Like me, I'm sure you are asking yourself...
1. Is the offer worth my effort... or should i just buy the "pack of gum" myself?
2. What are my chances of actually being the lucky winner?
3. What is the catch... because let's face it... NOTHING is free these days?
Well this is my take on the matter...
1. Is the offer worth my effort... or should I just buy the "pack of gum" myself?
We are all in a rat race world these days, time is a rare and valuable commodity and one that we are not going to give up thoughtlessly. Believe me I know... if I have an extra 30 min... even 15 min... there are a million and a half ways I can think to spend it besides throwing them away on some chance of winning a $10 item or lame experience. BUT... there are alot of opportunities out there that ARE valuable and worth while. Opportunities that can benefit your family, help ease some financial stresses and give you one of those "life is beautiful" experiences. Look for these clues to a "worthwhile" giveaway:
a. What is the $$ value?
...If it is less than $10 then it's probably not worth it... even if all you have to do is sneeze to qualify.
b. What is the moral, ethical, or charitable value?
...There are several giveaways out there that benefit the greater good of your community, a charitable organization whose cause is close to your heart, or even a good friend or deserving person to be nominated. There are lots of people out there who need help and that is always worth a few minutes of your time.
c. How much time are we looking at here?
...Depending on the personal value to you... 15 minutes is a good average starting point. If you have to put in more than 15 min. collectively and throw in some manual labor then the pay off really needs to be worth it to you personally. (i.e. I REALLY need some mascara... I just don't have the money to spare right now...But my husband and I haven't been on a date in like 3 months... and he's taking me out this weekend ...and he LOVES my eyes... and I really want to look good for him... so... I may not have $15 but i have 30 min. to listen to a survey call and that is really worth it to me right now.)
2. What are my chances of actually being the lucky winner?
a. Some Giveaways are DIRECT TRANSACTION... meaning some kind of action on your part guarantees a product or reward~ these are obviously the best kind because you're guaranteed a physical reward for your time.
b. Then there's the 1:100 type... meaning your name goes into the pot along with all the other participants and a drawing is held on a certain date to determine the winner ~ the odds go down with the increased number of entries...
c. Always consider the source...is the "giver" a big national corp or a small local biz. There's alot better odds and follow thru with small local businesses because they are trying to build relationships and customer base. Can't beat the personal interest and efforts made to meet your specific needs.
3. What is the catch... because let's face it... NOTHING is free these days?
If they say its a free giveaway... then it should actually be FREE! If you have to pull out your wallet for any other reason than to admire your amazing DL picture(I do this often;) ... then don't waste your time. This is just me but...If you have to buy something then doesn't that negate the whole FREE GIVEAWAY concept? Also you should never have to give out more personal info than an email and phone#. Most shouldn't even ask for address until after you've actually won the prize (if even necessary). We live in a cyber world so lets do business there! PLUS your home address is your safe place... don't give it to just anyone...
a. The reason a business holds Giveaways is usually one of the following reasons...
#1- to promote a new product
#2- to attract new customers
#3- to show appreciation of existing customer
b. They are trying to get your information as a way of building a referral base. That's the primary way to grow a biz. Although you need to be careful that you are not putting your contact info into a data base that will be open to solicitors... most small biz giveaways will keep your info for their own use, they simply want to inform you of what they offer and will most likely NOT harass you with calls and emails because that's a BIG turn off.
c. Giveaways that benefit charity or a nominated individual are typically catch free...Biz's hold these type giveaways as a way to relate to their customers and show a "we care" side to the biz and "its not all about the money... its about you". Of course the ones that are for YOU are fun because... well, you get FREE stuff! Just be willing to uphold your part of the deal... whether its a phone call, survey, etc... typically it will be pain free ;) Small local businesses giveaways will usually be upfront with requirements and have no hidden terms and conditions... steer clear of those offers online for a free shopping spree or visa gift card IF you try a bunch of trial offers that will bankrupt you with hidden fees and charges and put up your first born... they take and hour or more to fill out... and by the end you're so deep into the site that you can't find your way out and then never even get back to the giveaway.
Check out my Giveaways & Promos! tab for some legit, pain-free, guaranteed giveaways that will help to support small local biz in Bham!!
Becca Bell
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