Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

Questioning the Quiznos Guarantee

February 10th, 2007 by Bob Bly

A TV commercial for Quiznos says that if you do not like the sandwich they serve you, they will give you another sandwich free.

Picture walking into a sub shop. You order a sandwich. You really don’t like it. In fact, you gag on it.

Do you really want them to give you a second sandwich made at that same sub shop?

Or at that point, have you lost your appetite — and would you rather have a refund?

Yes, I know that the idea is if you don’t like their roast beef, maybe you will like their tuna.

But somehow, the idea of ordering more food from a restaurant whose food you don’t like seems unappealing.

Which offer do you think Quiznos should make?

A. No guarantee. If I don’t like my meal, tough. After all, Subway doesn’t guarantee their subs.

B. If I am not satisfied, I get a second sandwich free, just like the commercial says.

C. Forget the sandwich; I want my money back!

D. They should give me something else of equivalent value — chips, cookies, coffee, soda, soup, chili.

Share

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 10th, 2007 at 1:20 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

54 responses about “Questioning the Quiznos Guarantee”

  1. Deborah Finnamore said:

    I’ve been in marketing for years (16+) and I have found that most people in this type of situation actually prefer the choice. Not that they don’t choose the money-back option (because they do!) but even better, they like being given the control to choose whether they want a cookie or a refund. Pointing to your alternate explanation of roast beef possibly being better than tuna, given this choice, I think people are more likely to be “understanding” and perhaps rationalize that maybe only the roast beef was bad. They may not take you up on it today, but it might garner a return visit for another chance at pleasing them.

  2. Chris Lake said:

    I agree with Deborah. A choice is the best option: your money back or any other item on the menu. I think this would tie in well with a “go crazy, try something new” promotion. I almost always order the same thing because I know I like it. I might be tempted to try a Lo-Carb Fiery Chipotle Beef and Bacon Ranch Wrap if I knew I could switch to my good ol’ faithful tuna on whole wheat.

    On the other hand, if I got a tuna that was awful, I’d go for the refund and make a mental note never to return to that Quiznos.

    However, in the spirit of the original question, I would go with C: Money back guarantee. If a customer brings her icky sandwich back to the counter, she can have her $4.67 but likely as not she’ll ask for a replacement meal. Not what was advertised, but whatever makes her happy.

  3. Jodi Kaplan said:

    Bob, I had the same reaction to those ads, as well as a similar one from an online dating service (which promises 6 months free if you’re not happy). Well, if I didn’t like the first six months, why would I want more?

    To go back to your initial question, I agree with Deborah and Chris – give the customer a choice – either a second sandwich or a refund.

  4. Jonathan Kantor said:

    Bob,

    I think it should be a choice of either B and D. New sandwich or something of equivilent value.

    I enjoy Quizno’s subs very much, and find their quality to be superior to Subway. Having this kind of promo makes a lot sense for those who are loyal to Subway as a “no risk” way to try someone else.

    When you’re not the leader in your market, you must try new ideas if you ever hope to gain on that leader, so I give them credit for trying.

  5. Richard Armstrong said:

    How about this for Quiznos? Bring us your receipt from Subway, and we’ll give you the equivalent sandwich. If you don’t think ours is better, you don’t have to pay for it.

    P.S. Who cares if they spend a couple of million bucks on free sandwiches … it costs less than a couple of do-nothing ads on the Super Bowl.

  6. Copywriting Services said:

    Bob,

    I would go for option 3, anytime.

    Give their money back if the client is not satisfied.

    Life is too short to live on somebody bitching and moaning on the way I conduct business. Much less when I get their money.

    Richard,

    Excellent idea for Quiznos.

    The same idea can be utilized by Subway or other burger chains riding on the superbowl ads.

    “If you don’t like Quiznos burger or any other burger, bring us the reciept and you’ll get a free one for the same price you paid there”

    However it is imminently implementable by a mom & pop Burger store to promote their store.

    “Not satisfied with Quiznos Burger ? Show us the receipt and enjoy a burger now and bring your family around next time and your kids eat all they can for free…”

    Edward Santosh

  7. Bob Bly said:

    Richard: The problem with your idea is that many viewers of the commercial are not Subway customers; they go to Blimpie or their local sub shop. So you’d be encouraging many to try Subway. I would change it to “bring me your receipt from your favorite sub shop, and if ours isn’t better, it’s free.”

  8. Brendan said:

    I’d go with Deborah’s point of view: choice is always better in case you have unsatisfied customer. Just image yourself not being satisfied and have one resolution option crammed down your neck, adding insult to injury. No matter the choice, I’d say a combination of two options – B or C, C or D, B or D – would be the most appropriate.

  9. Tim Schaefer said:

    Bob,

    Everyone’s approaching this from a marketing standpoint. Take a look at it in terms of inventory and sales.

    I’ve worked in a few restaurants, and its more profitable for the manager to either remake or give them something else than it is to return them their money.

    Their overall food count will be affected (yet accounted for) in order to satisfy the customer. However, the actual COST of that food is FAR LESS than what they were paid.

    The price of the sandwich reflects what it takes to make a store profitable. And since the ovens are still cooking and the workers are still clocked in, just accept a small loss of inventory and keep that customer’s money in the till.

    If each sandwich costs $2 to make, you’ll only have to spend an extra $2 to hopefully satisfy and retain a customer rather than returning their $7 purchase price and wondering if they’ll ever come back.

  10. Mr. Quiznos said:

    How about this for Quiznos? Bring us your receipt from Subway, and we’ll give you the equivalent sandwich. If you don’t think ours is better, you don’t have to pay for it.

    P.S. Who cares if they spend a couple of million bucks on free sandwiches … it costs less than a couple of do-nothing ads on the Super Bowl.

    Comment by Richard Armstrong — 2/12/2007 @ 4:43 pm

    Richard, the major problem is that it would be the individual business owner that would be giving away the sandwiches, NOT Quiznos Corp. They DO NOT reimburse the franchisee for ANY of the costs associated with couponing or other discounting alternatives. The FO must still buy the food from Quiznos and pay royalties and ad fees. You every wonder why Quiznos restaurants are going out of business left and right, just check out http://www.tsfa.info and some light will be shed on this topic.

  11. gay asian bubble butt said:

    gay asian bubble butt

    gay asian bubble butt

  12. Steve T. said:

    Back to the original question. You are HUNGRY, it’s FOOD TIME, you are THERE, you paid and don’t LIKE the sandwich. Let’s assume you are also SANE and take one bite, don’t like it and DON’T EAT ANY MORE CAUSE YOU KNOW THEY WILL ASAP GIVE YOU ANY OTHER SANDWICH YOU WISH. THIS IS AFTER ALL FAST FOOD.

    To say this is a restaurant Whose Food You Don’t like….is disingenuine since you tried one of a dozen or more sandwiches, a small fraction of the menu. Say its a place whose food you don’t like ONLY after a fair sampling.

    Also taking one bite..it’s cold, don’t like the flavor etc. is no reason to loose one’s appetite.

    REAL EX. I bought Quiznos meatball sandwich. One bite, it was COLD. So did not like it and they made me another after correcting heating error.

    Getting a REFUND is SILLY since it means leaving, wasting time and money to drive eslewhere OR GO HUNGRY all the while knowing Quiznos wants you to TRY ANOTHER ITEM.

    Also this assumes the customer did not woof down a sandwich they DID NOT LIKE knowing that another free choice is available.

    NOTE: I thought the converyer belt cooking meant it could not be cold. Seems they first cook/heat the meatballs before it hits the converyer belt.

    So:
    1) Can’t condemn for ONE sandwich one does not LIKE
    2) REFUND is meaningless if the goal is to EAT HERE AND
    now cause you are HUNGRY
    3) Offer of another item off their vast menu seems the
    only and best solution for a hungry paton unhappy with
    their sandwich choice.

  13. Internet Dating Support said:

    I think option 3 is the only viable option in my humble opinion

  14. international brides said:

    international brides…

    […]Questioning the Quiznos Guarantee – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…

  15. international love scout said:

    international love scout…

    […]Questioning the Quiznos Guarantee – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…

  16. Eddy Zaller said:

    I always go to your blog and retrieve everything you post here but I never commented but today when I saw this post, I couldn?t stop myself from commenting here. Great write-up mate!

  17. JENPAS said:

    Good, always go to your blog and retrieve everything you post here but I never commented but today when I saw this post.

  18. Corwin said:

    puppies for sale,pug puppies for sale in oregon,pug puppies for sale in az,pug puppies for sale in va,pug puppies near mepugs for sale,pug puppies for sale,pugs for sale near me,cheap pugs for sale,pug puppies for sale near me teacup pug [ We breed with exception. We are engaged in the breeding of Pug puppy for sale, which is the most desired bulky puppy. During many years of work we could breed Pug puppies, with the most unique and exceptional colors you will dream of having. At the moment our cattery is one of the biggest in the USA who produced these valuable As a family, we have loved, cared, breed, and lived with different kinds of puppies for over 10 years, quite an experience. We do not consider ourselves concerned with earning money. All our Pug puppies are raised at home in a family/friendly environment making our Pug puppies completely at ease with other pets.pugs for sale,pugs for sale near me,cheap pugs for sale,pug puppies for sale,pug puppies for sale near me.
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  19. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  20. syra said:

    Enjoy the sandwich with Looking for a way to stay up-to-date on all the latest streaming and entertainment news? Look no further than StreaMaestro. https://streamaestro.com

  21. Silajay said:

    This is such a great blog. Thank you for sharing your talent with everyone. You are an inspiration. octordle game

  22. candy said:

    This blog was really great, never seen a great blog like this before wordle answer today. I think I’m gonna share this with my friends.

  23. Jerry said:

    Zagraj w darmowe gry dla dziewczyn teraz. W naszym zbiorze znajdziesz tylko najlepsze Gry dla dziewczyn, dlatego nie zwlekaj i graj teraz!

  24. yangyeo said:

    It’s so impressive and captivating word unscrambler

  25. wordle hint said:

    Nice blog contains a lot of useful information, thank you for sharing.

  26. Emma Harriet said:

    Este es este tipo de blog fantástico. Gracias por compartir tu prostitutas Moron experiencia con todos. Eres una inspiración.

  27. Highway Fashions said:

    Highway fashions bring the latest ladies dresses online in Pakistan. Explore our latest collection of ladies’ dresses at low prices. Get your favorite dresses online in all over Pakistan with fast delivery.

  28. slime rancher 2 said:

    Nice blog contains a lot of useful information, thank you for sharing.

  29. Borjan said:

    Our high-quality Men Peshawari chappals are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a meeting, a night out, or just a regular day. Crafted with premium leather, every pair is designed to be stylish yet comfortable, allowing you to enjoy it all day long.

  30. Jazmin Clothing said:

    Jazmin provides a large number of ready to wear for girls and women in Pakistan at low prices. Grab your favorite dresses online at Jazmin.

  31. Sarmun said:

    Check the best Bomber Jackets online at Wearsarmun. Sarmun offers the best quality bomber jackets online at affordable prices. So, get your favorite leather jackets across America.

  32. percetakan jakarta timur said:

    This is really great stuff for an article, this topic is very interesting. Keep it up with this line of content, thanks for sharing this post!

  33. andree said:

    Your writing is both eloquent and powerful, and I was moved by your ovo game words. I am very happy to see this post!

  34. ughlarge said:

    The MOTO X3M is the best option available, according to recent studies and evaluations. Some quick instances that come to mind are: If you decide to take a side in this game, it’s best to back the good guys. moto x3m

  35. Mike Rooney said:

    Excellent and decent post. It is brilliant blog. I like the way you express information to us. Thanks for such post and please keep it up.Jack Torrance Corduroy Jacket

  36. Ammara khan said:

    Check the latest design of Party Wear Dress online at Ammara khan. We offer our customers the best quality party dresses online in all over Pakistan at great prices. So, grab your favorite dresses online today.

  37. Aspire said:

    With a broad selection of high-quality bedding products, Aspire Bedding is among the best bed sheet brand in Pakistan. The best materials are used to make their bed sheets, which come in various designs and sizes to suit every need. Aspire Bedding has gained a reputation for its exceptional customer service and timely delivery of orders. Aspire Bedding is the best place to go if you want luxurious and comfortable bed sheets in Pakistan.

  38. Mannat said:

    If you are in the market for Pakistani clothes or dresses for women and girls, Mannat Clothing is a perfect choice. They have a wide selection of clothing, so you will find something you like.

  39. Panache said:

    Panache Apparel, the vanguard of fashion-forward attire, has unveiled its latest collection that accentuates the elegance of outdoor gatherings. Their stylish lawn 3 piece suit is perfect for enjoying sunny days outside and has been designed with great attention to detail.

  40. Qhaaf Bedding said:

    Elevate your wedding experience with Qhaaf Bedding’s beautiful bedsheet for wedding. This wedding bedsheet’s intricate design and premium quality will create a romantic ambiance in your bedroom, making your special day even more memorable.

  41. Umair Arshad said:

    Umair Arshad is a highly regarded Marketing Expert in Pakistan, a marketing expert who has helped numerous companies attain success through his innovative and effective marketing strategies. As a result of his in-depth knowledge of the Pakistani market and consumer behavior, Umair is capable of creating and executing sales and revenue-driving marketing campaigns. He has established himself as one of the leading experts in Pakistan on digital marketing, website operations, social media, and branding.

  42. Walkeaze said:

    Walkeaze provides a wide range of Clutches online in Pakistan. Discover the stylish clutch for women online at Walkeaze. Order your favorite clutch bag for ladies online at reasonable prices.

  43. Joseph Graham said:

    But somehow, the idea of ordering more food from a restaurant whose food you don’t like seems unappealing.
    drywall contractors near me detroit mi

  44. coffee maker said:

    This coffee machine has excellent customer service. When I had a little problem, their support staff responded right away and fixed it. It gives me comfort to know that they support their offering.

  45. shoaib said:

    elizavecca cer-100, a reflection of true elegance

  46. BabyBoxShop said:

    Anticipation meets excitement with our Baby-to-Be Box. Designed to pamper expectant parents as they await their baby’s arrival, this box is brimming with items that create a sense of joy and readiness. From soothing teas for the mom-to-be to adorable onesies for the little one, this box captures the magical moments of pregnancy and the promise of the future.

  47. Hanifa said:

    Apparel Boxes are more than just containers to hold your clothing items.

  48. Tiptop-einrichtung said:

    An Elektrische Kosmetikliege is an electric cosmetic bed or treatment table used in beauty salons and spas. The electric functionality allows for easy adjustment of the bed’s height and incline, making it suitable for various beauty and cosmetic procedures.

  49. Tiptop-einrichtung said:

    The frisierplatz is the workspace within the hair salon where styling and grooming of customers’ hair take place. Hair is cut, styled, and colored here to achieve the desired look.

  50. We Buy Dead Stocks... said:

    At We Buy Dead Stocks we understand the value of unused, unwanted, or outdated stock. As dedicated used stock buyer, we specialize in providing a hassle-free solution for individuals and businesses looking to liquidate their surplus inventory. With our expertise and industry knowledge, we offer a seamless process that helps you maximize the value of your dead stock and turn it into profit.

  51. Pink Salt said:

    The pink color of Himalayan pink salt, which comes from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, is a result of the trace minerals it contains, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Because it is unrefined, it retains vital minerals that are lost in table salt that has been processed.

  52. Ramadan Packages said:

    Ramadan Grocery Hampers add a touch of elegance to the giving tradition during this holy month. These hampers feature an assortment of premium food items, exquisite dates, and traditional sweets. The article will explore how these hampers go beyond practicality, becoming a gesture of goodwill and celebration, embodying the joyous spirit of Ramadan.

  53. quordle said:

    The way you write is really good. I’m really happy I read it. It kept me interested the whole time

  54. Naura Printing said:

    good article

Leave a Reply