One of the oldest techniques in sales is to “throw in” something complementary with a purchase. When a customer buys one thing (often a large ticket item), a sales person might include a warranty, a special gift, or another product for free. Depending on what sort of home business you are operating, you might be able to utilize this technique too…
If you sell products or do direct sales, you might already be throwing in samples or complementary items with every sale. It can be used as a way to introduce customers to new or different products you have, or to encourage and reward a customer for making a purchase. This is the reason that it is often used with those large ticket purchases—it might seem like a lot to spend on a new washer and dryer, but if you get a warranty and a six-month supply of laundry detergent “thrown in”—that might be what seals the deal.
In evaluating whether or not to include the “complementary” item in your sales approach—you will want to figure out if you can afford it, first of all. Balance out the cost of the “free” item with the business you should get in return. Most business who use this technique look for a complementary item that has good value for the customer, but does not hurt the bottom line or the expense budget much. Often those “samples” that are given out are acquired quite cheaply in bulk. A service agreement is a good risk because there is a good chance that the customer won’t actually “use up” the value and it might end up costing the business very little.
If the good will, marketing and increased business seem to balance out the expense, you might very well consider throwing in complementary items with your home business sales.