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). Yesterday, 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. So, in the name of marketing, branding, positioning, etc., any thoughts on why they have this rule in place?
The one with the best answer will win a free iP…whoops, never mind. 😉
No idea why they have this policy. You would think their policy would be: buy an Apple product a day. We don’t care who buys it, as long as being purchased for proper reasons (not shipping products out of country for resale).
As would expect, your response and explanation are very appropriate.
(and submitted on my iPad 2)
Having an iPad2 as a prize draws more people to your contest, otherwise you wouldn’t have done it. I’m betting that someone (or many someones) used them as prizes for things that don’t fit Apple’s corporate vision or charitable ideas, and someone (guessing it was a lawyer or two) said that people think by having an iPad2 as a prize, it appears as though Apple condones whatever the organization is promoting. I can see why they might find that to be problematic.
Surprise to me. One bad Apple spoils the bunch? I think reverse psychology is the buzz kill here. The more you can’t have something, the more you want it. Crunch!
I think Beth is right.
Could it be “CUSTOMER SERVICE.” ? If I were Apple, I would want want my clients to get it from me, so I could show them all the wonderful benefits.
Hi All, I appreciate all of your responses,and you all make excellent points. The more I think about it, it seems that it most likely has something to do with all the scams out there on the Internet; some of which I have been told use the iPad (or other Apple products) to lure people in for the purpose of getting the email addresses. And, Beth had a great point above that even a legit contest, if not in alignment with Apple’s philosophies in any way, might position in a way Apple feels is hurtful to a brand they’ve established as being excellent. Not to mention, as Beth also pointed out, it might appear as though Apple is endorsing the contest or company. And, perhaps, legally (just another guess on my part) if they don’t step in right away it sets a precedent where they then lose the ability to stop companies from being able to do that. Regardless of their reasons, their decision does need to be adhered to. I hope you are okay with the cash prize rather than the iPad itself. And, as far as I’m concerned, I still think the coaching prizes are what you want to choose, anyway. Though, the $1000 cash prize will also be fun! 🙂
Hello Bob ~ Everyone has given such great contributions to this discussion.
Recently a North Carolina school district held a controversial contest to promote vaccination in young adolescents with an incentive of the iPod. https://bit.ly/jrK0UW
This example shows how an industry may not want to be connected with a form of coercion, bribery or any other type of contest. Their good name is at stake and I’m sure the CEO’s prefer to have control of all marketing and promotional materials.
Good luck to the winner. I voted. The best to all participants. It was so hard to choose my favorite.
Blessings
Debby
Hi Debby, yes, makes a lot of sense. Thank you so much for voting. I appreciate ya’ greatly, my friend!!
Hi Bob, sorry for late response, only just got on your site & blog (raving fan of the Go-Giver and have suggested your book to squillions of Aussies).
The reason Apple does not want to promote iPad, iPhone, ianything give-aways is simple. They NEVER have sales. It is not in their brand to discount something people will pay full price for.
There’s no need to demo it via competitions, because you can do that at any apple store for free, use the device, the internet etc for Free.
They also give away free upgrades – just got an email yesterday with the latest one – amazing!
The ultimate go-giver brand I think – everything they do is about customer experience and enriching lives.
Hi Lauren, g’day. No problem at all with delayed response and, yes, what you wrote also makes a lot of sense. And, by the way, we thank you for suggesting our book to “squillions” of Aussies. We look forward to the wording at the top of the front cover one day saying, “Squillions and Squillions sold!” 🙂 (Seriously, thank you for your extremely kind words!
Oh, learn a new thing today, I never know giving away iPad 2 is against Apple Policy. There are a lot of people doing.