Do We Really Value Free?
September 11th, 2009 by Sophie WegatI’ve been on a bit of a de-cluttering spree recently. One of the areas I de-cluttered was my skincare and make-up. I then did some research and went and bought a whole lot of new items suitable for my (more mature) skin. Pretty much everything was ordered online and in one of the parcels I was given a gift of an eye shadow. During the checkout I was able to select from 3 colours so I picked as best I could.
All my products have arrived and I really love them all. Yes I know I’m a trite anal but I do appreciate good packaging and lovely products. In fact my husband laughs at me because I often keep product boxes. Anyway the eye shadow arrived and it’s a good brand and a nice product. But I don’t wear that colour. Ever. So it sits there. And I constantly move it as it’s in my way and I can see it’s becoming clutter. Sure it was nice of the company to give me a free gift but truly I don’t value it. It’s become a weight around my neck (ok perhaps that’s a bit dramatic but you get what I mean).
So I’ve made the decision to turf it. And it’s made me wonder how much we really do value free. After the initial excitement has worn off do we still perceive the product or service the same way? I suspect not.
April 22nd, 2010
8:05 pm
Sophie, I really had to laugh at this, as I also sometimes keep product boxes (and my husband finds that odd).
I suspect that companies give away free products in the hopes that they’ll be valued — but, as in your case, they may be the wrong product for that customer. Or perhaps it’s a thank you to the customer … but again, there’s the wrong product risk. (I recently shipped all my makeup that doesn’t go well with my complexion to a blonde friend … she loved it.)
I hope you and yours are doing exceedingly well.