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Facebook Gifts

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Re: Facebook Gifts

#32
I think this is brilliant. Shouting "Happy Birthday" is really the most consistently used feature of Facebook, it makes a lot of sense to turn it into an opportunity to sell something - and lower the barrier for people to send gifts (there's a lot of steps involved in getting a greeting card and addressing it and buying a stamp...)

And they could size this up over time - like, ten of your friends from college are going in $1-each on sending you flowers after your recent breakup. I think people would actually do that.

Re: Facebook Gifts

#33

"It's Mary's birthday in 3 days - send her a birthday cupcake?" I would probably click "yes" if it's Not for every FB 'friend', but there's a 'sufficiently close' threshold where, yes, I'd click that button. Even better if it's day-of fulfillment. And I bet I'm not alone.

Now, instead of just a flood of empty messages on your birthday, you'll get a flood of empty calories, too.

Yeah this brings about an interesting dilemma; do I really want this crap? Can I reject it or swap it for something of equal value? Store their donation and add it with others' to actually get myself something I want?

Re: Facebook Gifts

#34
post #6

Oooh, now that's the way to get real names + addresses out of people. Neat. It also involves social pressure -- now not giving away your address will mean rejecting a gift.

I think at this point you will just have to hide your birthday from fb.

Re: Facebook Gifts

#35
post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Now, instead of just a flood of empty messages on your birthday, you'll get a flood of empty calories, too.

Yeah this brings about an interesting dilemma; do I really want this crap? Can I reject it or swap it for something of equal value? Store their donation and add it with others' to actually get myself something I want?

Looks like you can swap it out: https://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=226108584182842#How-do-I-...?

Re: Facebook Gifts

#38
post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is fundamentally social and something that pretty much only Facebook can do. I know that there are a lot of companies trying to compete in the loyalty, group buying, and payment platforms.

Yes, but Facebook has a billion users and the ability to make the right relationships with literally every card processor. And, group buying is inherently social. I don't see why these aren't at the top of Facebook's list for things to try.

Is group buying inherently social? I've never participated, nor has anyone in my circle asked me to. Maybe I'm just in the wrong circle.

Re: Facebook Gifts

#39
post #6

Oooh, now that's the way to get real names + addresses out of people. Neat. It also involves social pressure -- now not giving away your address will mean rejecting a gift.

That's an interesting insight! I'm curious, does anyone know how much more valuable a user is (in $$$) if they have a confirmed real name + address vs. unconfirmed?

Re: Facebook Gifts

#40

All depends on the quality of the gifts. If they're chintzy, good luck. But if it's quality stuff, cool. It's got to be of a higher level than Zynga was for apps. Facebook would be served best by controlling gift quality with an iron fist. I'm a little skeptical they'll do that, but maybe. This is very cool, though "Friends ... can swap for a different size, flavor or style before the gift ships." Still. Quality. Qua…

As a selected vendor, I must say they do seem focused on quality. I'm clearly biased but the impression I got from the buyer is they're being very picky. Another thing that will be tricky is separating signal and noise. If I'm buying a birthday gift for my punk rock friend, they shouldn't bother showing me cupcakes and chocolate boxes. Seems like a no-brainer to show me gift options based on his likes.

I would love to hear more, if you have more to share.
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