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Thirsty enough for a sales pitch?

KRIS HUNDLEY
Published June 9, 2003

Got an offer for free Coke or Pepsi left on your doorstep recently?

Interested in hearing about air purifiers?

That's the deal in the latest promotion by Ultra Fresh of Tampa Bay, a Clearwater company that's trying to interest homeowners in its air filters, purifiers and cleaning products.

"We've got gas promotions, turkey promotions, depending on the time of the year," Scott Hudson, Ultra Fresh's vice president, said of the summertime drink offer. "We use them to get referrals and ask for opinions on our products."

In its latest campaign, Ultra Fresh is using bright red flyers and free soda to catch potential customers' eyes. Though the offer notes in small print that it is not affiliated with either Coke or Pepsi, recipients have to call a local number to find out how to get four free bottles of soda. Callers must be 21 or older. To add an air of urgency, the flyer says the number of giveaways is limited.

The catch: An Ultra Fresh sales rep comes to your home and pitches the company's products before turning over the freebies. Hudson emphasizes there's no obligation to buy Ultra Fresh's products, which, at $300 to $2,000 are considerably more expensive than a liter of soda.

"We just want to show people our products and see if they like them or not," he said.

So just how thirsty are you?

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