Online Cash Machines

Friday, April 10, 2009

Virgin Mobile Offers ‘Pink Slip Protection` for Mobile Users

Virgin Mobile will be offering Pink Slip Protection to mobile phone users who have been customers for at least two months: lose your job, prove you’re eligible for unemployment benefits and three months’ of calling is on Virgin Mobile. It seems to be working for Hyundai — can it work for the in-your-face MVNO?

Trying economic times call for creative marketing measures.
On April 15, Virgin Mobile will unveil a new unlimited prepaid calling plan available with “Pink Slip Protection,” which will waive up to three months’ of calling charges if the customer becomes unemployed.

Pink Slip Protection is available with Virgin Mobile’s $49.99 Totally Unlimited plan, its Texter’s Delight program — also being introduced April 15 — and other Virgin Mobile USA monthly plans without annual contracts may qualify.

To qualify for Pink Slip Protection to kick in, one must be a Virgin Mobile customer for at least two months on a monthly plan. In the event of a job loss, Virgin Mobile will cover the cost of the monthly plan, including taxes and surcharges for up to three months, provided the customer can show proof of eligibility for state unemployment benefits.

While it may be creative marketing, it’s hardly untested. The automotive industry has also had luck with programs that alleviate customers of their “what if” fears.

F.I. Magazine reported that after Hyundai offered an Assurance Program, CNW Research surveyed consumers shopping for a vehicle in Hyundai’s market segment, and found that more than 50 percent of what it calls “intenders,” hadn’t considered buying a Hyundai before learning about the Assurance Program — which states that if, within a year of financing or leasing a car, a customer loses his or her income, the vehicle can be returned.

No comments: