Wii love our customers
One can almost imagine the scene. Around a boardroom table, a brainstorming session. “Last year, we used the fake shortage scenario, so we can’t try that one again”. Etc. Etc. Over in the corner, a young whippersnapper with a rather prominent lump on the forehead raises his hand, hesitantly. Heads turn, and he throws out the suggestion that has been festering ever since he played with his younger brother several days before, at a virtual arcade in the family entertainment area.
“We could give every customer a free silicone rubber protective cover for the remote control system”. Corporate pause, as the sheer brilliance of it sinks in. We’ll send every customer, free, a gentle reminder that we Wii love our customers. This has to be the answer to the question that you might not have asked. After all, the fake shortage isn’t over for the fabulous Wii. Yet, today, we received a electronic confirmation that we’ll be getting something, free. Something that will make our home a safer place for all. Did I mention free?
TANSTAAFL. In return for a silicone rubber cover, the marketing genies have confirmed that we exist, updated our contact data, and have proof we are satisfied enough with their product to keep up with the marketing offers. A small cardboard box will arrive in several weeks, just in time to flash the corporate logo at the “designated shoppers” in the household as we start spending for the holiday season. Even though none of the family has yet to be hit by a flying nunchucky thing, we will be safer in the months to come.
I salute any company who can turn a few pennies worth of silicone rubber and some postage into that kind of visibility. Nintendo rocks. Now if they can get some sort of Guitar Hero outfit together in time for the coming holiday, I’ll buy into it.
