		How To Spot A “Gimmicky High Pressure Salesperson” Who Is More Interested In A Quick Sale Than Your Long Term Satisfaction $1000 off this week only! starting at $399 30%-50% Discount Ends Friday!

		You’ve seen the headlines…they’re hard to miss! Pricing gimmicks are all too common in the hearing industry. They are designed to pressure you into a quick decision and make you think you’re getting a good deal. Here is what to watch for and avoid: 1) Hugh Discounts and $1000’s Off Specials This is a very common advertising gimmick…and that’s exactly what it is…a gimmick. Most hearing aid manufacturers set their “Suggested Retail Price” much higher than what any provider actually charges. For example a particular hearing aid may have an MSRP of $5200 and have an average actual everyday selling price of $3200. $3200 is the average price you’ll pay if there is a “big sale” and $3200 is the average price you’ll pay with no sale. The high MSRP allows providers to advertise a $2000 discount to make you think you are getting a “great deal”. Look for a provider whose pricing philosophy is “Everyday Fair Pricing” and whose focus is on doing the procedures and services that will increase your satisfaction. 2) Limited Time Specials…3 Days Only This tactic is designed to get you in a provider’s office so they can “put the hard sell on you”. This provider will make you think you have to order your hearing aid today in order to get the special price. In fact is that the deadline is artificial and the special price is based on MSRP and is not really special. This is just a pressure tactic. 3) Very Low Prices Advertised in a Big Bold Size This gimmick has a provider advertising very very low prices in big bold numbers. The words “starting at” are sometimes present but always minimized. When you actually go into their office you might be surprised that the hearing aid recommended for your loss costs hundreds or even thousands more than the advertised price. Sure there are hearing aids available for $399, but they use old technology and will only be appropriate for a very small percentage of clients. In short, you get what you pay for and you should expect good hearing aids to start around $800 to $900 and go up to $3500 for the most sophisticated technology in the smallest instrument.

		Providers who use these tactics and pricing gimmicks are typically not the providers who are committed to helping you hear the best that you can. You want a provider who will take the time and has the knowledge to help you achieve a high level of satisfaction. What You Should Know About Price Shopping: While you want to make sure you are paying a fair price for your services and products, it’s often difficult, if not impossible, to compare “apples to apples”. Sure, you can make a comparison of hearing aid model pricing, but it’s the professional services, expertise, and commitment to success that make the comparison difficult. You MUST compare the following to make a true comparison: The exact same hearing aid manufacturer, model, options, features, and power output. The length and terms of the Repair Warranty and Loss & Damage insurance coverage. The evaluation performed by each provider. Does one provider take short-cuts in your evaluation or treatment plan, while the other is thorough and committed to your success? Verification methods used to ensure optimal hearing and understand with your new aids. Testing to ensure hearing aids are meeting prescribed standards. Return Privilege Fees…may range from $0 to $400. Long Term Care and Maintenance program. Fees for refitting aids after repairs or after loss. Available loaner aids when needed. Your comfort level in returning for regular visits. Did you feel cared for, helped, or pressured?

		Tip: If a provider says to you that a quoted price is “good for today only”…RUN, don’t walk to a more ethical provider!

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