I have been spoiled I tell ya'!

I didn't say liking, giving or receiving freebies was childish, rather expecting something for nothing is, kwsher.

And this does feel sort of like a shame thread, @"Bruce". If a vendor saves me money, or gives me better service, that is worth many times more to me than a scribbled smiley face or a soap sample lasting 3 shaves. YMMV

And marketing does establish connections in the minds of consumers. This thread is evidence of that.

Of course, semantics.

There are no expectations from vendors: I thought I may have made this clear in the colloquial title but apparently not [ie spoil: excessive indulgence].

As to effectiveness, of course it results in commerce. I want to buy. They want to sell. How do you differentiate in a noisy market segment? Establishing a connection. That could be product mix, availability, targeted 1x1 marketing, price, etc.

If your connection is price you risk your customers turning for pennies on the dollar- they have no loyal customer base. Execution is a simple foundation so no differentiation there. If something else, more repeat business.

As mentioned, this thread was designed as a thank you to vendors and no shame intended to any that don't do anything mentioned. So: Thanks!

And if you don't: Thanks for selling shaving gear as the more successful vendors, the better.

This thread really took a turn for the cynical and frankly worse so will leave it at that and call it good.

Why do insults like "childish" have to be throen around in a topic that was clearly eatablished to be a tongue in cheek, poking fun at ones self thread? The very title refers to the OP as "spoiled" indicating an over-the-top treatment beyond what would be considered normal.

To sane people, it is implied that the thread is not to be taken seriously, and should, in fact, be enjoyed with a grin.

There is no accusation here. No indication that vendors are lesser merchants because they dont have time to write a note.

Insulting people for being humorous is unnecessary, in my opinion, and it seems to happen every so often around here...someone gets an arrigant bug in their bum and has to start calling names. Its just unnecessary...

It is sad that some people cant take a bit of humour and feel the need to turn every discussion into a theoretical debate about business ethics in practice.

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I wasn't aware that this was a joke thread, my bad.

No one's insulting anyone. Calling a behavior or attitude by its rightful adjective is something different entirely from ascribing that to a person. I make no assumption about anyone or their behavior. If you identify with expecting something for nothing, that is your prerogative.

Of course all of the above is my opinion only, and anyone else is welcome to disagree.

I think it's definitely a nice gesture that coincides with the overall attitude of the wetshaving community as a whole. So many of the artisans involved in this hobby take some of what little free time they probably have to interact with us on various social media platforms. This, I view as a tiny extension of that. Certainly appreciated by me, but never expected by any means.

I have to agree, Jeff. I especially appreciate communication and all the social interaction.

I think it's definitely a nice gesture that coincides with the overall attitude of the wetshaving community as a whole. So many of the artisans involved in this hobby take some of what little free time they probably have to interact with us on various social media platforms. This, I view as a tiny extension of that. Certainly appreciated by me, but never expected by any means.

I agree. Its just an extension of the community, in general.

For example there are members of this forum that are easily capable of passionately disagreeing on touchy subjects using rational debate tactics and mutual respect, and the result is a brilliant discussion.

Then their are othera that rely on loose semantics to justify insults, and use argumentative diatribes to infurate someone they view as an opponent in an effort win by submission.

It takes all kinds in this world. Some you look forward to.interacting with. Others you shave your head and smile knowingly to youraelf...

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BadDad

Despite the intention of this thread to keep it humorous as a joke, it will impact people.

As it stands, members have said that if they get a note they become fanboys, will stand up when anything negative is said about those vendors and will choose them to purchase over others.

Add to that, the thread was started by a wet shaving forum moderator, which will no doubt impact the thought process of other members and vendors who do not include samples and notes. I can't see how it wouldn't.

In the end, it's just shaving. And whether you agree or disagree with the opposers of the thread, it is adding to the discussion. Which in the end, is why forums exist. It doesn't all have to be "RA RA RA", some disagreements are fine if handled and discussed properly.

I don't think any of my comments have crossed any lines and none have been personal attacks.

I think it was a good observation that Artisans have been spoiling their customers with these little touches. And it is only natural that if you get spoiled, and therefore used to something, you may notice it being missing.

BadDad

Despite the intention of this thread to keep it humorous as a joke, it will impact people.

As it stands, members have said that if they get a note they become fanboys, will stand up when anything negative is said about those vendors and will choose them to purchase over others.

Add to that, the thread was started by a wet shaving forum moderator, which will no doubt impact the thought process of other members and vendors who do not include samples and notes.  I can't see how it wouldn't.

In the end, it's just shaving. And whether you agree or disagree with the opposers of the thread, it is adding to the discussion.  Which in the end, is why forums exist.  It doesn't all have to be "RA RA RA", some disagreements are fine if handled and discussed properly.

I don't think any of my comments have crossed any lines and none have been personal attacks.

Definitely was not directing my comments towards you, Bruce.

There is a difference between discussing different opinions, as you are doing, and being argumentative and devisive, as others are attempting to do.

Clearly the title was written tongue in cheek. The rest is a matter of perception and respect.

No reason to get personal over non-personalized posts, BadDad. It's all just observation, facts, and opinions. We can all agree, or agree to disagree without emotion and upset.

Anyway, I like samples and free stuff as much as the next guy, it just isn't my deciding factor when buying a product (unless free bonuses are substantial). I mainly care about vendors providing the best product, at the best price, while providing the best customer service, without constantly being out of stock. This is how I feel "spoiled".

No amount of hand written notes makes up for losing track of inventory, or gouging on price, imho.