Self-induced telemarketing
Sure, telemarketing calls during dinner are annoying, but this is different: Consumers request these phone promotions. Geoworks, Alameda, CA, launched Discopro.com in late June. A consumer visits the site to set up a profile and specify what kind of promotions he wants to hear about. Discopro.com then calls his mobile phone or pager with deals. Subscribers choose promos from seven categories: CDs/gifts, movies/concerts, videos/electronics/computers, food, outdoor recreation/sports, auto/travel, and clothes/home. Shoppers redeem deals by giving a promotional code when they buy online, via phone, or in person. The service is free to consumers. Current users include Virgin Megastores, T.G.I. Fridays, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Egghead.com, Bedandbath.com, J. Crew, Webtickets, and Sportstore.com. Because consumers self-select, the system cuts down spamming. More information: Geoworks Corp., 510-814-1660, or geoworks.com.
