How Does Pranking Consumers Affect A Brand?

With April Fools Day around the corner, many companies and brands are undoubtedly preparing to offer up some laughable products and deals for consumers as they have in the past. 

Below is a list of some noteworthy “pranks” played by consumer-friendly brands:

• Google: Google asked members to sign up to test the newly unveiled “store everything” feature in Google Docs. Google Docs was allowing users to store more than documents; they could store their pet rock collections, winter clothes, apartments and even their pets for the competitive price of $.10 per kg. Finding objects stored in Google Docs would become as easy as pressing “Ctrl + F”.

• Starbucks: Starbucks announced that in response to customers requesting more beverage sizes, they were introducing the 128-ounce “Plenta” and the 2-ounce “Micra”. Starbucks explained that the additions were a result of direct customer feedback from MyStarbucksIdea.com and a year’s worth of research.

• Nike: Nike released a video revealing the secret behind where they get the air for Nike Air shoes. The video explains that the air is collected from star athletes to help you perform at your best.

• GameStation: GameStation added an “immortal soul clause” into their terms and conditions in which consumers surrendered their souls to the company if they chose not to opt out of the clause. GameStation collected a total of 7,500 souls who decided to skip the terms and conditions (or didn’t mind the new clause). Only 12% of customers opted out of the soul clause, and GameStation awarded them a coupon worth 5 GBP. GameStation returned the souls of the other customers with a reminder to always read terms and conditions before agreeing to them.

• Coldplay: Coldplay revealed on their website that they had released a perfume called, “Angst”. The £42 bottle was featured in the band’s online store but unfortunately it was all sold out. Frontman Chris Martin said, “This is something we've wanted to do for a long time. People like to smell nice and we thought we could help them out."

• PizzaHut: PizzaHut tweeted about its new dessert item, “For Easter, we have a limited edition marshmallow dessert Pizza! You can order your choice of color and animal. I love the yellow bunnies!” and “The marshmallow pizza will be available starting tomorrow and may not be available at all stores!”.