Why no more "Instant Wins " on promotional items?

[AndyAudi]

I was looking at a promotion which involved texting or e-mailing a "code" to see if I'd won, these seem all to common nowadays.

In the days before mobiles & the Net it used to be simple, there was a message saying "you have won X" on the reverse of the label/ringpull or even, with one brand of crisps, little packets inside with real banknotes.

Have these instant win things been banned, or is it all about gathering phone numbers & e-mails to sell on now?

Does anyone actualy text in the code on the inside of their biscuit wrapper /crisp bag or drink label?

I'll admit the old promotions used to sway me to whichever brand was offering the change to win something but now I can't be bothered with trying to find out if I've been lucky.

[Jerwatt]

I guess a combination of being able to sell on the details of the person and getting the £1 per message would mean a greater profit for the company.

[dreamz]

usually to get the customers attention and email address.

this way they have to go out of their way to see if they've won anything.

[madbadger]

dreamz said:

usually to get the customers attention and email address.

this way they have to go out of their way to see if they've won anything.

But if you don't bother to find out if you have won then it is pointless.

[dreamz]

madbadger said:

dreamz said:

usually to get the customers attention and email address.

this way they have to go out of their way to see if they've won anything.

But if you don't bother to find out if you have won then it is pointless.

exactly. they're rewarding people who have taken time out to check. thus by building a more favourable view of thier own item.

[jas xjr]

AndyAudi said:

Does anyone actualy text in the code on the inside of their biscuit wrapper /crisp bag or drink label?

my niece did that with some coco-cola. won a trip for two to the world cup. worth about £8k they were told

[dreamz]

i've won two ipod classics from coca cola cans...

numerous itunes vouchers...

[AndyAudi]

Well I gave it a go, texted my details to a "competition" on a Ken Hom Ready meal (I was in a hurry!).

Coincidence that 3hrs later an automated call from a witheld number was asking me to press button 2 to speak to someone about possibly writing off my debt or some such thing?

Coincidence my arse!

(I'll take it all back if I win a trip for Chinese new year or a shiny new wok!)