The Ethics of Creating New Accounts and/or Using Exploits to Get Bargains

Guybrush57 on 05/10/2020 - 17:32

Hi all

I thought we could start a discussion about the ethics of tactics like creating new accounts or stacking vouchers to get cheaper items, free delivery or some other benefit.

On the recent Step One saga I can understand the perspectives of both the buyer and the seller. Sometimes I feel some deals using exploits are taken too far.

One issue I do not defend the seller for is the $20 online shop voucher in the McDonald's Monopoly promotion. I received a voucher today and whilst trying to redeem it, I read the terms and conditions. The T&C's state that the voucher can only be applied on a minimum order of $79 and only for new customers. The minimum order amount is high but doesn't faze me too much (I can always think of something to buy) but the new customer stipulation is pretty cheeky. Most of these vouchers will go unused (the ones that don't make it to landfill) given a lot of people would already have Amazon accounts, assuming they don't want to "exploit" Amazon or McDonald's by creating another account.

Shower thought: Does anyone know if the total (and inflated) prize pool of McDonald's get treated as a tax reduction in full?

General Discussion

Comments

  • mbck on 05/10/2020 - 17:38
    +5

    You can do whatever you want. If you get caught, don't complain, don't act like you did nothing.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2020 - 17:44
    +4

    It's unethical but practically unenforceable.

    If someone sets up to fail then I have no problems with them failing.

    • Caped Baldy on 05/10/2020 - 18:43

      I think Kogan has been either IP, name, or address tracking to prevent people from abusing the Kogan First trial.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2020 - 18:49
        +4

        They also have poor business practices that prevents me from abusing using their Kogan First trial.

  • stirlo on 05/10/2020 - 17:47
    +3

    The new customer voucher codes from large established businesses are fair game for exploitation however these are the same businesses that have staff and systems in place to close your account when you abuse it. Don't complain when they do.

  • monky on 05/10/2020 - 17:52
    +1

    No mercy for Capitalists.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2020 - 18:50
      +1

      This message was made possible by the capitalists.

      (Spoken and approved by someone who enjoys the comforts and freedom of capitalism.)

  • GINGERLION on 05/10/2020 - 18:02

    I would consider it ethical to exploit McDonalds or Amazon… McDonalds for deforestation and Bezos for making sooo much money and not sharing it :) His wealth went up north of 100 billion this year. Anything that holds them back is a good thing.. but really they are making money even if you do this exploit.. I cant believe someone would pause for thought on this one.. too much empathy my man.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2020 - 18:55
      -1

      So maybe you'd be less of a hippopotamus if you just practiced what you preach. Stop exploiting McDonald's.

  • forged on 05/10/2020 - 18:19
    +1

    Large corporations aren't your friends. They'd without a doubt screw you over if it made them money, so I see no issues with doing the same to them if it benefits me.

    Of course I'd feel differently about a small business.

    • cwongtech on 06/10/2020 - 11:52
      +1

      Of course I'd feel differently about a small business.

      Both are businesses created to make profit…
      Why would you act any different whether it's a small or large business?

      One employs less people, one employs more people.
      I'm indifferent to both small and large businesses, as long as no one gets hurt, I'm okay for legitimate bargains meant for new customers.

  • Jolakot on 05/10/2020 - 19:20

    Is it actually against the law to abuse them? Like would it be considered fraud if a company decided to make an example of you.

    Would consider it morally wrong to abuse it for a small shop where people are actually affected by it, for a large corporation or something run by VC funds then nah, just one way for the little guy to win.

  • jackinyourbox on 05/10/2020 - 20:08

    Yeah nah

  • Poppin on 06/10/2020 - 11:31
    +2

    Expenses can only be deducted if they are actually incurred, so only claimed prizes can be deducted as an expense. Usually these things are part of a marketing budget and therefore is part of the cost of marketing.

  • godofpizza on 07/10/2020 - 14:57

    I think it's up to those companies who created these promos.
    They need to setup to preventive measures. To protect themselves being abused by users trying to create multiple account to get free amazon prime trials.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2020 - 15:25

    I'll happily abuse any voucher or new account creation system. I won't stop there though, I'll also happily abuse competitions that allow me to do so due to poor security meant to prevent this type of behaviour.

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