qharrison77 wrote:So almost a year later, is there a referal program? I talk to people about ooma, but a lot of people are afraid to make the change. If I were getting something in return, I would go into more detail about all that it does. I know I would be the tech support for all my friends and family so a little something for my time would be appreciated. I love my ooma!
Bobby B wrote:We had a referral program last year, but its since been discontinued. We're hoping to relaunch another one sometime in the next 2-3 months.
Bobby B's comment was posted on January 15, 2009. So, let's see... 3 months would be April 15, 2009. Hopefully, ooma will come up with something.
As I said in another thread devoted to the issue of referrals:
"As far as a future referral program is concerned, I would suggest something along the following lines: Extend the referring party's Premier service for a specified period of time for each confirmed referral to a new owner/subscriber who signs onto the Premier service. I would recommend a three month extension of the Premier service (approximately a $25 value) for each referral where the new sub signs up for one year, with a one month extension of service for those who sign up on a monthy, pay as you go plan. As an alternative, give the referring party the option of selecting between extending his Premier service or a credit on an extra line for some specified period. I have seen similar referral programs work well with other services (e.g. efax)."
Based on the statistical sales information I have seen, only 20-25% of ooma users are opting into the Premier service. Based upon my experience, I am surprised that the number isn't closer to 80% or even more. The added cost of the Premier service is about the same as the monthly cost of ATnT's message system, and the ooma's entire system is far superior.
I don't think there is a sufficient margin on the product to allow ooma to give a significant referral bonus on the sale of the equipment particularly considering most units are retailed by other sellers. On the other hand giving a referral consisting of an extension of service for new Premier service customers costs ooma very little, if anything, out of their pocket, and in fact, would likely have the end result of encouraging more people to sign up for ooma's Premier service so that they too would be qualified to receive a referral bonus.
Having said all that, I wouldn't mind seeing ooma implement some sort of reseller program if it could be done without alienating existing retailers.
oomg