Posts Tagged ‘promotions’

Marketers get attention with Election Day freebies

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Regardless of how you plan to vote, chances are you are talking about the election. With estimates of turnout exceeding 130 million people, Election Day promotions make sense.

Starbucks is giving away free coffee:


View this video on YouTube

Krispy Kreme is giving away free donuts:

Free donuts at Krispy Kreme on election day

And Ben and Jerry’s is giving away free ice cream:

Free Ben & Jerry's ice cream on election day

It’s a win-win:

The voters win, because they are exercising their rights and getting free stuff.

The marketers win because they are gaining the benefit of unprecedented election buzz while aligning themselves with an activity that’s both responsible and patriotic.

So, what other Election Day promotions have you seen?

Comment below to share.

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Posted in cause marketing, corporate responsibility, socially responsible, viral marketing, word of mouth | 4 Comments »

Cracker Barrel’s new promotion, and why context is key

Monday, June 16th, 2008

From a contextual standpoint, I wonder just how responsible the Cracker Barrel’s Greatest Family Road Trip game is.

While many are considering ways to cut back on driving, in this promotion, the more Cracker Barrels visited, the more chances a consumer has to win.

Drawing heavier criticism is the grand prize, a 2008 Monaco Cayman RV.

To be clear, I have nothing personal against RV’s, and this isn’t the place to talk about their environmental impact.

But I’ve seen gas prices as high as $4.59 per gallon and filling the 75 gallon tank at that price would set you back $344.25.

Amid these record gas prices, Cracker Barrel’s VP of Marketing Peter Keiser defended the promotion:

We thought long and hard about that concern. Families are still traveling this summer, but with gas prices, families are always looking for ways to save money by limiting other expenses. Families have a chance to win Cracker Barrel prizes … it helps them save money.

Winning prizes helps save money? Hmmm.

Okay, so the winner can accept $250,000 in cash instead, but as a marketer, would you hitch yourself to this wagon?

Comment below to weigh in.

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Posted in environmentally responsible, socially responsible, strategically responsible | 2 Comments »