Is it free or does it cost?

This weekend I received an email on a computer seminar in Calgary put on by updatecalgary.com.  First if you look at updatecalgary.com, there isn’t really a website there, it is a bunch of oriental characters and doesn’t appear to be anything that talks about the computer seminar in which the following email we received stated.  The updatecalgary.com site has links embedded which point to sites inside Korea.

The challenge I see in the following email is about the first reference to a complementary computer seminar and then further in the email they are asking for $17.00 for lunch.  Is the event complementary/free or is the session $17.00?

Below is the email I received, I have removed the name of the firm, I do know the firm and have respect for the owner of the company.  The invite also had no date for the event just the time.

Besides the complementary session which is in doubt, they also make claims which are hard to live up to…such as warranty coverage, 24/7 coverage and other tough to live up to deliverables.

As a trust advisor to a number of small business clients throughout Calgary I struggle with how relevant this email actually is and where are the hidden costs in the relationship.  Yes, I agree small business should never pay for warranty coverage from the manufacturer from a company like DELL or HP, however an advisor like myself helps many small businesses navigate the confusing mazes which IT vendors use to qualify a warranty call, advisors charge for their time however save small businesses many hours of their own frustration.

Read the email below then decide who you want to support your small business.  An advisor who has proven results, recognized in their industry or one who promised a free seminar and then charges you for lunch?

BTW, the teachs typo was in the email.

You are Invited to a…

Complementary Seminar on Reducing Your IT Downtime…

Facilitator Joe Smith teachs business owners how to turn there high cost IT challenges into low fixed monthy costs:

Joe works with some of the world’s top restaurant and clothing chains incl. Wendy’s, McDonalds, Aritzia and Winners.

Joe has been in the IT industry for over 10 years. Graduating from university with a Degree in Computer Science and a, Diploma in Networking. He has definitely positioned himself as an expert in the IT industry.

Joe was nominated for Businessman of the year in 2009.

At this Seminar you will learn how to…

• Eliminate Downtime and Maximize Uptime
• Never again pay for IT work on computer’s under warranty
• Maximize your internal IT department`s time
• Develop an IT team that works 24/7 at no charge
• Develop the most secure IT systems available
• Spread out  your IT budget  more effectively

Registration: 11:45AM

Seminar: Starts at 12:00PM and ends at 2PM

Where : Great Rib and Steaks, 6712 Buffalo Trail S

Lunch Cost: $17.00

Call Kelly at 403-555-1212 to Register