I run a small business that mostly services the local communities. Is it ethical to put in some promotional material in the candy bags for Halloween? Like nothing heavy advertising, maybe simply a card with a QR code with my business logo that directs to my website. What do you think?
I don’t think it’s unethical but it’s kind of annoying. I would be irritated enough that my kids trick or treating was used as an opportunity to pass an advertisement past my eyes that I probably wouldn’t consider whatever was being advertised. Maybe I’m more jaded than the average person but I think you risk doing more harm than good this way.
Maybe if you set up a booth or table somewhere that basically was “free trick or treat candy sponsored by [business name]” and then had above average treats, like larger or even full sized candy bars. That way everyone would know up front what was going on and offering noticeably great candy would impress me as a parent. Doing it this way seems less like you’re trying to sneak in an ad and more like you’re trying to use your business to do something nice for the kids, even while advertising your business.