Startsampling.com launches new rewards program...What do you think?

[bpesch]

I decided to write StartSampling.com and complain about the new redemption program. Apparently I'm not the only one who has complained. Today I received the following email:

Thank you for your input regarding our new FTM redemption program. In
particular, you have voiced displeasure with the program and we hear you.
In fact, below is a note from Larry Burns our CEO to you.

Sincerely,

Member Services



Dear StartSampling Community,

As you think about your reactions to our phase one launch of the new FTM
program I'd like to share a few thoughts with you.

First, and foremost, StartSampling is a business that is based on giving
brand owners the chance to reach you ? a consumer with a desire to "Try
Something New". We do this by offering you product samples to try and by
giving you the ability to give feedback to manufacturers that they are
eagerly waiting to hear. And I think we are doing pretty well in this
foundation for our business - among our members who have obtained 2,000 or
more Frequent Tryer Miles, the average number of samples you've been able
to select is 32. So, that means for many of you there have been over 32
times that you have ordered, received, sampled, and had the opportunity to
give feedback. Consider what other sites you might be aware of or joined
have been able to deliver to you over the past few years. Consider that
StartSampling.com remains alive, a site still here continuing to offer you
samples, which is our basic mission. In fact, here in the month of May we
are launching programs that represent well over a million new samples
across our site, our network partners as well as some on our customers own
sites ? where you see the "Powered by StartSampling" logo.

I'd ask you to please recognize that there are factors totally out of
StartSampling's control that impact what we are able to do. As we all know
so well the overall economy has not been as robust as it was when
StartSampling began its journey over three years ago. Unfortunately, we
are not exempt from the realities of the world, which impacts our business
via changes in our customers advertising and promotion budgets, along with
reductions in their new product introductions. StartSampling has had to
make many of the same painful decisions that companies you read about in
the news every day are forced to do. We would love to be able to provide
you with even more samples AND reward our loyal members with unlimited,
expensive prizes, but that is not possible while maintaining our business
in this environment. We've had to cut back on many things to be able to
sustain our business and continue to meet the needs of our customers and
our members. As our business continues to grow, we do intend to increase
the FTM rewards we can offer.

We heard from members about your dissatisfaction with the FTM program; you
told us you wanted more choices and more options. Phase one is now live,
with 200 different items to chose from. Yes, a shipping and handling
charge is required to be able to bring you these items - you of course, do
not have to participate if you do not wish to. However, we can tell you
that over the first three days of the program several hundred members have
redeemed their miles for these phase one FTM rewards - so clearly some of
our members are finding value in the program.

To sum it all up, we value you and want you to keep your relationship with
us. We are committed to continuing to improve and expand the FTM program
in ways that fit within the business realities we face every day. When
you consider everything, we trust you will reach the conclusion that
StartSampling is still a fun, and worthwhile site to visit. We remain
committed to our vision of providing a fun place to let you "Try Something
New" and as long as customers keep providing products to us that we in turn
can offer to you we'll keep moving forward and look for new ways to grow
our services, our community and the value we bring to everyone involved.

With humble thanks for all your support in the past, today and as we look
to the future.


Larry Burns
President & CEO StartSampling, Inc.

Several hundred members out of tens of thousands have redeemed. I don't think I would be very proud of those numbers! Can we say "snowjob"?

[strosg97]

I think he meant hundreds of mornons exchanged their miles for rewards. Sorry to be so harsh, but I still think its pathetic. In my opinion, I think they would have been better off without a rewards program,

[suziebee]

I agree with you all this is a bunch off... poo. I am very angry at the fact that over the years I have saved up 12380 miles and I am not paying $73 for my prizes, which is all a bunch of junk anyway, to be delivered... If I would have known they were going to rip us off I would have signed up for a bazillion pokemon books before they redid their program! I wonder if one of those several hundred members who have redeemed their miles for these phase one FTM rewards would like my miles because I have had it.

Incase anyone is wondering I am fairly knew here, and usually just browse the site, but I had to share my opinion I'm angry and fed up with them just like the rest of you.

[Ttulipss]

Who really honestly believes that many people (if any at all) have redeemed points to pay that s&h charge? I've known many salesman and am highly suspicious that is just a pitch/ruse to get members to accept their new program.

I'm not falling for it and could care less about the points, but do check every now and then for available samples.

[sweetpeaMI]

I am in agreement with everyone on this cheesy new program. I emailed them and told them how pathetic these prizes were, and that there are hardly ever any samples for me to try, they are always in the "other samples" category. So really the program has no value for me, and in the future I am not recommending their site to anyone. They really screwd themselves on this one. Adios!!

[fractal]

I told them to take their lame program and remove my name. If only they had stood up and said that the program was not working and would be discontinued before it killed the site! And to all thinking about doing this - they will be making money from you when you order - that is how those free gift sites work. The sites that offer them get paid by them. Do you want to reward dishonorable behavior with your money?

[mamaoffour]

Ok so I am LMBO at that stupid reply. Obviously there are to many more who are complaining about it as to the few LOL hundred that really fell for it. Come on would he have had to come up with a form letter if people were that satified with the program?? I think NOT!! Like I feel like payin 5 whatever it is for a item I can get at my local dollar store for less?? What a freakin joke. They are worried about going out of business?? Well with practices like this they will for sure.

[setaspell]

Not only do I not like their new 'reward' plan..
I am getting disgusted with them. If you go to the home page?
you can find several new items to sample, but once you log in?

They are not offered! Not at all!

Ridiculous! I am going to Wal-mart.com for my samples nowdays,
less hassle, more choices.

Setaspell

[tlspiegel]

Uh... Closing this classic thread from May 2002!