No More Birthday Freebies? Companies Are Reining In The Birthday Treats. Here’s What You Need To Know.
Well, this seems unacceptable…
Companies are taking a look at their birthday freebie policy, and either stopping it all together or offering an alternative — which often means more money out of your pocket.
What do I mean?
Take, for instance, Dunkin’ Donuts. They used to offer a free coffee beverage on your birthday.
But, you can no longer just head over to your local Dunkin’ Donuts and request that tasty drink on your birthday.
Instead, they now offer triple loyalty points on your birthday purchase.
You might be thinking, “Oh boy! Triple loyalty points!!” But, wait. You have to make a purchase to get those loyalty points.
According to Audacy, Dunkin’s loyalty rewards program gives customers “more flexibility and a larger variety of food and drink options.”
Boo. I want my free drink!!
Another place we look forward to on our birthdays is Starbucks. Traditionally, we have had our entire birthday month to redeem a free drink or tasty food item.
That time frame quickly went down to a week long time frame to get your free goodie. Then it went down to four days. Now, you have to get there ON your birthday to get your birthday treat.
[We] found that the vast majority of members were using their birthday reward on their actual birthday [anyway].
Starbucks
At Red Robin, you now have to dine in to get your free birthday burger, AND you have to spend a minimum of $4.99.
Now, that’s not too bad, but I really don’t want to jump through hoops to get my birthday freebie.
I know, I know. I should be happy they are giving me anything at all. But, it’s always about the money.
Why are they doing this?
Everything is more expensive these days (preach!). So, companies are taking a look at their freebie practices, and trying to assess their impacts both to customers and the financial bottom line.
Businesses have to look and say, ‘Are these programs working? Are they working to full capacity? … (And) is there another way of doing this that wouldn’t cost us as much money?’
Marshal Cohen, chief industry advisor of Circana
So, I guess the bottom line here is: Check with the establishment before you just show up to collect your birthday freebies.
Also, we should be happy we get ANYTHING, because that might not always be the case. Boo.
