I don't know if there are new people in charge at Gym and Tonic - but suddenly they've started a quite aggressive marketing strategy.
There have been lots of leaflets being put through letterboxes (I've had at least two, and there's been one at work - which was pushed through the letterbox even though the other side of the door was open).
I was phoned at home the other day by someone asking if I'd be interested in gym membership - I said, only if they started offering fencing lessons, and he seemed quite taken aback!
Then they acquired a new flag, which was stationed right at the end of the alley way by the chip shop for a while. It's a very narrow alley way, and lots of vehicles need to get in and out, so it really was in the way there. Then it made the leap across the road, in front of the big house opposite, where it still is.
And this afternoon, they phoned the bookshop. I was quite short with the girl (I hate cold callers anyway) - and later I found out that this was the second time they'd rung the shop to try to sell us gym membership!
It's starting to get annoying.
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About Me
- Eigon
- Hay is a fascinating town - but there's more to it than bookshops! I like to take a look behind the scenes, at what the locals are doing. I also maintain the Fairtrade Hay blog, and Morwenna's Tower, a blog about my writing and other interests.
11 comments:
They are VERY persistent indeed. When they called me she kept on saying she'd only be very quick with every question! More Ike an interrogation! When she asked me what part of me would I like to see improved I didn't hesitate - my bank balance, ofcourse.
It does seem a shame that the marketing has gone so aggressive. Because the horrible sign has gone to live in a private garden, I suspect there's not a lot that can be done about it. I keep on hoping, for once, that it would get vandalised.
All so silly as it will only alienate people rather than generate new customers......
That flag thing is a bit of an eyesore. It looks like Burger King has moved into Broad Street. Shame on the house owner for agreeing to put it in their garden. I hope someone nicks it.
Cold calls from the gym have been both rude and always at dinner time. One to my mother in law who is 85 and to me whilst I was trying to get the kids to eat tea. Very annoying. I said no and the woman continued - so I just had to put the phone down. That kind of aggressive marketing just puts people off.
Guys - it is only there for one more week then it ALL goes away. Its called trying to stay in business!! (I am the owner of G&T's for the last 10 years and still am!). This is a 4 week government incentive to get people into gyms that have never been in before (so current members cannot apply). No matter what you might say, it has brought in heaps of new members. It has been difficult (to say the least) to remain visible at this new site as we are behind the main road. The 'flag' is in a private garden (for now) - if they are happy - so should you be for me - as we are all in the business of STAYING in business surely? Cat Lawford Prop. PS - why not just ask me next time?!?!
Eigon - I couldn't agree more with your comments, the flag is an eyesore and the rude, persistent cold calling - at work and home - is getting a bit wearing. Of course we all want the gym to be a successful local business and no-one can object to promotion, but being cold called aggressively on several occasions is going a bit beyond the pale. Let's hope it does only last for another week!
So, it's a government initiative? Taxpayers' money is being used to call people up and persuade them to join a gym, when essential services are being cut elsewhere?
We are pleased that we were cold called, just the incentive we needed, and it is certainly not expensive to join, being fitter will hopefully save the NHS money longterm.
"We are pleased that we were cold called"
Give me strength.
(But not via a government initiative)
P.H.
"We are pleased that we were cold called, just the incentive we needed, and it is certainly not expensive to join, being fitter will hopefully save the NHS money longterm."
LOL, This sounds like it was more than likely written by the cold caller!
Well this comment is certainly not written by the cold caller......all I can say is what a miserable bunch you are in Hay. U don't deserve to have such luxuries on your doorsteps. Some of us have to travel from out of area to gym. I haven't even noticed a flag and have better things to do with my time than complain. It's just a waste of energy u shd try going to pilates instead It's much better use of energy!
There isn't a flag any more, Tanya - this was something that happened last year.
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