In Finland there is a bus company that allows riders to pay for a fare with a gingerbread cookie during the holidays. The company named 'Matkahuolto' makes it fun and easy to travel during the holidays. It also serves a good cause since it prevents people from drinking and driving.
This promotion went viral as people started tweeting '#piparilippu' meaning 'cookie ticket' on Twitter. The promotion then lead to disappointment due to a shortage of free tickets from the company as their actual holiday pass. This creative idea would have been more successful and practical if gingerbread cookies were replaced with another item such as charity goods.
Gingerbread Cookie Payment Services
A Finnish Bus Company Lets Riders Pay with Gingerbread Cookies
Trend Themes
1. Alternative Payment Methods - The use of gingerbread cookies as a form of payment presents an opportunity to explore alternative payment methods using non-traditional items.
2. Holiday Promotions - This viral campaign demonstrates the impact of creative holiday promotions on customer engagement and brand awareness.
3. Preventing Drunk Driving - By promoting a safe and festive way to travel during the holidays, companies can tap into the trend of preventing drunk driving and improve their public image.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - Transportation companies can explore the use of fun and creative payment methods to increase customer engagement and satisfaction.
2. Retail - Retail companies can leverage holiday promotions to increase sales and brand awareness, while also promoting charitable causes.
3. Social Media Marketing - The success of this campaign highlights the potential of social media marketing in generating viral content and increasing brand visibility.