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There's simply no escaping it. I've kept busy, cleaned my
house obsessively, reorganized file after file, and still I can't avoid April
15. I have to do my taxes. Soon. Sound familiar? We dread it, fear it, and
procrastinate until there's no more time left.
But, Dunkin Donuts is seeking to change the bad tax day rap and shift it into a delicious day we look forward to. While I agree that tax day could use a PR makeover, I wasn't so sure what Dunkin' Donuts could do to transform my fear and dread to eagerness and anticipation.
Am I right, or am I right?
"We hope that Dunkin' Donuts can make Tax Day a little more palatable for tax filers and coffee lovers by offering them a delicious free donut. We know Americans work hard for their money and this is our small way of showing our appreciation," said Frances Allen, Dunkin' Donuts brand marketing officer.
Aww...thanks Frances.
I do love this idea. But, I don't eat donuts (for obvious health reasons). So, it got me thinking, what if other retailers joined in and gave away something I really wanted on tax day? Here's what I've come up with so far:
-Macy's could give away a Mariah Carey CD with a lingerie purchase.
-Wal-Mart could give away a box o' wine, when you buy a vat of Chex mix.
-Target could give away Choxie's with a prescription purchase.
-IKEA could offer up Swedish almond cake (yum!) when customers bring in their
own bags.
The possibilities are endless. So, instead of Americans dragging themselves to the post office on April 15 to mail in their taxes, they could skip to the post office and then to the retailer of their choice to pick up a fabulous treat.
Nothing says "Happy Tax Day!" like a box of wine, chocolates, Mariah Carey and Swedish almond cake.
So, let's brainstorm. What are some tax day giveaways that would make your day? Pick out your favorite retailer along with one of your favorite products (think of a splurge item). Then, leave a comment here with your idea. Perhaps together, we can give tax day the makeover it so desperately needs!
--Heather Strang
I'm giving away a free pair of sunglasses with a $30 purchase on tax day at my shop SmartyPants Teen Resale in DeMotte Indiana. Shoppers LOVE a freebie, on Mother's Day we gave away little manicure sets that I had ordered for .29 cents a piece...everyone loved them. Small investment for HUGE rewards!
Posted by: Cathy | April 11, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Done your Taxes?
YOU DESERVE CHOCOLATE!
AND A LITTLE SHOPPING TIME!
This could be anything from Macy's giving away Godiva with any purchase, to your local consignment or resale shop having a variety of down-home/ regular/ nostalgic chocolates just for stopping in. (Of course, it could also be "with purchase", but I think that option should only apply if what you're using as a traffic lure is significant, e.g. a free diamond pendant with purchase of any Mercedes).
Otherwise, if you're a local store like those on HowToConsign.com, it's enough to show that you understand your clientele has been stressed recently and deserves a break without turning it into a "BUY BUY BUY" bonanza. It builds community and credence, two things sorely lacking in national/international chain stores.
I mean, geez, how many folks will stop in DD and NOT buy a coffee to go with their donut? Are the freeloaders that much of a concern, that you have to manipulate your customers and "take back" your little freebie? Believe me, once those folks come in for their free candy bar, no strings attached...you'll sell as much and more than if a "qualifying purchase" must be made.
I'm assuming if you don't eat donuts you probably don't eat chocolate either. In which case, you can donate your chocolate bar to the less-fortunate (the store clerk? The mail man?)
Happy Tax Day...now I have to go do mine.
Posted by: Kate Holmes | April 10, 2008 at 11:40 AM