large fails to understand the essential goodness of profit, certainly a capitalistic HVAC industry should acknowledge it.

When it comes to acquiring crafty quotes and insightful input, magazine editors sometimes have to get creative. Such was the case regarding the stories set to appear in next week’s issue (Dec. 18) of The NEWS. I was tasked with writing an article on safety practices for entry-level technicians. This seemed like a slam-dunk assignment. Most HVAC contractors strive to keep their employees safe, right?

Recently, there has been a great deal of conversation among contractors regarding the new concept of selling HVAC equipment on the internet. While the pros and cons of a consumer buying equipment online and finding a local contractor (or having one “selected” for them) are many, that is not the purpose of this article.