📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

Here's why 100% Cashback Schemes Are a Scam The last straw of cheap, false and misleading advertising are these "get lucky" schemes

By Rustam Singh

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

Albert Einstein said, "God doesn't play chance". Indian Startups said "But we do".

Every single day there is one new startup that is spending lacs of rupees on advertisements in print, billboards and virtually consuming their resources assuming consumers are actually dumb enough to fall for their 100% cash back schemes. Unfortunately, the oldest trick in the book has also travelled into the start-ups phase as well. Instead of focusing on a sustainable model of schemes, tons of revenue is wasted on silly luck-based schemes and advertising about them. In a cut throat world, headlines like "Win and iPad for Rs 1 only!" unfortunately have more eye-ball grabbing powers than "Get guaranteed 10% off everything, all day everyday".

The latest in line is Jabong, with its "Every Shopper No 5 Shops for Free" scheme. simultaneously, as is the rule with all start-ups, all rivals must have a nearly equivalent schemes as well, which they do. PayTM is also offering a similar 100% cash back scheme. Here's 100% cash backs are scams that should die soon:

False advertising

They are misleading and using catchy big photographs and colors to entice the user into thinking ads are being truthful. The fact of the matter is that iPad isn't selling for Rs. 1. That motorcycle isn't going to be yours if you spend 500 rupees. And no, India has millions of daily web users – you're not special enough to be the one that spend the most in today to win that customized motorcycle.

Statistically, you're lose

There are millions and millions of users everyday on these web portals. Do you really think you statistically have a chance to win the lucky draw? You'll have a better luck to search on Google for a better scheme at whatever service or good you're transecting in than this.

Basically its gambling

Are you a fan of gambling? Well you shouldn't be – because it's illegal and illogical for a startup that wants to expand its growth to rely on such under-belly tactics to expand their network. Not only does this encourage obsessive behavior from customers, but in the long run an average user gets more and more frustrated and eventually loses interest in the brand and switches.

You're better off with a guaranteed discount/scheme

Would you risk recharging your phone for 500 rupees to gain it for free (which will probably not happen at all), or have a guaranteed sweet discount of 50 rupees every time? Everyone thinks by the same logic. It's best to stick with traditional and more assured stable forms of schemes and cash backs.

Are you as annoyed by these marketing gimmicks as I am? Let us know in the comments on our official Facebook page Entrepreneur India

Rustam Singh

Sub-Editor- Entrepreneur.com

Tech reporter.

Contact me if you have a truly unique technology related startup looking for a review and coverage, especially a crowd-funded project looking to launch and coverage.

Business News

James Clear Explains Why the 'Two Minute Rule' Is the Key to Long-Term Habit Building

The hardest step is usually the first one, he says. So make it short.

Side Hustle

3 Secrets to Starting a Small Business Side Hustle That Gives Your Day Job a Run for Its Money, According to People Who Did Just That — and Made Millions

Almost anyone can start a side hustle — but only those ready to level up can use it to out-earn their 9-5s.

Devices

Avoid Being Stranded on the Road with This Jump Starter on Sale for $70

Protecting your time is essential when running a business.

Science & Technology

The Pros and Cons of DIY Website vs. Professionally Developed

Options for building websites today are abundant, so how can you decide which path is best for you?

Science & Technology

The Deepfake Threat is Real. Here Are 3 Ways to Protect Your Business

The rising use of deepfakes is a growing threat to businesses and society as technology advances. Here are three tips for companies to combat this threat.

Business News

ByteDance Would Rather Shut Down TikTok in the U.S. than Sell It: Report

ByteDance broke its silence on the TikTok ban bill that Biden signed into law this week.