MARK CUBAN: A LITTLE BILLIONAIRE "BAIT AND SWITCH?" (Update - Problem Fixed)
Update: Mark Cuban discussing the “branding” of Fox News Should Watch Dancing with the Stars with a post dated Nov 8th 2012 1:03AM and yet, the site’s $2.99 book offer still points to a $4.99 offer. And, ever the master marketer, even the link in his “Blogs I Read” offering a $3.00 book points to a $4.74 offer on Amazon.
It’s not like I did not reach out and tell them about the problem …
November 3, 2012 --
“Thanks a lot for sending this over. We're aware of the issue and have alerted the book's publisher (Diversion Books). We actually don't control the price that's displayed on Mark's website; we're given the price by the publisher and then once you click the buy button our system sells at the price we've been given (the price was originally $2.99; Mark's site hasn't yet been updated to reflect the price change). Thanks again for the alert and let me know if I can clarify anything else.”
November 4, 2012 --
“As you'd probably imagine, contractually I can't offer the book at any price other than that determined by the publisher. I can check with them if you'd like?”
In the old days of mail-order and direct mail (think Sunset House, Walter Drake, Miles Kimball, Spencer Gifts, etc.), this would have been a no-brainer for customer service. Here is your book FREE, sorry for the mix-up in pricing. A wonderful opportunity to extend trust-building customer service to your loyal customers.
However, in the digital age, there is a form of algorithmic revenge …
So I am telling Amazon about the lower price and pointing them to Cuban’s web site to see what will happen.
Original Blog Entry …
While I am sure that there must be a “technical error” somewhere, I was rather put off when I tried to buy Cuban’s book – advertised at $2.99.
And when you push the “$2.99 Buy Now” button (https://ganxy.com/add/26631) this is what happens …
Bottom line …
Mark demands attention to details and accountability, so I am taking him at his word. And forwarding this to his bookseller. I will let you know what happens.
-- steve
P.S. I already had purchased the book in April from Amazon for $2.51 – so it’s not like I need a free copy.
“Nullius in verba.”-- take nobody's word for it!
“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw
“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”
“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS "The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius “A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell “Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar “Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS