Back in January, we had this little thing called Free Day. In case you missed all the hoopla, you can read the original announcement here and the recap here. Unlike last year, this version of Free Day had a quiz aspect to it and funds didn't have to be used on the day of the event. That's the good news. The bad news - Free Day funds expire this week! You have until March 13th to use your Free Day credit or it goes the way of the buffalo (meaning it expires).
So you might be wondering just how many SparkFunians have unused Free Day credit? Well, here are some numbers that might make your head spin. On Free Day, we gave out 5577 codes totaling $151,531. Thus far, 3407 of you (that's 61.09%) have used your codes, redeeming $105,365 (69.53% of the total funds) - nice! Unfortunately, that means there are 2170 of you (38.9% of the total) running around out there in magical internet land with unused Free Day funds. Those 2100+ codes account for $46,166 - that's a whole lotta cheddar!
The majority of these codes are worth more than twenty dollars and there are bunch of $60, $70, and even $100 credits that haven't been used. We really, really want you to use these funds to start up your next project, buy a cool new toy to tinker with, or even get a birthday present for your crazy old Uncle Eddy who would definitely appreciate a new compass module. So this is your last reminder - for those of you who haven't used your Free Day credit (you know who you are!), please use it by March 13th.
If they don't then technically you didn't give away 150k. You should give the rest to charity or something.
Or maybe to someplace to teach students/kids about electronics
They could always buy books on procrastination for each of the 2,000 some people. I have one, never got around to reading it though... (true story)
the receptionist is cute :)
And smart.
the receptionist is cute[2]
where's a picture of the receptionist?
whoops. didnt mean to click that.
Donate your unused code to me :D
or me!
That free day $$ would come in handy right now. Any one who's not going to make the deadline wanna get me an arduino pro?? ;)
lol same here :)
Interesting that no one commented on mtbikerTi's post, which correctly advises that the Free Day email which was sent out states it must be used by March 15, not March 13. Bye bye free day funds!
We had a major earthquake here in Christchurch New Zealand on 22nd February and I had no power, water or sewerage system at home for 3 weeks. Amongst all this devastation I managed to find a working internet connected PC and claimed my Free Day Funds on the 15th March. So I figure I had my priorities in order!
Used my free day money on the 14th! Thanks Sprkfun
I've been trying to think of a good way to encourage the 40% who hadn't spent their Free Day funds. I think I've found it: a free/reduced shipping weekend!
This would especially appeal to those who had smaller winnings, and would minimize upset to those who spent their funds immediately, because they could get equivalent savings by placing an order now (though every promotion by every company inevitably comes at the wrong time or isn't appealing to all their customers, I'm sure SF doesn't want to be flooded with gripes) It would also encourage people to make their wishlist purchases now, which is surely good for business.
You could justify it as [roughly] disbursing the ultimately unclaimed funds as free shipping. It wouldn't be the exact amount, but between added sales revenue and the $10-20K that will undoubtedly remain unclaimed, you'd be in the ballpark.
I have an unused $77 code, I'll be probably buying tomorrow :P
I wish to buy 3 simon says #09883
If the funds are about to expire then was the contest really free? Free means no strings attached.
If the funds aren't used then is it an inefficient contest?
If you don't like my comments then don't read.
Feel free to give the codes to me if you don't wanna use it (anyone who have).
It is strange that people would spend over an hour of their time frustratingly trying to click non-responsive links in order to get free day credits, and then wait so long to use them.
If you place an order for something that is backordered and apply your freeday credit, does the item have to ship before the expiration, or is placing the order good enough?
I wish my SparkFun shipments came in a box that big...
Where did you guys get such a big box?
a lot of people that would actually buy stuff and use in their next project and who could not get in the quiz because of the conection problems could get this money =)
in other words, me \o/
Ya and some of us were on a ship at sea and couldn't get to a computer. We'd be happy to use some of those credits!
on a ship?? what for?
Never been on a ship.. Even though i live less than 150 miles from a great navy harbor
It's called the NAVY, we go and patrol the waters of the world keeping the sea lanes free
your in the NAVY? cool.. my uncle was in the navy. in the 80s
Don't forget the offshore workers: oil rigs, seismic vessels, and the Merchant Marines.
I was lucky, got off the boat the day before free day. Managed to snag $70 in the last half hour.
If anyone wants to buy me this I'm sure I'd use it for something ... xD
I spent the day refreshing and answered questions correctly but the server was fried almost all the time but nevermind.
Yes receptionist is cute.
How many takes did it take for freeday box man to do the jump thumbs up without falling over?
The free day e-mail says March 15th...
Also there's at least one more Thursday new product post before the $$ expires.
The Analogy Police sez: Buffalo are alive and kicking, you even have Ralphie (CU Mascot) living less than 5 miles from you. Plus Teds Montana Grill (downtown Boulder) serves buffalo...
Please let's not mention Ralphie and buffalo burgers in the same sentence..it makes me wary to enjoy those tasty, tasty burgers :-(
Indeed and I enjoy me a good buffalo burger. Just a figure of speech!
Uncle Eddy would get more for his money with a LSM303, a 9DOF or complete AHRS, but they are all backorder or waiting for a redesign !
Thanks for the reminder ...
So .. come March 13th, we get another quiz to re-giveaway all the unclaimed monies, right? :D
Nope, the money goes to Sparkfun employees who couldn't partake in Free day :). Ok, just kidding but it would be nice.
Just used up mine, bought me some soldering accessories, only had $30 to spend.