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When Is A Gift Not A Gift

by Blase
64 replies
Hey,

I am just throwing this out there because it
happens a lot this time of year.

I am getting a lot of emails that tell me in the subject line
that I am getting a "gift".

Many of these are not "gifts" but discounts to
a product.

Is that a "gift"?

I looked up the word "gift" in Websters and
here is what it said, "something given voluntarily
without payment in return...

What are thoughts?
How do you feel about those emails?

Thanks
#gift
  • Profile picture of the author Mya
    A gift is something given freely in my books.
    But we all know the gifts you get in your emails LOL
    They are laced with all different types of offers
    eg:
    "get this gift when you purchase"
    "buy this product and get this crazy free gift included"

    they do it all the time, even on TV

    Insanely, people buy anyway, get the gift, and the sale is made.

    Its sad but it works in marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author Blase
      So we've established two things.

      1. A gift should be free.
      2. It works in marketing.

      I think it may work once, but not long term.

      I am thinking about unsubscribing when it's used.

      Doesn't it mean I am working with or
      supporting some one that has lied to me or
      at least is being deceptive?
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      • Profile picture of the author scarob2
        Originally Posted by Blase View Post

        So we've established two things.

        1. A gift should be free.
        2. It works in marketing.

        I think it may work once, but not long term.

        I am thinking about unsubscribing when it's used.

        Doesn't it mean I am working with or
        supporting some one that has lied to me or
        at least is being deceptive?
        It only works ONCE?? Do you realize how many "Free Gifts" I have cluttering up my hard drive? Most of them are unused, because if it was worth what they claim it's worth, they wouldn't be giving it away.
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        • Profile picture of the author Blase
          Originally Posted by scarob2 View Post

          It only works ONCE?? Do you realize how many "Free Gifts" I have cluttering up my hard drive? Most of them are unused, because if it was worth what they claim it's worth, they wouldn't be giving it away.
          Sorry I didn't explain this better. I am talking
          about the context of my original post.

          Fool me once with the "Gift" subject line
          is what I am taking about not being a good
          long term strategy.

          I also don't like subject lines that say "personal",
          but that's been covered in other threads.
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          • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
            I have to remind myself sometimes that just because I don't like a marketing tactic, doesn't mean it's a bad tactic. Part of writing marketing copy is using language to make things sound more attractive.

            Obviously you have to determine where the line lies between clever use of language and just being a scumbag.

            Personally I think calling a discount a gift falls pretty low on the scale of sleazy marketer's tactics when, like me, you're getting hit with emails every week with subject lines saying:

            "You just made a sale!"

            And then you open the email and it says:

            "...That's EXACTLY what you'd be hearing right now if you'd just bought my new course....."

            In fact, I just realized I use the word "gift" in my signature line. Is it really a gift if I'm only offering something in exchange for an email address? Arguments could be made pro or against.
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Blase View Post

        So we've established two things.

        1. A gift should be free.
        2. It works in marketing.

        I think it may work once, but not long term.

        I am thinking about unsubscribing when it's used.

        Doesn't it mean I am working with or
        supporting some one that has lied to me or
        at least is being deceptive?
        A gift to me is something I get of value for free. If that gift comes with a purchase, no biggie to me if it's something I want to purchase anyway. If that gift comes with an opt-in, it better be a really good gift or I won't opt-in. Chances are I'm going to opt-out as soon as I get the gift, so no big deal either way.

        Gifts do work in marketing. They are called bonuses and they work very well. Lie or being deceptive is a bit strong a term for offering gifts for certain behaviors. It's really easy to unsubscribe from a list or delegate it to the spam folder, so where's the big deal?

        Here's an example of when a gift is really NOT a gift. I used to get these phone calls from [some scammer] that offered me a 3-day free vacation to some great place. Only catch ... I had to pay for airfare to and from. I imagine some airlines may have been in on that one. Don't know, but that most certainly is not a gift in my book.
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    • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
      LOL! That reminds me of way back when I first discovered "gifts with purchase" at department store cosmetics counters (when I first came to this country).

      I went completely crazy in my efforts to get those gifts and darn near blew up my checking account (it was about the same time I acquired my first ATM card.)

      Yikes!

      I did quickly get a grip when I realized what was happening though, and once I had a sufficiently good supply of those "gifts" I pretty much made myself stay away.

      Now I shop more strategically -- when I want a product that often comes with a gift, I'll wait till a gift I want becomes available ;-)

      Another thought comes to mind though... (now related to internet marketing)

      What about making people sign up for your list? I mean they CAN unsubscribe right after collecting their gift...

      Would you consider that a gift?

      Elisabeth
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      • Profile picture of the author Blase
        Originally Posted by wordwizard View Post

        What about making people sign up for your list? I mean they CAN unsubscribe right after collecting their gift...

        Would you consider that a gift?

        Elisabeth
        Having to sign up for a report is OK with me.
        I think an optin is a small price to pay.

        I will say that in most cases the report is crap.
        I also really like how everybody's best friend is
        allowing them to give it to there list.

        I may have fell off the back of the truck,
        but it wasn't just yesterday.

        I just have a hard time when they tell me in their
        subject line that they have a gift for me.

        BUT IT'S NOT.
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  • Profile picture of the author dean_holland
    You can look at a 'gift' in a few ways really...

    In the outside offline world you receive a gift it tends to mean that you are given a physical item for free.

    However online a gift can be perceived as either a free product, free access to something, a discount on a purchase or even a bonus for purchasing something.

    They are all gifts IMO, as long as whatever the offer is is stated clearly. As in if you are geting a free gift for buying something that needs to be very clear.

    Dean
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Several months ago, I wrote a blog post on this at my (sadly neglected) personal blog...

      From the Desk of John McCabe… Post Topic Birthday Club Marketing – the Right Way and the Wrong Way

      The bottom line is, a gift is not a gift if there are strings attached.

      Elisabeth, regarding the gifts offered in exchange for an email address, the key word is exchange. It's not a gift, it's a quid pro quo.

      I don't want to argue the semantics of that 'ethical bribe' being a gift because no cash changes hands - list owners can call it anything they want. There's still an exchange of value, sometimes more valuable than just money - your 'gift' in exchange for a future claim on my attention.
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      • Profile picture of the author Blase
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        The bottom line is, a gift is not a gift if there are strings attached.
        Thank you John my point exactly!
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  • Profile picture of the author kevinfar
    I guess it depends on your perception of the product. If there was a product that you wanted desperately for all of 2009, and suddenly there is a 75% discount, making it affordable, wouldn't you consider that as a gift?

    However, I do tend to agree that the word is being used too loosely at these times.

    Kevin
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by kevinfar View Post

      I guess it depends on your perception of the product. If there was a product that you wanted desperately for all of 2009, and suddenly there is a 75% discount, making it affordable, wouldn't you consider that as a gift?

      However, I do tend to agree that the word is being used too loosely at these times.

      Kevin
      No, I would not consider it a gift - at least not from the seller.

      It's a discount, plain and simple. Whether the amount and timing of that discount might be a gift from a higher power is a whole different discussion...
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Hey, this gives me an ideal!

    On the Christmas presents I purchased for my family members I'll add on the label,

    =====================================
    To: Family member name
    From: Michael

    Merry Christmas
    As a Gift from Me to You
    Open This Now and save 50%(a $149.50 value)
    You pay only $149.50
    =====================================

    Should save me some money this year!

    *~MM~*
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    • Profile picture of the author David Brown
      Originally Posted by Michael Mayo View Post

      Hey, this gives me an ideal!

      On on the Christmas presents I purchased for my family members I'll add on the label,

      =====================================
      To: Family member name
      From: Michael

      Merry Christmas
      As a Gift from Me to You
      Open This Now and save 50%(a $149.50 value)
      You pay only $149.50
      =====================================

      Should save me some money this year!

      *~MM~*
      LOL You can apply this strategy to your everyday life and make a fortune.......
      Got to go and re-write the Christmas present labels

      Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author Andie
    Interesting thread~
    I know I fume at Subjects of "you have a commission" or "you have a sale" being so blatantly dishonest...and the "free gift inside" that hinges on a purchase (discounted or not) falls on the wrong side of the line.
    Now, if they want to give me a gift for listening/watching their spiel that is not as bad and I'll give up the info for a list if the 'gift' is possibly interesting/useful to me...and That is -in my humble opinion- fair to be called a gift <although it cost my time or info> to get it.
    Also, some consumers see the 'buy this and get a gift' as More for the money and have no problem with it.

    I tend to lean towards anyone who is upfront about what is inside in the first sentence or two and leave out the double-sideways-backwards sucking me thru double OTO's, 4 upsells and five popups to escape them.

    But alas...seems to be the mass of things I find..

    Andie
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    The gift is not the product but the DISCOUNT. So if my product cost
    $97 dollars and I sell you for $37, it's the same as GIVING you a $40
    gift.

    Whether you should be able to get the $40 "gift" without buying the
    product is another question. But a gift can come with a purchase
    even though you cannot get the gift without the purchase.

    -Ray Edwards
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    • Profile picture of the author Blase
      Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

      The gift is not the product but the DISCOUNT. So if my product cost
      $97 dollars and I sell you for $37, it's the same as GIVING you a $40
      gift.

      Whether you should be able to get the $40 "gift" without buying the
      product is another question. But a gift can come with a purchase
      even though you cannot get the gift without the purchase.

      -Ray Edwards
      I totally disagree and so does Webster's dictionary.

      $40 off is a discount not a gift.

      If your subject line says Blase, here is a $40 discount for you.

      I am fine with that, but if it says, Blase, here is a gift for you.
      and it turns out to be a $40 discount I am not fine with that.

      I tell you what, this Christmas trying charging people a portion of the
      cost of their gifts and let me know how that works out.
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      • Profile picture of the author Raydal
        Originally Posted by Blase View Post

        I totally disagree and so does Webster's dictionary.

        $40 off is a discount not a gift.

        If your subject line says Blase, here is a $40 discount for you.

        I am fine with that, but if it says, Blase, here is a gift for you.
        and it turns out to be a $40 discount I am not fine with that.

        I tell you what, this Christmas trying charging people a portion of the
        cost of their gifts and let me know how that works out.

        So If I gave you a $40 Wal-Mart gift card to purchase a $100 item
        then the card is no longer a gift?

        How is this different to a discount from a vendor?

        -Ray Edwards
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        • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

          So If I gave you a $40 Wal-Mart gift card to purchase a $100 item
          then the card is no longer a gift?

          How is this different to a discount from a vendor?

          -Ray Edwards
          It's a gift to me ... do you want my address?
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        • Profile picture of the author Blase
          Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

          So If I gave you a $40 Wal-Mart gift card to purchase a $100 item
          then the card is no longer a gift?

          How is this different to a discount from a vendor?

          -Ray Edwards
          If I can go buy $40 worth of stuff and
          not have to spend any more money sure it's a gift.

          That's not what I am talking about. I am talking about
          when some one says they are giving you a gift
          of let's say $200. Then when you go to the sales page
          it $200 off a product for $1995.00.

          That $200 is not a gift it is a discount.

          It can't be a gift if I have to pay to
          get it or use it.
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

          So If I gave you a $40 Wal-Mart gift card to purchase a $100 item
          then the card is no longer a gift?

          How is this different to a discount from a vendor?

          -Ray Edwards
          Ray, if you gave me a $40 gift card toward a $100 item I was going to buy anyway, that's a gift. I could change my mind and buy $40 worth of groceries or something.

          If Wal-Mart gives me a $40 gift card only if I purchase the same $100 item, that's either a discount or a rebate, depending on the timing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lance K
    Originally Posted by Blase View Post

    I am getting a lot of emails that tell me in the subject line
    that I am getting a "gift".

    Many of these are not "gifts" but discounts to
    a product.

    Is that a "gift"?

    I looked up the word "gift" in Websters and
    here is what it said, "something given voluntarily
    without payment in return...

    What are thoughts?
    If a store sent you a $75 gift card, but they don't sell anything under $100...is it a gift or a discount?

    Perhaps the gift is the ability to save 75%. There's no catch. You don't have to make additional or future purchases. You don't have to use the gift if you don't want to. I have a drawer full of cologne bottles I've received as gifts. I've used maybe 2 of them. Does that make the others any less of a gift?

    Semantics and interpretation are funny things. As long as a promotion is above board and delivers an acceptable ROI, who cares if a few prospects get caught up on semantics and interpretation.

    You think the economy is down now? Just imagine if all merchants stopped selling and strictly became order takers.
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    • Profile picture of the author Blase
      Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

      If a store sent you a $75gift card, but they don't sell anything under $100...is it a gift or a discount?

      Perhaps the gift is the ability to save 75%. There's no catch. You don't have to make additional or future purchases. You don't have to use the gift if you don't want to. I have a drawer full of cologne bottles I've received as gifts. I've used maybe 2 of them. Does that make the others any less of a gift?

      Semantics and interpretation are funny things. As long as a promotion is above board and delivers an acceptable ROI, who cares if a few prospects get caught up on semantics and interpretation.

      You think the economy is down now? Just imagine if all merchants stopped selling and strictly became order takers.
      A $75.00 "gift" card is only a gift if I don't
      have to spend more money to use it.

      Remember what Webster's said, "something given voluntarily
      without payment in return...

      If some one gave you the cologne it's still
      a gift even if you don't use it.

      It's not semantics when we have dictionaries with definitions
      for the words "gift" and "discount".
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      • Profile picture of the author Blase
        p0opinpants, Michael Mayo, MichaelHiles,

        Thank you
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        • Profile picture of the author Blase
          I just had an idea that I may regret.

          I have access to tons of info products
          that I can give away. I am sure some of you
          have as much or more.

          However, as a GIFT, if there is some area of IM
          that you would like to have more info on
          post it here and I will give you a gift.

          Don't PM I only have 5 messages available.

          That means FREE, not a discount, no sign up.

          Yes I will even give freely to those that think
          a discount is a gift. :confused:
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      • Profile picture of the author Lance K
        Originally Posted by Blase View Post

        It's not semantics when we have dictionaries with definitions
        for the words "gift" and "discount".
        I'd challenge anyone to go a whole day without using a word in the wrong context. Everything must adhere to the law of Webster. Good luck.

        The discount is the gift. Like the cologne, you don't have to use it if you don't want. I'm not saying that's the right way to do "gifts". But the use of the word gift to describe a discount isn't exactly a big moral dilemma. IMO, if that causes you to unsubscribe, you probably should have been off the list long ago. Because if someone you knew/liked/trusted substituted the word gift for a discount, you likely wouldn't give it a second thought.

        Anyway, you asked for people's thoughts. :confused:
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    • Profile picture of the author scarob2
      Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

      If a store sent you a $75gift card, but they don't sell anything under $100...is it a gift or a discount?

      Perhaps the gift is the ability to save 75%. There's no catch. You don't have to make additional or future purchases. You don't have to use the gift if you don't want to. I have a drawer full of cologne bottles I've received as gifts. I've used maybe 2 of them. Does that make the others any less of a gift?

      Semantics and interpretation are funny things. As long as a promotion is above board and delivers an acceptable ROI, who cares if a few prospects get caught up on semantics and interpretation.

      You think the economy is down now? Just imagine if all merchants stopped selling and strictly became order takers.
      A $75 gift card from the store would not be a gift, as they are explecting something in return. However, if the card was given by a friend, it WOULD be a gift because they are NOT expecting anything in return. Some friend. Couldn't cough up an extra $25?
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Here's an offline example of a business that did it right in my opinion...

        Being heftier than the average person, I buy a lot of my clothes at a local Big & Tall store. Most of the time when they email me, it's a coupon of some sort.

        Recently they sent me a card in the mail good for $20 in their store - the only string attached was that, unlike a regular gift card, this one was for one-time use. If I wanted to pick and choose until my items totaled $20, I got them free. I did end up spending more than $20, and they took the $20 off my total. My choice.
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      • Profile picture of the author Lance K
        Originally Posted by scarob2 View Post

        A $75 gift card from the store would not be a gift, as they are explecting something in return.
        Are you sure that's a definition you want to stick with? Have you ever opened and anniversary gift and then wonder why your spouse is so pissed off when you don't have one for them?
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        • Profile picture of the author scarob2
          Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

          Are you sure that's a definition you want to stick with? Have you ever opened and anniversary gift and then wonder why your spouse is so pissed off when you don't have one for them?
          Okay, you got me on that one. But don't try to tell me a spouse ever gives anything without expecting something in return. Even if it's just taking out the trash.
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    When is a gift not a gift?

    When the IRS is asking.
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  • Profile picture of the author denisconn
    Well, those are certainly not a gifts.
    There is a difference between a gift and discounts to a products.
    With gift you are supposed to get something without any investment at all.
    With discount it`s never the case.
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  • Profile picture of the author WD Mino
    Well i am surprised by some of the answers posted.

    A gift is something done or offered with nothing expected in return period. end of story. you can phrase it anyway you like but that is not the truth. when i go to buy a gift card for someone let's say if they went to the store and were told oh no i am sorry this is just a discount for 40$ off are they going to feel like they got a gift or ripped off? truth is a gift is a gift and a discount is a discount just like we say sign up and get my free report it is not really free we are harvesting their email to market to them.

    I dunno IM seems to have multi plays on words that don't make sense when compared to the actual definition.
    -WD
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    • Profile picture of the author Lance K
      Originally Posted by WD Products View Post

      I dunno IM seems to have multi plays on words that don't make sense when compared to the actual definition.
      As does the rest of the world. There are too many examples to list.
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      • Profile picture of the author WD Mino
        Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

        As does the rest of the world. There are too many examples to list.
        so that makes it ok then eh Lance?

        No biggie because lots of people do it?

        Great way to build your reputation for sure doesn't that sound just a little silly?
        -WD
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        • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
          Just thought of another one...

          What about a "FREE" month of membership that automatically renews unless you cancel. That sounds a bit questionable too, come to think of it...

          And what about bonus "gifts" that are given if someone signs up for the above membership?
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by wordwizard View Post

            Just thought of another one...

            What about a "FREE" month of membership that automatically renews unless you cancel. That sounds a bit questionable too, come to think of it...

            And what about bonus "gifts" that are given if someone signs up for the above membership?
            First case - it's a trial offer, not a gift.

            Second case - more borderline, especially if the bonuses are useful on their own, and may be kept regardless of the outcome of the trial. If the bonuses are used to "sweeten the pot" in order to garner orders, then they're bribes or premiums, not gifts. Unannounced bonuses given after the offer is accepted come closer to being an actual gift.

            At least, that's how I see it...
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        • Profile picture of the author Lance K
          Originally Posted by WD Products View Post

          so that makes it ok then eh Lance?

          No biggie because lots of people do it?

          Great way to build your reputation for sure doesn't that sound just a little silly?
          -WD
          You've done it as well. Everyone uses words in the wrong context at some point or another.

          If you would bother to read, I said in my first reply that I don't think it's the right way to do it. So I never said it was ok.

          My point is, if you have the time and energy to spend getting bent out of shape over the proper use of the word gift, perhaps you shouldn't have been on that list in the first place.

          I get the argument that a discount isn't a gift in the true sense of the word. And I agree, it's not the best way to word a promotion. But the OP asked for thoughts. And I offered an alternative view point. At which point he pretty much implied that his view was fact and anyone who disagreed was wrong.

          Asking for thoughts when you don't really want anything other than agreement is kinda like calling a discount a gift in my book.
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  • Profile picture of the author thelearner138
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Amrak
      A gift is something given to you, for free, without any strings attached-period. If the "gift" is conditional upon the purchase of an item, then it is a BONUS, not a gift.

      And yes Blase, I have unsubscribed from several lists over the past week for exactly this reason. I know we are all marketers and have to explore new avenues and hooks, but I personally think that this "hook" is just dishonest and annoying.

      If you are offering a bonus, just tell me that and chances are I might buy the product you are promoting. But if you tell me you are giving me a gift to get me to open your gift-less email pitch for a paid product, and I am going to be annoyed, dismiss you as a liar and unsubscribe from your list.
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  • Profile picture of the author Taylor French
    I don't consider a discount a gift. I think it's rather rude to use that as a marketing ploy, especially on small lists, which are a bit more personal. I'm not sure I consider it deceptive, or dishonest. But calling a discount a gift is definitely not something I personally would ever do. To me, a gift is free, with no strings attached.
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Hupuczi
    Hi!

    I think this gift thing should be realy a gift for free of charge! I'm giving gifts to my customers to keep them happy! I think this is the right way to keep your list grow. Another thing some of us sending e-mails out every day with all kind of offers. But the thing is I'm not even read them and I belive I'm not alone with this.

    The best way is if your main goal is to keep your list happy and growing and when you come up with a great product or offer send them out when it's ready for sale but do not flood their e-mail with offers every day!

    Giving a gift is great and dont forget More You Give Away More You Get!
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  • Profile picture of the author WD Mino
    Ok Lance,
    yup fully agree just one thought there is a difference when writing and promoting right.

    If i said on my sales page join now and receive 1 yr free -that is a gift
    if i said join now for 1 yr and i will give you 40% off your next term that is a discount still complimentary but it required something from them first.

    Thanks for explaining that Lance i appreciate it i don't always read things well or get proper context and as far as i knew you were pretty integral in your marketing so i was a little surprised
    anyhow
    MERRY CHRISTMAS

    -WD
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    "As a man thinks in his heart so is he-Proverbs 23:7"

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    • Profile picture of the author Lance K
      Originally Posted by WD Products View Post

      Ok Lance,
      yup fully agree just one thought there is a difference when writing and promoting right.

      If i said on my sales page join now and receive 1 yr free -that is a gift
      if i said join now for 1 yr and i will give you 40% off your next term that is a discount still complimentary but it required something from them first.

      Thanks for explaining that Lance i appreciate it i don't always read things well or get proper context and as far as i knew you were pretty integral in your marketing so i was a little surprised
      anyhow
      MERRY CHRISTMAS

      -WD
      I often don't get my point across real clearly in written communication (drives my wife bonkers). She's often appalled by my emails and laughs at my attempts to send text messages. So it's pretty likely that it's my fault for not explaining myself clearly. Something to continue working on in 2010.
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      "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
      ~ Zig Ziglar
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  • Profile picture of the author billiebjosey
    A gift is a gift....given freely.......expecting nothing in return........we need to focus on really giving away videos , training,ebooks for free...It has to be something of value....Most times customers will come back and buy from you if you overdeliver in that one free product
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  • Profile picture of the author Bayo
    Originally Posted by Blase View Post

    Hey,

    I am just throwing this out there because it
    happens a lot this time of year.

    I am getting a lot of emails that tell me in the subject line
    that I am getting a "gift".

    Many of these are not "gifts" but discounts to
    a product.

    Is that a "gift"?

    I looked up the word "gift" in Websters and
    here is what it said, "something given voluntarily
    without payment in return...

    What are thoughts?
    How do you feel about those emails?

    Thanks
    Technically speaking, if you don't pay for it directly it's still a gift.

    As they do in TV, you pay for something else but get the gift without paying.

    The one phrase that baffles me is "Free Gift!"

    I've got a degree in English Language and I think I missed the class on this one!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Huynh
    Sometimes people give gifts but hide the link to download the gift at the end of a series of OTO (one time offers). After you're done clicking through five different "no thanks, just get me the gift" links, you don't remember what the gift was.

    If I'm giving something away, I have learned to just give them the gift upfront or else make it really clear what they need to do to get the gift. It's easy to get confused when a website visitor has so many options to choose.
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    Living the internet lifestyle!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lonnie10
    What da hell is this? I can't believe that some of you actually believe giving a free gift is a... "But Offer!" I dunno how long some of you have been marketing online, however since my come back of practically 5 years of dormancy my email box is jammed pack with free gift offers. 85% of which are deceptive advertising.

    A gift is giving something into the universe and NEVER looking for something in return. If you give me a $40 gift certificate, then that $40 certificate better be from YOU! Certificates that reach my inbox that says Listen Lonnie... Mark gave me this $40 certificate to give to you! What a JOKE!

    When you give something - you want a response like this...
    re:
    --
    Are you a saint or WHAT? That video was fantastic, just what I needed to get me off and running. I don't know why this information was so difficult for me to locate (and decipher) on PayPal's website, but you shaved quite a few hours off of the learning curve for me.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Cheers,
    Deborah
    ---------

    Now that's gift giving!

    If you want to give me a gift - then I better be on your list. Or something given to me directly like a business forum such as the Warrior Forum.

    Here's an example of free giving. I just created a valuable Magazine that has important information for web businesses online. The content is very good reading. And it's free! Now if you more want free items from the magazine, well... I'm not going to give them to you without some kind of exchange. Therefore I will ask for your name and email address before I give you more. It's that simple.

    Here's a free Christmas gift for all Warrior Forum Members. Relax! It's clear from all malicious bugs. I wouldn't put it here to damage my reputation. All you have to do is download it and open my Success UnPlugged Magazine - and view its content. There is a password to enter because its rated 14 years and up and the instructions are clearly visible. There is NO sign up forms to view the complete magazine cover to cover.

    Its very fast too. You can download it here: Merry Christmas from Lonnie Amirault and SuccessUnPlugged.com/news
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    • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Lonnie10 View Post

      A gift is giving something into the universe and NEVER looking for something in return. If you give me a $40 gift certificate, then that $40 certificate better be from YOU! Certificates that reach my inbox that says Listen Lonnie... Mark gave me this $40 certificate to give to you! What a JOKE!
      That's a narrow view of gift and a gift really is determined by the recipient. If I get something I want for free, even if there is a string attached, such as signing up for a list, it's a gift TO ME. I wanted it, I got it for free, and I can easily unsubscribe from the list any time I want to.

      If someone passes on a coupon from someone else, who cares? If it's something you want and would not have known about otherwise, it's a gift. Who cares whether or not someone else benefits from giving that gift?

      This is a marketing forum rather than a philanthropy forum and it is common to give incentives (gifts) to get people to either notice you or do something that you want them to do.
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      • Profile picture of the author Blase
        Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

        That's a narrow view of gift and a gift really is determined by the recipient. If I get something I want for free, even if there is a string attached, such as signing up for a list, it's a gift TO ME. I wanted it, I got it for free, and I can easily unsubscribe from the list any time I want to.

        If someone passes on a coupon from someone else, who cares? If it's something you want and would not have known about otherwise, it's a gift. Who cares whether or not someone else benefits from giving that gift?

        This is a marketing forum rather than a philanthropy forum and it is common to give incentives (gifts) to get people to either notice you or do something that you want them to do.
        I don't think signing up to a list for a gift is a bad thing.
        It's still free and not deceptive.

        If a coupon allows you to get something for nothing
        I would say that is a gift. If I have to pay more
        even with the coupon it's discount.

        I totally agree this is a marketing forum.
        That's why I started the thread, let's be honest
        and not call a discount a "gift".

        Let's leave the prospect's mind as open as
        we found it for the next marketer.
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    • Profile picture of the author willemc
      Gift is not a gift in case if some rewards are expected on behalf of that...

      Without expecting anything if we do anything then then this is a gift..
      If we provide a help to the needy,then it is a gift..

      In short Gift is god..
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  • Profile picture of the author Aristocratic
    A gift can also be looked at as getting something you otherwise might not/would not have gotten. I love Law and Order so if you have ever watched the DA try and make 'deals' with certain criminals, they will use the phrase that they are giving them a 'gift'. This is because this is something they would not otherwise 'get' or 'receive'.

    Alternatively, marketers can say they are giving a 'gift' rather than coming out and saying what they are really 'giving' (a discount) because it sounds better, but they actually are 'giving' you something you would not get unless they themselves decided to give it to you (or you do something illegal, but that's not something we condone =P).
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    COMING SOON

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  • Profile picture of the author misterkailo
    I feel that most people will send you free gift, such as video, audio, ebook. However, at the end, they will always try to sell you something. I think a real gift is truly to help people just to help people.
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    • Profile picture of the author Blase
      Originally Posted by misterkailo View Post

      I feel that most people will send you free gift, such as video, audio, ebook. However, at the end, they will always try to sell you something. I think a real gift is truly to help people just to help people.
      I don't have a problem with people trying to sell
      me something after I get something for free.

      We are all in this to make a buck and if everything was
      free I couldn't pay my bills.

      I actually expect an offer after I get something for free.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sean Ski
    A gift is something someone gives you
    without wanting anything in return...
    Everything else is just a nicely wrapped
    advertisement...
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    • Profile picture of the author Blase
      Originally Posted by Sean Ski View Post

      A gift is something someone gives you
      without wanting anything in return...
      Everything else is just a nicely wrapped
      advertisement...
      Like that
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      "Nothing Happens Until Something Is Sold"
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  • Profile picture of the author holzman
    I think that discount price couldn`t be consider as a gift. I think gift should be kind of benefit which you should get for free. So, for free and not at discounted price.

    Ever gave someone birthday gift in form of something he`s supposed to additionally pay for? Don`t think so.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lonnie10
    Hmm... I get anywhere from 20 - 30 of these gift giving tactics daily. All I can say is... I don't have 20xDIFFxNov+Dec=$$$item. I might as well buy another car. I guess they must work otherwise nobody would be doing it. Personally I'm sick of them. Yeah Yeah... why not unsubscribe? Well... it's like this - most are subscribers on my list. lol
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  • Profile picture of the author HeyAdMan
    Blase,

    Thank you for starting this post.

    Although it does absolutely nothing to change anything ... I agree with you on this one.

    I too have begun unsubscribing from people because as soon as you subscribe ... either that day of the next I start getting a minimum of one and this past week some knucklehead started sending me 4 emails a day each wanting me to subscribe to their friends list in order to get some freebie that I just could not live without if I plan on being successful in my lifetime.

    There is even a cost when the only cost is signing up for one more subscription. Each new subscription in my experience guarantees that the following day you will be given the opportunity to subscribe not only to whatever the new friend is promoting but also the original friend is sending info on another friend and this thing just grows exponentially until your email box is full of crap and you can't find what is important to you.

    That is a cost of time which is a cost of money to me.

    Usually when you sign up to get whatever freebie is being offered that you MAY have interest in ... the very next email from these people has absolutely nothing to do with your original interest and so it goes forever.

    In my humble opinion ... MOST people trying their hand at marketing online should study what marketing actually is BEFORE they start trying to do it. Sure ... ANYONE can market online ... but very few can do it right or even successfully.

    Just this past week I have been torn about unsubscribing from a few people because I like them and on occasion they screw up and send something of value that can actually help me ... even if it is something I am being asked to buy (this is fine with me).

    What I don't like is having to filter through a lot of crap to find if in fact the people I sometimes get something of value from may be sending value or crap again.

    A mentor and frind of mine (Jim Rohn) who recently passed away said that "sure you can find something to eat in a dumpster ... but I wouldn't go looking there to find it."

    I am starting to look at my incoming email for the most part as that dumpster.

    I just made up my mind ... I am unsubscribing from EVERYONE ... except about 3-5 people who consistently send me info on one subject ... and that subject is what I am interested in, it is the reason I subscribed with them initially and they have never sent me anything that moved away from the original theme of interest.

    I owe it to myself to stay FOCUSED so I can get more done with my time and have more time with my family and friends.

    Thanks again for starting this post as it has helped me see things even more clearly than I thought I was seeing them.

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to ALL of you!

    Randy
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    • Profile picture of the author Blase
      Going through my email this morning...

      Subject line,
      "a special Christmas gift from elf Yaro? (open for surprise...)"

      The cost of this "GIFT" is $373.00 to $445.00

      I can't tell you how happy I am that I got this
      gift. I am sure Yaro would be happy if I accepted
      his gift also.


      Next subject line from Early to Rise,

      "The Christmas gift you'll NEVER forget"

      Cost of the "gift" $508.00

      I won't forget because it will be billed to my credit card.

      Now here is what Office Max sent me as a subject line,

      "Hurry! 2 Day Holiday Deals + $10 Coupon"

      Notice the word "Deals" I am betting these aren't
      free . I wonder why they didn't call them "gifts"?
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      • Profile picture of the author Blase
        This Warrior did it right.

        In my email this morning.

        Subject line.

        "[MERRY CHRISTMAS] This gift could make all the difference for 2010"

        It is a free report a gift! No optin no nothing!

        His name is Oz, Hip Hip Ho Ray for Oz!!!
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        "Nothing Happens Until Something Is Sold"
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  • Profile picture of the author jeffdean9297
    When is a gift not a gift?

    When it's a lottery ticket. If you win $50,000 you know damn well the person who gave you that is going to expect something in return. And when you win nothing... well... you got no gift. :-)

    I hate lottery tickets.

    .
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