Since I began working at ExactTarget about 3 years ago, the week leading up to my birthday has become a bit brighter. Why? Because several of the email programs I've subscribed to asked for my birthday during opt-in -- and they actually use that information to deliver special information and offers just for me!
For instance, last week I got a coupon via email from Qdoba -- my favorite restaurant ever. "Happy Birthday -- Have a Burrito on Us!" the subject line read. "Sweet!" I thought. I quickly flagged the message in my inbox and reminded myself to print it over the weekend.
After about three separate attempts to print the coupon (technically my fault, not theirs), I happily drove to my neighborhood burrito heaven to enjoy my free birthday meal. As I pulled into the parking space, I dug the coupon out of my bag and unfolded it to quickly scan it and make sure it printed out alright.
"...we'll make any of our signature burritos or any other entree for you, FREE, when you purchase any other burrito or entree at regular price."
Wait...what? I squinted at the message. Blast.
I have to purchase another meal to get my free burrito?! Considering I was getting dinner for one -- me -- that wasn't really what I wanted to hear. I can barely eat one massive burrito, let alone TWO. Why does someone else have to be there to warrant me celebrating my birthday?
Not wanting to waste food I couldn't eat -- but also not wanting to go without the meal I'd been craving -- I finally refolded the coupon, walked in, and bought my meal outright. There goes nine bucks. Happy birthday me...
Just saying -- the Q was my favorite restaurant. And still is. But by misjudging the subject line and not reading the details on my email coupon, I got disappointed. Technically my fault? Yup, I should have read the offer more closely.
But in comparison -- take the email I got from Cold Stone Creamery around the same time.
Subject line: "Happy Birthday from Cold Stone Creamery." Message: "...your Birthday Club membership rewards you with a FREE Creation." The email encouraged me to hit up their website, log-in, and print off my coupon. I promptly clicked the link and...realized I didn't remember my website password. But no worries -- with one simple click, Cold Stone triggered a password confirmation email to remind me. I quickly logged in, confirmed my "Preferred Store" location, and hit print.
With the Qdoba incident still fresh in my mind, I fearfully glanced at the printed coupon. Was there a hidden clause? Did I have to buy 19 tubs of ice cream to earn my "free" treat? No! "This coupon is good for one FREE Like It Create Your Own Creation (TM) served in a cup." It was that simple.
Now that's a happy birthday gift I'll remember this year :)
Nicole
Marketing Communications Associate
For instance, last week I got a coupon via email from Qdoba -- my favorite restaurant ever. "Happy Birthday -- Have a Burrito on Us!" the subject line read. "Sweet!" I thought. I quickly flagged the message in my inbox and reminded myself to print it over the weekend.
After about three separate attempts to print the coupon (technically my fault, not theirs), I happily drove to my neighborhood burrito heaven to enjoy my free birthday meal. As I pulled into the parking space, I dug the coupon out of my bag and unfolded it to quickly scan it and make sure it printed out alright.
"...we'll make any of our signature burritos or any other entree for you, FREE, when you purchase any other burrito or entree at regular price."
Wait...what? I squinted at the message. Blast.
I have to purchase another meal to get my free burrito?! Considering I was getting dinner for one -- me -- that wasn't really what I wanted to hear. I can barely eat one massive burrito, let alone TWO. Why does someone else have to be there to warrant me celebrating my birthday?
Not wanting to waste food I couldn't eat -- but also not wanting to go without the meal I'd been craving -- I finally refolded the coupon, walked in, and bought my meal outright. There goes nine bucks. Happy birthday me...
Just saying -- the Q was my favorite restaurant. And still is. But by misjudging the subject line and not reading the details on my email coupon, I got disappointed. Technically my fault? Yup, I should have read the offer more closely.
But in comparison -- take the email I got from Cold Stone Creamery around the same time.
Subject line: "Happy Birthday from Cold Stone Creamery." Message: "...your Birthday Club membership rewards you with a FREE Creation." The email encouraged me to hit up their website, log-in, and print off my coupon. I promptly clicked the link and...realized I didn't remember my website password. But no worries -- with one simple click, Cold Stone triggered a password confirmation email to remind me. I quickly logged in, confirmed my "Preferred Store" location, and hit print.
With the Qdoba incident still fresh in my mind, I fearfully glanced at the printed coupon. Was there a hidden clause? Did I have to buy 19 tubs of ice cream to earn my "free" treat? No! "This coupon is good for one FREE Like It Create Your Own Creation (TM) served in a cup." It was that simple.
Now that's a happy birthday gift I'll remember this year :)
Nicole
Marketing Communications Associate
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