I was reading this snippet today about how a certain company was using loss leaders as a way to attract shoppers. Nothing new about that of course. What was interesting was that it specifically mentioned that the purpose of this loss leader was to create a database where they could obtain people’s contact information like their e-mails for marketing research. This was an online store for the record. Sounds like an expensive way to build up a list of potential long-term customers to solicit I would think.
One thing it made me think more of is the next time I shop at a place that is offering a great deal it will make me think of this as why they are potentially doing it.