Give it Away....

A while back, in fact over 6 months ago, Seth Godin pointed us to a Freakonomics Post in which they talked about a Rock, Scissors, Paper $1 off promotion.

This past month i was traveling on the east coast of Florida. I had asked several people in town what was happening on that Thursday evening and the answer I kept getting back was "Oh, its flip for your drink night at the La Quinta Bar..."

After several recommendations, I headed that way, ordered up a beer, and the bartender yelled over the crowd, "Heads or Tails?" I call "Heads" the coin lands on "Heads" and bartender hand me my beer and thanks me. No strings, no gimmicks, just walks away.

Second round, I call the "heads" again and viola, two free beers in a matter of 10 minutes...I look around see that its beers, cocktails, and wine; every beverage being ordered is having its price fate determined by a coin toss...

Brilliant! The place was packed, the town was a buzz about the promotion, and all 4 people who suggested I head that way eventually turned up as well - both locals and tourists loved the excitement of this 50/50 shot at something free. Interestingly enough, I found myself almost hoping to lose after 3 wins - guilty?!?

So simple, so viral, so successful!

Comments

[Will]

this is a great promotion, for the patrons and the business.
here's why so many places will not do it: fear and lack of control

what if my staff "cheats"? whaddya know? all of their friends come in and pack the place and I never make any money? it's a real concern, however I suspect the payback is greater than the potential fraud of the employees.