Is Tide on My Side?

Today I decided to revisit Tide.com. On my first visit to the Tide website, I provided personal information in order to receive newsletters, free samples and coupons. I guess it has only been about two weeks, but I haven’t heard anything from them since the initial confirmation of registration. I know they have my correct email address. I did agree to be on their distribution list, so I am a little surprised that I have not received any form of email advertising from them.

Returning to the Tide home page, I clicked on the privacy statement tab and found where Procter & Gamble revealed details related to customer communication. They provide different options for consumers such as electronic mail vs. US Postal Service. When it comes to digital and electronic communications such as email and cell phones, they will only send promotional messages if you ask to receive them or opt in (Roberts, 187). I opted in, but they have opted not to share with me so far.

Find privacy details here: http://www.pg.com/privacy/english/privacy_statement.html#tab3

The Tide home page continues to promote Loads of Hope to raise money for Haiti relief. Today is Tuesday, May 25, and the website message reports that Tide is donating all profits from February sales of Tide Vintage Tees, and matching those donations up to $250,000. “Buy a T-shirt now and Tide will not only donate the profits, we'll match them.” If I bought a t-shirt today, would any of the profits go to these relief efforts, or was it only for February purchases? Either way, Loads of Hope is a great example of event driven marketing (Roberts, 183), and a worthwhile humanitarian effort.

I really thought about ordering a Tide Vintage Tee, partly because I like t-shirts, and partly because I wanted to see if they would pay more attention to me once they had my credit card number on file!