Many businesses experience loss due to products and services being given away without compensation.
Waterparks/Resorts/Aquatic facilities experience both comps and freebies.
Whats the difference?
Well my definition is simple. Comps are given out by authorized persons to enhance an experience to create positive word of mouth by people to influence others, WITHOUT PERSONAL GAIN!
Freebies are given out by those not authorized for their own personal gain or to gain favor with others.(Freebies are given out usually without the knowledge of an authorized person.Some people call this theft!)
Some examples of Comps
- A free cabana for a guest who experienced some real or perceived poor service
- A free Waterpark pass or passes for a competition winner
- A free food tasting and visit for a group leader planning a large group outing
- A free water toy with a birthday package purchase
- A free slushy for winning a hula hoop competition
- A request for tickets for a fundraiser
- A documented recognition program for free uniform and lunch vouchers
Some examples of Freebies
- Some but not all employees get a free soda
- Some but not all employees get free food leftovers
- A cashier taking unused tickets and reselling for personal profit
- A cashier short changing to keep the overage
- A cashier not ringing in a purchase but giving out product
- Giving out free lunch everyday so a janitor will empty their garbage for them
I think the latter comes from a sense of entitlement and the perception that 'the company can afford it, they're making lots of money'