Market Research - OzBargain Post Advice

AssociatedLHDWD @ Amazon Germany on 21/02/2014 - 14:46

Hi - I am a long time viewer of ozbargains but newbie member.

I am a web designer, and i work mostly with e-commerce stores.

I want to help one of my clients who is doing some market research prior to launching their site,
we want to know about real people opinions about the product, and actually want people to use it.

Its not going to be a marketing scam or anything underhanded. and once the product launches, i would imagine that the store will advertise coupon offers outside of regular sale periods.

So knowing how regulated this community is - and not wanting to do anything wrong, i wanted to ask advice before we do anything.

Is it ok to offer a free product here - in return for information?

The product is going to be a rubber backed mat - previously unsold in the australian market but expected to retail $75 dollars (or so), we are happy to give away approx 200 of these to Ozbargain members, but there would be an expectation on whomever takes up the offer to answer a few surveys about the product.

  1. on signup - asking general information - to help us understand the market better.
  2. after using the mat we send you for about a months - let us know how the mat is holding up, any complaints etc
  3. after using the mat we send you for about 3 months. - your overall opinion about the product and perhaps some feedback on where you might expect to buy the item based on your experience.

In my opinion its a good bargain, because it only costs you your time.
We wont use your details for any other purposes, and we would need to be compliant with Australian privacy laws and the anti-spam act.

The product is currently sold in germany - an example of the product is found here:
http://www.amazon.de/b/ref=amb_link_177023907_3?ie=UTF8&node…

Please let me know your opinion on this kind of offer so i know whether or not it fits in with this forum.
you can contact me directly at email [email protected] if you have further questions or if you feel this kind of post is disallowed and i can take it down.

Poll Options expired

  • 16
    This type of bargain would be ok
  • 4
    Its a grey area - I would be ok with it
  • 0
    Its a grey area - i dont think you should
  • 0
    Absolutely Not OK
General Discussion

Related Stores

Amazon Germany
Amazon Germany

Comments

  • mad__llama on 21/02/2014 - 15:01

    Hi, I think it's a good idea for the forums, but maybe not on the main bargain site. Well done for asking first - you'll avoid a lot of grief that way :)

    Personally I'd be very happy to participate but I guess you'll have to see what the community here at large thinks.

    • scrimshaw on 21/02/2014 - 15:03

      Being transparent about what you will do is one way you can gain the trust of ozbargain members. I personally wouldn't mind so long as I know what the information I'm submitting will be used for and in what way, plus the option of remaining anonymous.

  • battler on 21/02/2014 - 15:02

    general rule is that ozbargainers will jump on anything free, but I couldn't imagine many would give you much in return.
    if you just capture phone number and email address they could well be bogus (obviously street address would be real as they want the mat delivered).
    consider that when determining how you want to get back in touch with the 200 users.

  • mskeggs on 21/02/2014 - 15:08
    +3

    I would do this, and would follow up with the research.
    If the product proved to be of good quality I would probably offer a recommendation/review.
    I like giving my opinion - in my mind I imagine I am being asked by a pack of journalists on the steps of parliament house…

  • Mimbula on 21/02/2014 - 15:12
    +1

    I would be interested in undertaking this, and already do paid surveys. Sometimes I will be sent a product that has not been released, and provide feedback on how it is.
    Providing too much personal information, phone number, DOB always makes me a little worried. This seems a good deal, especially as it appears a gain for not much in response.

  • PissLUR on 21/02/2014 - 15:35

    I would sign up for this.

  • ESEMCE on 21/02/2014 - 15:49
    +2

    I wouldn't do it for free… cause you'll just get people signing up because it's free and who don't actually want/need a mat.
    If it's actually worth $75 (as opposed to actually being worth $30 and you're jacking up the price to make it seem "premium"), then I'd perhaps offer it as a bargain, ie $20-30 then if people like it and write up a good review, offer them a chance to buy more at your cost price, to give away as gifts or to put elsewhere in their house..
    This way you get your reviews from people who have the same/similar needs to your prospective customers and you get some word of mouth on the street.

    • AssociatedHDWD @ Amazon Germany on 22/02/2014 - 07:57

      thanks for the advice

  • goosegog on 21/02/2014 - 16:03

    Yes - I'm willing to give it a go - as long as I'm not subjected to continuous unwanted mail afterwards.
    More info. on what this mat is would be good - you don't seem to be marketing it well at the moment with no description of its actual use !

    • AssociatedHDWD @ Amazon Germany on 22/02/2014 - 07:59
      +1

      I was saving the marketing speak for later - but it's main feature is that it is fully machine washable and tumble dryer safe, another feature is that it is printed with a designer look, the colour stays true to original after each wash, the product is guaranteed for 5 years.

  • morpheu on 21/02/2014 - 16:10

    $75 for a rubber mat? does it have some special functions or use space age materials?
    i've done market research on a regular basis, if you want i could answer some questions and maybe even post a brief review if needed
    ps i ticked 'Its a grey area - I would be ok with it" because technically it's not a 'bargain'

    • AssociatedHDWD @ Amazon Germany on 22/02/2014 - 07:57

      its a pretty cool mat - the main feature is that it is fully machine washable and tumble dryer safe, another feature is that it is printed with a designer look, the colour stays true to original after each wash, the product is guaranteed for 5 years

  • cuteduck on 21/02/2014 - 16:17

    My recommendation is that you sell it for A$ 20 and
    provide rebate/cashback after the customers submit the review.
    Otherwise you have 0 review/feedback especially trying to target OZbargainers

  • nubzy on 21/02/2014 - 17:41

    Yes I would be willing to help. done a bit of market research in the past and enjoy giving feedback.

  • aocal on 22/02/2014 - 08:29

    I would like to give it a try and pass on my thoughts

  • Ughhh on 22/02/2014 - 09:34

    I wouldn't mind trying it out And give feedback. Done similar things before

  • Rel63 on 23/02/2014 - 11:28

    I also do online surveys, which do not pay anywhere nearly as well as a free product of that value. I don't see why a couple have said this would not be a bargain, it would be a great bargain for those wanting the product. I do also agree a better incentive would be a discounted price for the agreed marketing response and review and an offer of more at a discount or perhaps a free product if all surveys/reviews completed. The ones in the link look great, i would like one or two.

  • goosegog on 24/02/2014 - 12:54

    Still not answered the question - is it a door mat,a floor mat, one of these things you put in the oven to counteract spillage?

  • AssociatedHDWD @ Amazon Germany on 09/05/2014 - 02:39

    Hi All - the following post has been raised https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/143570
    I invite you all to apply for a free mat.

    Regards
    Hudson

    • goosegog on 10/05/2014 - 17:18

      Have tried but it won't let me in - what now?

      • AssociatedHDWD @ Amazon Germany on 10/05/2014 - 20:02

        hi - try again, it should all still be working. (perhaps try a different browser if you continue to have issues)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join