Okay - sorry I was gone all weekend with no internet. I almost died.
I've noticed a lot of talk about freebies & a lot of conflicting feelings about them. Let's talk about freebies today. Are they a necessary & useful marketing tool for designers? Do customers even bother with them? Do good freebies bring a customer back for purchases? Do customers expect freebies from every store? Do designers resent having to present more & more freebies without getting a real return on them? Will customers ignore designers who don't offer freebies? Would customers prefer a coupon for the for-sale products rather than freebies?
I know the issue of freebies has annoyed the tar out of me. For a long time I was offering a full-size freebie kit every month. Something new every month plus a few little pieces here & there. I noticed literally HUNDREDS of people coming through, getting all the freebies & never buying anything. Then they'd show up again later & get the freebies again. I never had anyone say that my freebies drew them in.
What are your thoughts? Are freebies a thing of the past or are they really useful & necessary?
Monday, September 24, 2007
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27 comments:
Based on how many people (including myself) say that freebies got them started with digiscrapping (especially freebies from Shabby Princess and Miss Mint), I'd say there is definitely a place for freebies.
I don't expect/feel entitled to freebies from anyone. How I think they can benefit designers: as a reward for the people who are already buying from you, not as an enticement to new customers.
I have to agree with M. Freebies did indeed get me started and, like a lot of newbies, I dl'ed every freebie I could get my hands for the first couple of months. I don't expect or feel entitled to freebies from anyone either. It is nice as a surprise when I order from someone that I order from a lot and they send an extra goodie along as a thank you.
Do freebies benefit a designer? I don't know. I know my first kit from Alice Naylor was a freebie as I'd never heard of her before, but since that freebie I've gone back and bought 4 other kits. I know a lot of people just snatch up the freebies and disappear, but not everyone does. So I would lean towards the fact that you'd think they would be a benefit, but since I'm not a designer I can't say.
Now how is that for a nice, precise answer LOL.
I never download freebies except Shabby Princess' kit when she releases one of her own kits.
I think there probably is a need for newbies to pick up freebies to get them started but as a seasoned digi scrapper I'm rarely interested in freebies. A freebie wouldn't really get me to try a new designer - a coupon might or a rak - but I just don't freebie hunt.
Well I am a designer and I will say when I started out in Digi I collected quite a few freebies. Now I make them but I am starting to think they really dont get me very far. Last mont I did a little freebie on my blog and it has had close to 400 dl on it in the 3 wks it has been up. Ok thats pretty many! (to me anyway) I also put in a coupon as a little test to see if anyone who took my freebie was also someone who shopped in my store. Well that would be a no I guess because not 1 coupon has been used. It was $2.50 off any $5 or more. So as I was thinking before putting out that little coupon most maybe not all but most people who are snagging my free things are not sharing their love with me. So for now for me I think I will be backing off the freebies and only do them once in awhile or maybe send them to my coustomers instead. I enjoy sharing but would like to see a little something maybe in return for my hard work. Theese goodies dont just whip themselves up. I spend alot of time and hard making these things and sometime is makes you feel very unloved to only get a handful of thank yous for your effort but then the next time they are all back to get the next thing you have. Not complaining really just stating my feeling at the moment and my experiences lately with the freebies.
In terms of my own shopping, a freebie will sometimes get me started with a designer if I have to sign up for a newsletter to get it. That way if I like it (which I presumably do enough to fill out the info for the shop) I'll get product updates and such from the designer and see what they're putting out - that makes me a lot more likely to buy.
Also, these days, I'd rather get a coupon than a freebie because I can pick something from your shop that I like, not just whatever you're giving away. But, as a newbie, freebies were great and definitely got me hooked.
I have to disagree as I won't buy from a new designer without a freebie to see their work up close as so many designers out there have nice previews but crappy quality or crappy preview and good quality work. So yes freebies does entice me to buy from a new designer, and from ones I do buy from already but I prefer a coupon from ones I already do buy from as a nice gift and I always use them if it is from a designer that I really love their designs.
When I started out, I depended on freebies because I had no idea what I was doing or where to shop. I loved the Shabby Princess kits especially. Do I think freebies are necessary... no, but I think they are nice now and then, especially for those who are starting out. I rarely ever download a freebie now, unless its something special... like for instance Christina Renee's I downloaded yesterday. I don't have a lot of money to spend, so when I see something from a designer I really like, I will get it for sure and in return, if I cannot buy something from her... I will promote where and when I can.
Maybe designers could make a schedule for themselves to give out freebies, or offer them up in promotion with something special or with a contest, etc. That seems to be what CR does and it really does seem to work for her. I would hate to see all designers decide they are no longer going to offer them because I think they do have their place in the digi-world and they do serve a purpose both for the designer and the user.
I am not a designer, just a scrapper, and my introduction into the digi-world was because of freebies. I had been looking for the "perfect" paper in the shops and couldn't find it, so I started to search on the internet -- then I was hooked, and I found a brand new world.
I like freebies or samples so that I can see what the product is like, rather than just a preview. While I have downloaded my share of them, I will only grab a few here and there now. As a newbie, the freebies allowed me to explore my style and find designers and sites that I would not have know about otherwise.
Unlike many who are simply freebie hounds, I buy from the designers and shops that I have stumbled upon via the freebies. I notice also that very few people leave comments, or even a little thank you -- when I download something I see all the same names out there, and I often wonder why some give away so much with so little return.
I go to ikeagoddess's blog a few times a week, look at her previews, and go to the sites that appeal to me, read the blog entries, look at all the layouts -- for me, that shows me the versatility of the product. I would much rather see how the product is being used (freebie or from a store) to help make my decision to buy.
I found a fabulous designer that I had not known about -- it was through her monthly freebie desktop calendar/page. That inspired me to make my purchases, that I am thrilled with, and I keep going back. It isn't a huge shop with new stuff everyday, but I go several times a week to see what is new. Almost everything goes on my wish list.
Long story, but yes I think freebies have a place. Do I think designers should or need to offer freebies daily or even weekly: definitely not. For me, a bigger draw is a monthly newsletter with ideas, layouts, maybe a technique that I can learn, if there is a little gift, great. If not, oh well, look at all the inspiration in the newsletter.
Sort of on topic -- when I first started several months ago, I thought that "chats" would be a great way for me to learn from the more experienced, what I found was hoards of women hanging out in the chats just waiting for a free gift, talking about chocolate and desserts. I would much rather learn a technique, get a great tip, or help on manipulating my photos than lots of freebies.
But wouldn't a coupon be more enticement than a freebie? For me, I'd much rather have a coupon to the store for me to pick out a free kit that fits my style than have a one-size-fits-all freebie to pick up.
I've tried including a coupon in my newsletter every month (for a substantial savings - like 30-40% off) that people can use more than once, but nobody seems interested in it. I think in the 4 newsletters I've put out, only 3 people have redeemed it.
If you had your choice, would you prefer a coupon for a free kit or a monthly freebie?
If I were to get a coupon for a free kit, I would be thrilled! All this talk of RAK's in the community, and nothing has ever come my way -- but I don't post for the sake of posting either. I don't share most of my layouts in the galleries.
I think that part of the issue is freebie hunters can remain anonymous. Those that are out there to abuse the gifts don't want to be known. When a freebie requires that one register at the store and order it that way, I think the percentage of downloads goes way down -- it is a few more steps, more time for the hunters, and they could be off to something else. I think it is the freebie hunters that leave such a bad taste for designers who have been generous with their product.
Personally, if I like something, I am either going to buy it outright, try to be patient and wait for a sale, or try to narrow down my wish list to meet my real budget. If one of my favorite designers offers a freebie (I dont read blogs all day long, so I often miss them) I only download it if it is something I truly love and know I will use.
I dont use my kits for just one layout -- that is why I fell in love with digi-scrapping -- and can scrap a lot of what I want to do with the supplies I have. When I find something so original or fabulous, I buy it -- for me (now) it is things that I cannot do on my own -- actions, styles, brushes, paper tears and curls, ribbons, things that are sketched/painted, word art. Anything that will save me lots of time.
I think as we grow as scrappers and develop our skills, the tools we look for change.
p.s. i love your blog. it is nice to post something without being attacked or fearing retribution from the masses
for me the "community" in scrapping is just as valuable as the crafting itself
For me I'd prefer a coupon for a free kit. Because like you said that freebie might not be my style.
About the RAK's - sometimes it seems to me the same people are getting them over and over. Just an observation.
I have thought on this issue a lot and have decided that yes, I will still offer freebies once in a while but will go the coupon route when possible. Customers want to see the quality of your work and wonder if your work is worth their hard earned money and I don't blame them. But, I prefer to offer the coupons. For the same amount of work a freebie takes, I can make something to put in my store for the price of the coupon. Generally my coupons are for $3. Yes, a person has to register for it in the store, but if you want something then a few extra steps to get it is worth it, right? and my regular customers are already registered.
I started out with freebies and almost 2 years later I still love freebies! However now I try to also purchase from the designer if I get several freebies from them. But it might take me awhile before I get around to purchasing.
Love getting thank you freebies from designers too. I like coupons too but often they end up expiring before I am able to use them.
Going off track a little here but maybe kind of related. I am also very thrilled and impressed when a designer posts a comment on pages I make with their stuff. I don't tell them I made a page, I think they are searching for their names in the gallery. But it makes me think favorably of them that they took the time to leave a comment.
I love the way Misty Cato works her freebies in with meaningful blog posts.
One day she might have an an awesome tutorial, the next might be answers to comments or questions she's gotten, the next might be a new product she's released, the next she might be sharing some layouts she's done or some products she really likes by other designers, etc. I enjoy stopping by her blog because of what she posts not because of her freebies.
She might include some freebies along with some of those posts or she may not. The quality of Misty's freebies is top notch. Many of her freebies are extra pieces that go with her kits. She also has put up templates and quick pages based on some of her layouts.
I have to say more often than not, I'll download one of her freebies and head to off to get the kit it goes with or at least Kaboodle the kit. :-)
I agree with meems --
I also think it is so great when a designer leaves you feedback -- it is kind of affirming.
what gets my goat though, sorry, is when you post to a gallery and nobody from that shop or site even comments on your layout.
also, when i do use freebies in a layout, i email the person to let her know, along with a link to my layout -- i find a lot of designers by browsing the galleries and searching the credits for some of the neat stuff. i find that more useful than looking in the new products stuff since there is so much to filter through
the subject of freebies is such a double edged sword.
Do I need/expect/feel entitled to freebies? absolutely not. Do I love them? Yes.
I'm past the rabid "downloading freebies frenzy" stage but still probably downloading lots of things I might never use just because I like them. Have I bought something from every designer I've downloaded a freebie from? no. Will I buy something someday? Probably not from all of them. But of the designers I have purchased from I can't think of a single one I didn't get at least one freebie from first.
At this stage of my digiscrap addiction a killer sale really draws me more than a freebie. Here is how it goes ....50%off ....OMG ..better go check it out...browsing browsing browsing....WOW! look at that! It's really cool/ pretty/ unique! ....open digi folder & look to see if I have anything(freebies) by that designer
examine freebie ...do I really like it? ...add item to cart!
Coupons? LOVE them. do I use them all? no. not even the really awesome ones. sometimes I just can't afford to & sometimes I forget & the coupon expires. Sometimes I try and the coupon doesn't work. ah well didn't really NEED it anyway NBD.
A lot of us call digiscrapping our addiction. And truly in a lot of ways it is like an addiction in that there is a process or level of addiction that is typical. If I were a designer, I'd really STUDY that process. Then study my products & style and decide at what level of that process I am most likely to capture my new customers.
Maybe it is freebies or tutorials or challenges or some other way of getting your name recognized. Whatever I decided it was.... I would go after it whole hog like a drug pusher on a street corner lol
I don't want to be a designer though. I'd rather just play with ya'lls stuff
Back to the freebie question.
There are way too many freebies out there. Some designers offer a freebie almost daily and that is just too much. and then there are the freebies from the people who are just learning to design ...TONS of them! and though ALL of those beginners are far more talented than I will ever be, some of them need a lot more practice. I'm glad glad glad that when I first discovered digi that some really talented designers like Miss Mint, the Shabby Princess and Christy had some freebies out there. It would be sad to have the whole industry judged on the basis of the quality of the freebies given by those who are just starting to learn the craft.
Would I rather have a freebie or a coupon for a free or almost free kit-COUPON!
Well, I didn't start digi scrapping with freebies...I started through a workshop at a conventional scrapbook expo offered by Epson, and from the CD that they included with their workbook, discovered the world of digital scrapbooking. After that it was Scrapper's Guide CDs and the monthly subscription...
and then I started to explore the online world and I DID discover freebies, and like so many I went a bit nutty about finding and downloading for awhile...but again, that was before there were soooooo many 'free digi lists' and all that...and I have to say, I agree that there are just sooooo many out there now that are not at all well designed or crafted, it's like alot of these new designers have no critical eye or discretion...so, I don't download that many anymore...
However, what I do look for now is samplers of a designers work, because I do want to see it up close before I start to invest in adding their stuff to my collections...and I am no longer just looking for quality of product...I am looking for professionalism in LABELING their files...I am tired of spending countless hours renaming files so they reflect who designed them. Designers should not assume everyone is going to keep them in a separate folder, especially if it is just a couple of items...so, if I get a freebie, even if the product itself is okay or even great, I will be very hesitant to make any purchases from that designer any more unless they have taken the time to catalog their own products...this has become a BIG pet peeve for me, as you can probably tell...but I think this digital scrapbooking industry is growing so rapidly that standards of professionalism and good business practices are being lost site of...
And do I buy from freebies?...YES...I absolutely do!! And I think it is sound marketing practice for designers to offer some kind of sampler of their work! I am a therapist and for years I had my own private practice, and my standard was that I offered a free 1/2 to 1 hour phone consultation for anyone considering wanting to hire me as their therapist...if its not a good fit of style, the 'customer' needs to have a way to test that out...
Okay, that's enough from me...never posted here before, got a little carried away!
And no, I'm not a designer...although I've done some professional graphic design some years back, it wasn't for scrapbooking...so far, I'm just doing this for my own enjoyment and sharing with family and friends.
I still use freebies from designers that really catch my eye and I've found some new designers that I love that way.
As a pretty new designer, I always got to at least DST and comment on layouts that use my product. For me, it's a thrill to see someone use it. LOL
I am on Christina Renee's CT and I do have to say that a designer that has that kind of following would have a hard time commenting on everyone's layouts, BUT I have never seen a someone work so hard for her customers. Truly. So I do give slack to the Christina Renee and Gina Miller's of the world. If only I had that kind of following. LOL
I've only done one freebie and I hate blogging for some reason :)so it's hard for me to get stuff onto my blog. I do have two freebies waiting so we'll see.
I agree with most, freebies are in general a good practice if you offer it for people to see your quality. The fact that a particular designer offers freebies does not necessarily get my cash, I don't understand the mentality that you have to be "loyal" huh? When you offer so much for free, why would I go buy from a mediocore designer, just because she gave me a freebie? Now, if the designer is very good, has something unique to offer, yes she will get my cash. And sometimes I've only gotten one freebie or sample for them. The great coupons (free kit) or $5 off or something worth my going to take a look...sure, I'll drop a few dollars and shop, even if I wouldn't have normally bought. KWIM? So for me, the coupons are most effective in getting me to come back to shop. THEN if you're any good, I'll keep up with your new stuff, and if sometimes I'll even buy not on sale - but that is so rare. I have enough already, so I do shop the sales.
I really haven't done any general freebies lately, not because I don't want to, but because the sites I'm at require so much free stuff for challenges, site megakits, etc, I barely have time to design things to sell, let alone give away.
Yep, my very first intro to digiscrapping was through a Shabby Princess freebie. Now, I only download an occasional gorgeous element or mini-kit, and I do love templates. I have 3-4 favorite designers whose blogs/sites I visit daily in case they've put up something new. In those cases, even if I'll never use it, I dl it! And yes, I do buy from those designers as well, I'm not just a freebie hunter. I even admit to visiting Ikeagoddess's blog once in a while to find new templates. ;) I have so little time to scrap, I love being able to grab a template and use it. I don't feel like anyone owes me freebies. I appreciate them, try to remember to comment when I take them, and always visit the designer's store if she has one. I may not buy anything, but many of the things in my Kaboodle were found that way. Now, whether I ever get around to buying them or not is another story...
I am a designer and I have gotten to the point that I don't give out freebies anymore. And for the reason that it seems, that no one has the manners to even say "thank you" anymore. I can remember starting out and thanking everyone for the free items they took the time to make and give away. It is just expected now and I hate it. I have sales that product is very low and I feel that if they want to try me out they can get some great product for next to nothing.
I must say, this is an interesting topic!! I often wonder if my freebies are really appreciated. 100's of downloads not a single thank you. I have resorted to RAKing... I do my RAKing clearly by random... litterly. I will go into a site saying I am going to RAK and then I pick a number... I go into the forum and look for thread number 'X' on the first page and then I look for post number 'X' in that thread... there is my RAK. I try to be fair so it is not the same people getting RAK's although I am totally unaware of how other designers CHOSE their RAK's. I would love to RAK people that have NEVER been RAK'ed before.
Terrific information here from opening up this discussion. I especially appreciate the informtion about coupon offer options. This is obviously a worthwhile way for business owners to show their generousity to their customers.
Thanks to all who have shared their views here! I'll share a link back to this article with my readers. I'm sure they will find this discussion interesting as well.
~~
Cindy Angiel (aka PaintChip)
http://dsd-professionals.com
Resources for Making Money the Digi-Scrap Way
As a relative newbie, I was rabid over freebies at the beginning. I've become much more relaxed about them. They were a great way for me to start and continue to be a great way for me to try out different designers' styles. At some point, i'll probably edit my stash and purge a bunch of freebies that have just been sitting there & never get used.
I don't feel that anyone should expect freebies. It makes sense that newer designers give more stuff away- it creates buzz and probably some real fans. Once I'm a fan, i *much* prefer coupons :)
Christy, your freebies are what started me in digiscrapping. I'm sure I've mentioned that before!
I used your freebies and sent a pic of one of my first layouts and when you wrote back to me about it and I went to your forum I was an instant junkie!
I started to buy your products and ended up on the CT and the rest is history!
Since I joined a couple more teams I haven't been on the lookout for freebies but they definitely (for me at least) are a great way to get a feel for a designer and bring me back for more. Another example is Miss Mint...I usually buy something every time I get her monthly kit.
So maybe there are some people who are just out for free stuff and don't give a rat's patootie about ever buying anything, but it has really made an impact on my scrapping spending!
I think freebies are great for those starting out. I know it's how I got started. But I also didn't dl every freebie I could find. I'd only dl freebies I'd actually use. No sense using up hard drive needlessly.
To keep me coming back to a designer, I'd prefer a coupon to try out something of theirs I choose, not just what they're giving away. Or to sign up for their newsletter. I'm the type of person, if I don't write it down, bookmark it, or save it to a wish list, I forget about it, so I sign up for the newsletters I like as gentle reminders of "Hey, come visit my store. You liked my stuff enough to sign up for the newsletter."
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