Why aren’t there more ‘free’ offers?

Everyone knows that businesses have to make money, after all making a profit is the whole point of starting a business in the first place! So why should they offer anything to their customers for free?

Why offer freebies

Well customers love getting something without having to pay for it. I know I certainly do! Even if the item is not very expensive just the thought that I won it gives me a great feeling.

On the surface, freebies look like obvious money losers. But when handled wisely, giveaways are all but guaranteed to boost sales.

I walked in HiLo supermarket in Manor Park only intending to buy a few things. The friendly woman at the door informed me if I bought an assortment of snacks, I would get to pick a free item from a box.  On display were some lovely baskets that were offered as prizes as well as lesser items, pens, books and pencil cases.  I won my pen and enjoyed the experience.

To make things even more interesting, a woman came on the loudspeaker and said five lucky shoppers would win their groceries for free.  The store was filled with an increased energy as shoppers wondered who would win the prize.

Although I did not win, the manager happily told me that they were just waiting for the cashier to press total and if it came up zero that would identify the winner of the free groceries.  The promotion got me thinking, why don’t more businesses adopt this approach?

Consumer Loyalty

When consumers get involved in promotions, they feel the need to buy more! That’s good news for the company as they have just secured for themselves another loyal customer.  This also means good publicity as persons talk about the good experience even if they did not win that day.

This feeling of optimism can even affect consumers by letting them feel that they should not only continue buying at the business but also that they are getting deals even after the giveaway ends.

It might sound like a simple offer but consumers respond well to being treated!

Don’t believe me? Well how do you feel when someone gives you a gift? That’s how consumers feel when businesses offer a free prize just for shopping!

More Free Offers Needed

A quick check of the Internet did not show up a lot of free offers although a few companies do offer their customers discounts.

So why don’t more offer their customers  ’freebies’? If they do they will get loyal customers who buy more products and this in turn results in more profits!  So everyone wins!

So what’s your take? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: free offers