AnnieBee
Gold Member
- 1,357
Just thought I'd start a new thread for those who aren't reading the "deceptive business behaviour" one.
I just wanted to say that I was pretty shocked when I first came across the idea of using a "free show" as a prize for drawings, and am glad to hear that others DON'T do that - I never will. In my opinion, it is one thing if you normally charge for providing ingredients, and then give them for free, or normally charge for a show (I'm not sure who would do that...), and then do one for free, but if not, I think it is extremely deceptive to do this. And what will your host think when she/he sees you getting bookings, that are also "free". Personally I would be ticked off, and not do business with you again. I would probably tell all of my friends too. There are other inexpensive prizes that can be used (SBRC anyone!?).
I am not meaning to be judgemental, because it has been mentioned so many times that I would guess that those of you who do it just think it is a normal thing to do, but I would really encourage you to think of first the ethics, and second, how your customers will feel being treated this way. It is obvious from the other thread (definately worth a read!) that we do not like the use of deceptive tactics to try to suck us in to buying other products, so why would we do the same thing. As it has been said many times before, let the products (and your enthusiasm for them) sell themselves.
I hope I'm not out of line in posting this (especially as I'm not even a consultant yet!! - signing up on the 31st), and I expect that some will disagree (and I'm fine with a healthy but respectful debate!) but this is something that has bothered me since I first read of it as a practice among PC consultants.
Hope you will all still read my posts!! I have valued you all so much these past months!
Annabel
I just wanted to say that I was pretty shocked when I first came across the idea of using a "free show" as a prize for drawings, and am glad to hear that others DON'T do that - I never will. In my opinion, it is one thing if you normally charge for providing ingredients, and then give them for free, or normally charge for a show (I'm not sure who would do that...), and then do one for free, but if not, I think it is extremely deceptive to do this. And what will your host think when she/he sees you getting bookings, that are also "free". Personally I would be ticked off, and not do business with you again. I would probably tell all of my friends too. There are other inexpensive prizes that can be used (SBRC anyone!?).
I am not meaning to be judgemental, because it has been mentioned so many times that I would guess that those of you who do it just think it is a normal thing to do, but I would really encourage you to think of first the ethics, and second, how your customers will feel being treated this way. It is obvious from the other thread (definately worth a read!) that we do not like the use of deceptive tactics to try to suck us in to buying other products, so why would we do the same thing. As it has been said many times before, let the products (and your enthusiasm for them) sell themselves.
I hope I'm not out of line in posting this (especially as I'm not even a consultant yet!! - signing up on the 31st), and I expect that some will disagree (and I'm fine with a healthy but respectful debate!) but this is something that has bothered me since I first read of it as a practice among PC consultants.
Hope you will all still read my posts!! I have valued you all so much these past months!
Annabel
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