Inappropriate Marketing?

I really don't see the big deal, Patty. In fact, I don't even see this as inappropriate. Just like candy, if the kids or parents don't like it, then they don't have to keep it. If they are sitting there laughing and littering the ground with her business cards, then they are the mean, inappropriate ones. After all, the agent gave the kids a business card AND FREE CANDY!

I've never handed out my cards at Halloween, but I did pass out reflective Halloween Bags at the local elementary school one year (same thing in a way, I guess).  I don't really see the harm in it.....  I'm sure we've all tried some sort of marketing that we wouldn't do again.  Some times you don't know if it's worthwhile until you try it at least once.  If this agent in question is a newbie, then she was probably just anxious to get her name out there.

What an interesting marketing strategy. At least she got her name to get brought up. Not sure if in a good way or not.

Wow, I am kind of shocked at the remartks...  There is a time and place for everything.  Rather than be a "Picke me!  Pick me!- type" agent, I think this may be an inappropropriate advertising scheme, as I think any advertising that involves kids is pretty much inappropropriate.

But, I say let her waste her money on what I believe will be ineffective advertising.,,

There is one rule in advertising, and that is if you are going to go duck hunting, go where the ducks are.  Kids will not be buying a house (I am aware that there is the argument that their parents would see it, and if thta is the case, I would be rather upset personally, and would never use that agent).
To me, it shows desperation.  There are better, more effective ways to market.  Perhaps hand out reflective bags to all the neighbors with a very small logo on it it or something.
I am just against marketing to anything to kids, whether it be comic books, candy cigarettes, etc.

Actually I think that is a great idea. Our kids trick or treated this year with company branded bags. 

In our area some of the people are giving out age appropriate books, instead of candy.  Now, if I were going to give out cards, I would probably put it in the book, so it could be used as a bookmark.

Patty,

Leave it to the kids to cut through all the talk and get to the root of the matter. Its tacky, marketing that is targeted and focused and delivered when your potential client is receptive is what works. Anything else is just throwing spagetti on the wall to see what sticks.

-Brent

I see both angles of the story....I could see where she at least got people talking about her which could potentially lead to her name coming top of mind when needing to list, and I also see it as wasteful as the kids will throw it away. No harm done, I guess. I would rather see the pencil idea or the candy wrapped in a logo of your company.....guess, we will never know if it worked for her....LOL!

sometimes people just don't think or are desperate for business and will try anything to get thier name out there... but I would not critize unless I knew her story

I handed out branded trick or treat bags with a bag of candy and treats to all of the kids in my son's class.  I put a business card on the tie of the candy bag.  Gave something of value and hopefully a parent in the class will know someone looking to buy or sell and think of me. 

I think that it would be great to have a card that has a coupon for an ice cream treat or some other kid friendly incentive. But if you are going to do it, it definitely needs to be a well thought out plan.

Nah!  Not a good idea.  It just smacks of despiration and most people want to enjoy Halloween in peace...not with advertising in their kids bags.

Well even with the average opinion on this post stating that is was not appropriate - if she received just one client from doing what she did - or even just ONE phone call - then she's the one that won in this situation. 

Love the flash light and branded pencil idea.  In Venice FL we have a Halloween parade where all the kids get together downtown and march up main street in their costumes and then go trick or treating to all the businesses along Venice Ave.  One business attached their info to a lifesaver and I felt that was inappropriate. Really one toke lifesaver to promote their business (which by the way could have paid for full size candy bars).

Later that night my kids went trick or treating in the neighborhood and they did receive a business card.  My husband thought it was creative but I still did not like it.  

If that agent gets business from it then it was worth it.  How many mailers do we send out with only 1 - 3 responses.  Would like to hear from her to see if it brought any phone calls.

Love the flash light and branded pencil idea.  In Venice FL we have a Halloween parade where all the kids get together downtown and march up main street in their costumes and then go trick or treating to all the businesses along Venice Ave.  One business attached their info to a lifesaver and I felt that was inappropriate. Really one token lifesaver to promote their business (which by the way could have paid for full size candy bars).

Later that night my kids went trick or treating in the neighborhood and they did receive a business card.  My husband thought it was creative but I still did not like it.  

If that agent gets business from it then it was worth it.  How many mailers do we send out with only 1 - 3 responses.  Would like to hear from her to see if it brought any phone calls.

Patty,

You are right.

I wouldn't select a doctor because he had a cute dog in his advertising.

Customers want a professional to help them.

Not a trick or treat.