Facing the competition

I love these other companies trying to beat us and our suppliers, their marketing blurb is absolutely fascinating.

I know some of you out there get emails from Amanda at Fortec Communications, I know I do because the make me laugh.

Well their latest missive, if you haven't already got yours, tells how you can receive payment from them for introducing new customers which is great. Perhaps I ought to take a leaf out of their book.

There is a catch though - read this offer: "A payment of 30€ per client if you introduce up to 10 new clients to us in one month and can invoice us."

See the catch - you have to be able to invoice them - how many of you are in a position to do that - anybody? Not unless you're in business anyway.

Now here's another item that made me laugh so loud, my wife wondered what was happening. One of the Fortec websites, Satbroadbandspain, makes this claim: "The only satellite broadband supplier in Spain offering packages with  unlimited download and upload at all speeds."

This, of course, is a total untruth. The only other word I can use to describe this claim is a lie. We have been doing exactly the same for over two years so I know it's untrue.

• We have been installing Tooway Satellite Internet for over two years.
• We have been installing our voip service to Tooway customers for the same period.
• We do not make claims that cannot be substantiated and that's why we're still here after more than six years in business.

In fact, pricewise, we have seen very little that Fortec Communications can beat us on.

All the marketing emails I've had from Fortec Communications contain - how can we say this - contain exaggerated claims, such as "Fast broadband internet" running at 512K - half a Meg!?! - fast!?! - not when I last checked.

So my lesson for today is:- Don't get carried away on the euphoria of claims made in marketing emails. Check what they're saying is actually true.