Two days back, I read somewhere that AirAsia was giving away 10 000 free tickets to Bangkok to help restore their tourism industry. The offer will start on 28th May which was Vesak Day.

I was so excited and hyped up, the thought of flying to BKK for FREE is pure happiness. So I made an effort to make sure I got home slightly before 12am that night and camped at Airasia.com refreshing every 5 seconds. The above banner appeared, I squealed with delight, clicked and it was a broken link. Fine. After roaming around for abit, it came to my realization that, only ONE way to Bangkok was free and to my utter dismay, return air ticket prices were jack-up. After all that crap, it was about $120 per person including airport taxes, just a $50 difference from the usual prices where you can choose whichever dates you want to fly.

So, no more BKK vacation after a discussion with the partner, because it wasn't such a GREAT deal after all.

My heart sank, I might be addicted to travelling and the thrill of being somewhere else other than Singapore. I was so disappointed I could've book a pair of tickets there and then despite the substandard discount.

This is a scheming marketing strategy of Airasia's.

First: Inform the press or some 3rd party source about the offer
Second: Make it convincing by stating reasons (eg.to bring Thailand back in shape)
Third: Set a date of release
Forth: Make it seem like it is a great deal with tough competition (eg. Offer available to Msia)
Fifth: Marketing campaign good to go!

Hopefuls will start anticipating, there is when EMOTIONS are involved.
When one realise that the offer is not that fab after all, tickets will still be bought due to the longing and anticipation of going on a trip.

"Oh we still have to pay, but I really, really want to go on a holiday. There is a discount after all right? It is better than nothing, so let's go!"

Shit.
For someone who does advertising and media to fall for such a trick, I shouldn't have harbour high hopes for a FREE deal. I knew we had to pay somehow, I imagined it to be just $60 for taxes.

Lesson learnt, but heck. Everyday new concepts and advertising strategies are being thought of, how long can one not succumb to any of them and can come to terms with their inner consumer wants?

Labels: hoax, marketing scheme, tricky advertising