Free PS3 80GB, free Wii, free xBox 360, Free iPhone, free iPod, free HDTV Proof!!
Want to know how companies can afford to send you your Free Gadgets!
The phenomenon of referral marketing allows consumers to receive highly sought after free goods through what are essentially advertising websites (known as a referrals website). Below is an example with a table to make it easier for you to understand how you can get a Free PS3, free Wii, free iPod or whatever your chosen gift is!
Let's say you decide to sign up to get a free iPod Shuffle:
The first thing you will be asked to do is take out an advertiser's offer. If you are based in the UK, recommended offers include a free, no obligation DVD rental by post trial with LOVEFiLM or maybe a free ringtone download; most US sites carry similar offers with Blockbuster and various other well known and respected sponsors.
Step two is to refer others to repeat the process (hence the term “referrals website”). An iPod Shuffle would typically require just two referrals and we all have a couple of friends who could be persuaded to take up their own DVD rental trials.
Job done, just wait for the postman with your free iPod Shuffle!
This all seems very quick and easy but who are the winners?
Who |
Spent |
Received |
You |
Nothing, nil! |
Some free DVD rentals and a free iPod Shuffle. |
Referrals website |
£40 on your iPod Shuffle. |
Three commissions of between £20 and £30 each from the advertiser – Profit = up to £50 |
The advertiser (LOVEFiLM in this example). |
£60 - £90; a drop in the ocean compared to a TV or newspaper campaign. |
Three potential customers who have actually tried their service and may well like to keep it. |
Referral rates differ but you get the idea
