Want Earbuds With That?

Marketers are forever combining products, free gifts and packages in an attempt to make their brand more attractive to consumers and to (insert buzzword here) "add value".

This example of a value-added promotion, now available at Target stores nationwide, is one example of a marketer that, in my opinion, clearly missed the target. Pun intended. Free earbuds with facewash purchase? These two items have about as much in common as the political leanings of my family vs. my in-laws. ;) Also, how exactly is a person supposed to use said free earbuds while washing one's face? That would be one nifty trick!!! As the Consumerist pointed out, this may be where all the old free JetBlue earphones are going. Smart thinking guys! It's always good to recycle.

I can see that the users of Neutrogena's oil-free face wash may indeed be the same target audience as the iPod generation, but pairing el-cheapo earbuds combined with facewash? Because surely the free ones that come with your face wash are SO much better than the ones that come with your iPod...

Here's an option B for you marketers out there: How about free iTunes downloads or a gift card instead of the earbuds? I bet the packaging for that is easier on the eyes as well!

Come on marketers, you can do better. Promotion Grade: FAIL. Except for the fact that it did make me giggle through my lunch.