| By Jim Bruene on September 20, 2007 5:02 PM | Comments (2) |
I'm not sure why I'm so drawn to the free iPod promotions. Maybe it's because Citibank never sent me my free one in 2004. Granted, I didn't jump through all the post-signup hoops, but I'm still sore about it.
Today, Bank Deals blogged about the latest bank to offer the coveted music player, Plano, Texas-based ViewPoint Bank. This summer (here), I critisized Key Bank and TD Bank for using boring graphics to publicize the sleek device. ViewPoint perhaps does a bit better depending on your tastes (see screenshot below). You certainly can't miss the promotion, but the bank is still missing an opportunity to showcase the sexy new video nano, rather than the oh-so-2006 version shown in its homepage ad.
The fine print: Like most banks, ViewPoint requires direct deposit to score the music player. And, it must be at least $600/mo, so students take your business elsewhere. But the checking account is free, so the qualifying bar is not set too high. The offer runs through year-end.
One more caveat: If you splash a $150 freebie across the homepage, you better have an answer when your current direct-deposit customers come in for their free iPods as thanks for their ____ years of loyal support. One helpful technique, use cookies so that you don't even show the offer to existing customers.
ViewPoint homepage (20 Sep 2007)
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I like the concept, but how can you promote free ipod nanos and splash the OLD NANO up on the ad? Did you not know there was a new one? Did you get the old version on the cheap, thus jump starting the promotion?
As a Dallas area resident, I'll say I was semi interested, now I've just got more questions. Questions I won't take the time to ask and therefore won't give the whim of switching banks for an ipod a second thought.
PS. I have a new Nano and they are rocking. The video is absolutely amazing.
I know from my dealings with Apple that only certain products are eligible for promotions. I believe the new Nano and iPhone cannot be used until a later date. This might be why they are using the older version.