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McDonald's Cancels Free Smoothie Promotion July 22-24

submitted on July 17, 2010 by webbyone2010 in "Sales / Promotions"

McDonald’s Corp. has cancelled an in-store free sampling of fruit smoothies that had been scheduled for next week following worries the event’s popularity would cause the fast-food chain to run out of the product.

“The McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies are an absolute hit with our customers and we’re experiencing unprecedented demand for this delicious new choice on our menu,” the Oak Brook-based company said in a statement to the Tribune today.

“Due to the overwhelming popularity and to ensure continued supply to meet our customers’ needs, we will not be executing the national in-restaurant sampling event of McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies on July 22-24, as previously communicated.”"

Full post here: http://chicagobreakingbusiness.....mples.html

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admin

Posted by HouTex on July 17, 2010
[reply] 5 0

Translation: Why give them away for free when everyone is already buying them?

professor

Posted by vectra5 on July 17, 2010

[reply]

WoW, I wonder it this was pre-planned... Basically get the word out about their product months in advance, get free publicity and then yank the promotion.. hmm.. I don't like this...

expert

Posted by mike13 on July 17, 2010

[reply]

Well that sucks. I just bought a smoothie from there today with the $1 off coupon

It was really good too. I was hoping I can score a free one next week

admin

Posted by HouTex on July 17, 2010

[reply]

Maybe they just over-promoted it. Word is spreading on other forums that tomorrow - Sunday, July 18, 2010 - USA Weekend and the Parade magazine will have a coupon for a free McDonald’s fruit smoothie or frappe, 12 oz. any flavor. Be on the lookout!

admin

Posted by HouTex on July 17, 2010

[reply]

OK, apparently people who have purchased tomorrow's paper (they sell the Saturday + Sunday bundle on Saturday here) or the carriers for the paper have actually seen the coupon --

Awesome!! I just opened up this weeks Parade Magazine and there is a coupon for a FREE 12 oz Smoothie or Frappe!! The coupon expires August 15th!

Maybe this will help to spread out requests for the free items through the middle of August, instead of concentrating the demand on a single weekend.

professor

Posted by DebsFreebies on July 17, 2010

[reply]

I feel that if a store/vendor offers a coupon, they need to be aware of the potential response and offer it. McDonalds has offered things before with a coupon, so they should know the response they'd get. This reminds me of the Kentucky Fried Chicken coupon for the baked chicken......at least they corrected their problem.

professor

2 1

Posted by sandyshore on July 17, 2010

[reply]

I think it's just bad business to renege on an offer. If they are truly worried about running out, they should at the very least make an alternative available to those who were interested.

Makes me think of the KMart coupon that hit internet sites without the proper wording to let the public know that the deal was only for select locations. Not good business practices!

professor

Posted by webbyone2010 on July 17, 2010

[reply]

Apparently KFC is still in legal trouble over its failed free chicken program, so I don't blame McDonald's for trying to prevent a similar debacle.

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Posted by bert on July 18, 2010
[reply] 3 0

I used the coupon from Parade magazine today. The Mocha Frappe is awesome!!
70467

professor

Posted by lootango on July 19, 2010 [reply] 0 0

Glad they didn't cancel the freebie all together... nice recovery Mickey D's.

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