Is E-commerce being threatened by the Freebie Hunters?

> Gary:

> People are very reluctant to recommend
> something (refer friends to it) when they
> haven't even received it yet.

> Referrals work because the TRUST the Referer
> and Referee have built between each other.

> Think about what you are asking people to
> do...

> It's like asking a total stranger to
> recommend your restaurant (which they have
> never been to) to their friends in exchange
> for a meal.

> A person is not going to do that.

> Yet, that is exactly what you are asking
> them to do.

> It's hard enough getting a person to give
> you the name and number of someone who may
> be interested in what you offer, immediately
> after you have taken care of their needs.
> Let alone before taking care of their needs.

> As for Free or Charge... stick to one and go
> with it. Drop this "sitting on the
> fence" garbage.

> It's either worth $97 or it's not. You
> either sell it for $97 and be done with it,
> or give it away entirely.

> But giving me something for Free with ther
> "Threat" it is going to be sold
> for $97 in a few days, just doesn't make a
> lot of sense.

> If you have a history of doing this... and
> your visitors know, then it may work. But
> I'm betting the visitors do not know you
> from a bar of soap. So raising the price
> from $0 to $97 is NOT believable.

> The fastest way to stop people wanting your
> stuff for free is to not give it away for
> free. Period.

> Michael Ross

Ted has often said that 'freebies' are tricky. Business people assume just because it's 'Free' it's going to be in demand and Ted says nothing could be further from the truth. He's tried giving away numerous 'free' items as an incentive but quickly learned "That if you can't sell you can't give it away either".

Take care,

Mike Winicki