Good Monday morning. A slight change to “The Go-Giver Thank YOU” Contest.
We have become aware that Apple does not allow their iPads® to be used in third party promotions or contests (Guidelines for Third Party Promotions). Recently, several friends emailed us an article stating that giving away a free iPad 2 as a prize is contrary to Apple’s policy.
Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with their policy and/or strategy, we absolutely respect intellectual property rights, copyrights and trademarks.
So, we are changing the Grand Prize from an iPad 2 ($829 value) to a $1,000 cash prize. With this $1,000 the winner is free to independently purchase an iPad 2 or whatever else they would like with the prize money.
We did contact Apple to make sure this was true and apparently it has been their policy since at least January, 2011. We apologize for any infringement we committed.
Meanwhile, we continue to receive great video entries. If you have not yet submitted yours, please know we’re looking forward to watching it. If you’re not planning to enter as a contestant, we hope you’ll participate by voting once that part of the contest begins.
By the way, we make no judgment regarding Apple’s policy. It is their company and their products and they have the right to determine how to market them.
In terms of marketing, yes, it seems — at least on the surface — to be a rather counterproductive strategy.
Still, let’s face it, Apple didn’t get to be as successful as they are without knowing what they are doing. On TheGoGiver.com blog, I asked readers for their thoughts as to why Apple might have chosen this as a policy. I appreciate all the responses. I also received some excellent thoughts on my Facebook page.
Most likely, it has to do with some very legitimate issues. Perhaps concern that certain Internet scammers are luring people to submit their emails through falsely offering an iPad; possibly, concern that when any company offers an Apple product as a prize it implies a partnership or endorsement. Or, there could be legal ramifications where Apple would be responsible for something illegal or unethical by a company offering their product as a prize.
I’d love to know your thoughts on why they put this policy in place.
In fact, let’s say the one with the best answer will win a free iP…whoops, never mind. 😉
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interesting, I wasn’t aware of this- if the ipad was my product, I’d want control over what my brand was associated with too! I’d also be very happy for it to be associated with yourself & The Go Giver 🙂
Thanks for being open & transparent with this, so that we can all learn from it.
Claire, that makes sense; especially based on the people out there who do unethical things that Apple would clearly not want to be associated with. Thank you for your kind words about me though. You’re awesome!!
Once you’ve purchased the iPad, it’s yours to do what you want with it. Apple has absolutely nothing to say about it. You can keep it, you can sell it, you can give it away, you can even grind it up in a blender.
If, myou were an apple retailer, then you’d have a contractual relationship, and they could put such restrictions on you.
The iPad I’m using to type this message was won in a contest, and the apple police haven’t yet shown up at my door to take it away.
Hi Fred, yes, absolutely, once a person has purchased it, they own it and can do with it whatever they please (providing they don’t use it in a contest). But, I think the principle of it goes further. If they don’t want someone using their products as part of a contest, I believe their wishes should be respected, regardless of whether they are a huge conglomerate or a one-person company. Our decision to do such and make the change was decided upon before we even considered some of the reasons they might have. Thank you for participating in our discussion. Greatly appreciated!
Hi. I would suggest that Apple historically have aimed to keep a close control over its product distribution. To make the products available through approved dealers (trained and qualified to provide informed advice and support). I guess Apple prefers to project their products as part of a wider “experience” rather than just another consumer product.
If you buy and give away a iPad, it would seem to be a second hand product with issues of warranty repair etc..
Dear Bob,
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I don’t really have a strong opinion one way or the other I appreciate that you honor the wishes of Apple. Don’t know how many people are that generous. Keep inspiring us to be the best we can be. You are a good force in this world!