Aussie parents torn over 'blood-boiling' marketing tactic

Whilst some think it's normal, a few conditions in particular have people concerned.

A Sydney real estate agent is under fire over a colouring in competition they’re currently running for kids, in the lead up to Easter.

The competition, though seemingly standard, asks participants for a host of personal information, leading many to feel as though it’s targeting kids in a 'slick' and unnecessary way.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Image: Reddit.

RELATED: Dog owners disappointed over disgusting trend

“Targeting kids now are we?”

A Sydney local has taken to Reddit to share a strange marketing tactic they came across.

Pictured is a seemingly normal Easter-themed colouring competition sheet for McGrath Real Estate Sales Agent Daniel Sarzano, with prizes for the best work including a Nintendo Switch, Apple Airpods 4 and a $100 voucher for a local driving range.

However, the user was questioning the necessity of the personal information and other requirements the entry needs.

In addition to colouring in the image, entrants must circle the prize they would most like to win, and provide the name and age bracket of the child, as well as a parent’s name, phone number, email, and address.

A requirement of the competition is also that entrants follow the real estate agent on Instagram.

“So, targeting kids now are we?” the post said.

RELATED: Common road habit may be illegal after all

“Not outraged by this”

Many commenters on the post said that the competition was no big deal, saying it’s normal for businesses to do.

“Haven’t REAs been doing colouring competitions for decades?” one commenter asked.

“I feel like companies running colouring competitions is pretty standard. I know it’s real estate but personally not outraged by this,” another agreed.

“Pretty slick…”

However, parents had plenty of concerns.

Many expressed frustration about having to hand over data - likely used for future marketing campaigns - for the competition, particularly in relation to their children.

“You’re basically selling them your email so they can add you to a mailing list that spams you with bullshit, for a very slim chance to win. If you’re lucky it will only be their company spamming you, and not all their partners too,” said one commenter.

“Seems like a shifty way of getting more names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers on their subscription list,” another agreed.

“Pretty slick… do they file all the entries under ‘possible leads for 2042-43’?” said a third.

"Yeesh. Truly blood-boiling stuff," another added.

And others got the creeps about the obligation to follow the agent on Instagram.

“Wait, are they expecting a child young enough to think a colouring in competition is a valid use of their time to have an instagram account? I feel like by the time you’re old enough that mum & dad let you get IG you’re way too cool to enter a competition like this… though I guess AirPods are cool with that set?” said one commenter.

“‘Grown man offers toys to kids to get them to follow him on Insta,” another said.

"The community will always have their opinion"

Speaking with Kidspot, Daniel Sarzano said the debate had been brought to his attention recently. However, at the end of the day, he and his team have no intention of changing the competition.

"To give some perspective, it has been a common competition that our team and I have been running for a few years now around the festive and holiday seasons," he said.

"The focus is on community engagement whilst promoting the opportunity for kids to have a bit of fun and win some great prizes without families focusing on spending extra during these times, the response from our participants and winners was overall positive.

"I can understand some in the community that don’t appreciate these competitions, and I understand their perspective but also suggest that if it’s not for them or their families we respect their choice to not be involved. For the families that have participated and have won some great prizes, we contact the parents and often deliver them to the family, their reactions have been great when they realised, they have won!

"Regardless, I am an agent and the community will always have their opinion."

Originally published as Aussie parents torn over 'blood-boiling' marketing tactic