Here are three cautionary tales regarding odd marketing attempts of three different companies.
Tale Two:
A similar occurence to the one in Tale One happened the other day. A package arrived anonymously. Inside were all natural cleaning products from “The Clean Environment Co., Inc.” in Omaha, Nebraska. There were five or six different bottles which included a concentrated laundry detergent, a glass cleaner, a bathroom tub & tile cleaner, among others. Now I must admit, I have a special place in my heart for cleaners, especially bathroom clearners. Make them natural and I’m in Heaven! I’ve been using the Basin, Tub & Tile Cleaner and it definitely works on that stubborn soap scum and all with a light, fresh, citrus scent!
The label says it is: “A naturally derived cleaner made primarily from replenishable natural resources…Acid free. May be used without generating noxious fumes.” The label goes on to highlight how the product contributes to Animal Rights (by not being tested on animals, and by being non-toxic and cruelty free, etc.). It also lists the environmental and health benefits (no hazardous ingredients, no suspected or known carcinogens, etc.) And even promotes the packaging which is made from recycled plastic, non-toxic inks, non-toxic coatings and the shipping containers may contain up to 50% post consumer waste. Okay, okay, I’m sold!
However, the box did not contain any form of communication. There was no invoice, receipt, or even packing slip. There was no letter saying, “hey, check out this great product!”. One would typically expect an order form or some other marketing materials saying, “hey, if you liked this product, maybe you’d like this other one”, or “hey, if you run out, just order some more!” I’m not saying all marketing materials have to include the word “hey”, but some form of introduction would have been nice.
I did not order these samples. I like them, but why were they sent to me, and by whom? What were they hoping to accomplish by sending them? Obviously they’ve gotten our name from somewhere, and I’m assuming it’s from some green or sustainability list judging by the product. Perhaps this is some kind of guerilla marketing strategy I’m not aware of. So strange.
I’m hesitant to add their url here since I’m probably doing more to market them than they are, but the products are good despite their odd marketing efforts…I mean they haven’t even printed this url on their labels for crying out loud!: www.cleanenvironmentco.com
I love that they come in BBQ sauce bottles!