Confused and Bewildered!

Eddy Smiles · #1 11-17-2007, 12:32 PM

This morning when I went out to the mail box I discovered a Christmas promotional post card from Woodcraft. On the front it says that you get a $10.00 Woodcraft gift card to use on your next purchase when you spend $50.00 or a $20.00 gift card when you spend $100.00.

I immediately got all excited. My wife and I don't do the Christmas exchange thing anymore but just for fun we do exchange stockings (been doing it for 46-years...no sense stopping now). I've been trying to put together a list of things that she could include in my stocking just as she's working on hers and it came to me that a $50.00 gift card would solve my problem in one easy swoop - not to mention the additional $10.00 from the promotion.

But alas! It was not to be. On the reverse side in very small letters is the exclusion that it "does not apply to FESTOOL or gift card purchases." Now I ask you, can anyone educate me in the logic of a marketing scheme like this?

In the first place, we're going into the Christmas season and it would seem that most folks would be buying for loved ones and friends. I can just see my wife wandering around Woodcraft trying to figure out what to buy that adds up to $50.00. And I can only imagine what I'd end up with!

Secondly, now that we're in the computer age, Gift cards are cash in the bank for a retailer. Have you ever tried to turn one in or ask for the change back from one that you've partially used? Right! It ain't gonna happen! Once they get there sticky paws on the money behind that card it's there's forever!

And finally, what on earthly difference does it make whether they sell a card or sell the merchandise? The bottom line is that it's a sale and adds to their seasonal profit.

So needless to say, I won't be finding any thing from Woodcraft in my stocking this year. I guess I'll settle for a pair of socks and an orange or something like that!

Anyone have any thoughts on this? I do have background experience in marketing and this makes no sense to me whatsoever!

Gergie · #2 11-17-2007, 01:08 PM

You are right it doesn't make a lot of since. but I'll play the "Maybe this is the reason card here".

Here's one theory that won't hold water. First does Woodcraft have retail stores? This may be an enticement to get people in the area of their stores to walk in the doors. And while in there see other stuff they may purchase. A hands on approach.

While if you get a gift card and don't live in the area of a store you are more likely to stick with the limit on the card while buying off the internet or a catalog order.

And if I live far away from the store I will use the gift card (Via Internet or catalog order) even without the 10% discount.

Now if I'm getting that 10 to 20 % discount I probably spend more money. So you are right it doesn't make much since

gene messer · #3 11-17-2007, 02:06 PM

Eddy .. I dont know what it means .. but as my old daddy use to tell us ..

"Son .. If anyone offers to give you something for little or nothing .. That's probably what their giving you ..little or nothing !

Gene

brian bailey · #4 11-17-2007, 03:28 PM

Eddy,

I just used their postcard at my local store this morning.

Been sitting on the fence about getting a Merlin grinder. Got the grinder and a $20 gift card. Turned the gift card in towards a dust be gone mask.

Woodcraft got some business and I got a $20 deal. I think that's what Woodcraft had in mind with their postcard mailing.

P.S. I've never had a problem getting cash for the balance on the gift card at their store.

Kenny_S · #5 11-17-2007, 04:47 PM

You mean you can spend JUST $50 at a Woodcraft store. That ain't American!!!!!!

Hey, you and your wife aren't the only ones exchanging stockings. Been doing so for 39 years and have the grown up kids doing it. It is fun for sure.
But Not buying my little bride a Christmas gift or two or three, No way! Me smarter than that. I want to live longer than that!!!!! LOL

Eddy Smiles · #6 11-17-2007, 05:27 PM

Kenny.... I use to feel that way to but after I retired she has the check book and it's too darn hard for me to squirrel away enough Christmas money to surprise her so we just get what we want during the year and live for our little stocking surprise on Christmas morning!

Brian.... I would love to take the card up to Woodcraft and buy a couple of full sized tools but at this time of year I wouldn't feel very good about it unless we had the money to do the same for Mama since it wouldn't be a stocking item! This probably sounds pretty lame but that's just the way things are done at the

s' house! As for getting money back from Woodcraft, that's good to hear. That's not the general policy at most other corporate stores. They all want to leave the remainder on your card or issue a new card with the remainder on it. that's something that I'll have to keep in mind!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #7 11-17-2007, 05:50 PM

ain't nuttin worser'n bein corn fuzzed!

brian bailey · #8 11-17-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddy Smiles

Brian.... I would love to take the card up to Woodcraft and buy a couple of full sized tools but at this time of year I wouldn't feel very good about it unless we had the money to do the same for Mama since it wouldn't be a stocking item! This probably sounds pretty lame but that's just the way things are done at the

s' house! As for getting money back from Woodcraft, that's good to hear. That's not the general policy at most other corporate stores. They all want to leave the remainder on your card or issue a new card with the remainder on it. that's something that I'll have to keep in mind!

Eddy,

Who said anything about you buying full size tools? If you want the ten dollar gift card you need to spend $50.

Give your wife a list of small tools you'd like and take her to the store.
Then maybe if you're a good boy you'll find a couple of tools and a ten dollar gift card in your stocking come Christmas morning.

Eddy Smiles · #9 11-17-2007, 08:20 PM

Brian... Great idea but it don't work like that! That would be like her giving me a list of ladies unmentionables and telling me to go down to Victoria's Secret and picking them out! Ouch! It's a no win situation no matter how you "cut" it!

brian bailey · #10 11-17-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddy Smiles

Brian... Great idea but it don't work like that! That would be like her giving me a list of ladies unmentionables and telling me to go down to Victoria's Secret and picking them out! Ouch! It's a no win situation no matter how you "cut" it!

Eddy,

Sounds to me you appeared to eager to do that shopping at Victoria's!

Oh well, I tried to help you out with getting your stocking stuffed.