Free Pizza, Complaints & the "Entitled" Mentality

“I didn’t get one of your free pizzas, I’m hurt! You scammed me. I’m calling corporate to demand you give me one!! You hear me!! I want my free pizza.”

Outrageous, isn’t it? Sadly, that is how the “tone” of a thread went today; at least that was how it was interpreted.

I’ve been reading the comments about Domino’s 1000 pizza code. They gave away 2000 pizzas on Facebook yesterday, and today (because I was prepared), I was able to get one of the codes to use for lunch.

Some of the complaints were:

1. Not enough pizzas

2. Some stores were not open

3. It isn’t for delivery

4. Some people were able to use the code more than once

5. There is no place to enter the code

6. Why am I paying $1 (more or less) for my free pizza?

**sigh**

Really? Has it gotten that bad that some of us feel we’re “ENTITLED” to a free pizza simply for nothing that has happened to us?

Apparently so.

Someone complained that they were going to call corporate. And one response was “really, you’re going to complain you didn’t get a free pizza?”

**HUGE sigh**

Is it just me, or are people getting dumber in batches? Is this what society is coming to?

I’m sure we all know (or we should) nothing free (or discounted) comes without limitations, exclusions and conditions. Most of the time it is in the “FINE” print. Yes, you have to read it. Yes, you have to research. This is nothing new.

I’m sure the picture states quite plainly what is required:

So, let me go over the points:

1. Not enough pizzas

It clearly states it is only 1000 people (uses), or at best 1000 pizzas!

Really, with over 8.3 million likes you expect that 1000 pizzas are going to stay around long? They’re not. And, also, places want to make money (and I’m sure the employees want to get paid).

They’re not doing it to feed everyone in America. 

Also, I have to wonder about people complaining about not getting a free pizza.

** Are they starving and haven’t eaten for days?  

** Are their kids going hungry?

** Are they just lazy?

** Are they just being selfish?

Why all the crap over the fact they weren’t quick on the draw to get a free pizza? Seriously, you’d think they were being unfairly prosecuted; they were losing their home or being killed.

Sorry, but I don’t equate losing a free pizza as a major world problem, life changer or a disaster.

PROOOOOOOOOOBLEM #2

2. Some stores were not open

There is an option to select a future time. If they don’t do it, oh well. I know this one quite well. Yes, I have the advantage of having worked there (it was OVER 6 years ago the last time I clocked in though) …

BUT … if anyone has ever ordered online, they are familiar with the website. People were ordering online or “timed” orders when I last worked there. The option has to be somewhere.

As far as ordering on a mobile phone, it doesn’t give you the option, so you have to understand there are limitations – plan ahead and know that.

3. It isn’t for delivery

**sigh** it is, but free isn’t the required amount for delivery, have to usually have over $8, which is stated in the picture and on the website. Helps to READ the rules carefully.

4. Some people were able to use the code more than once

I think it is wrong (and it likely is), but it wasn’t against the rules per se. It says 1000 requests and nothing “specifically” about one per person, per day. There is a VAGUE part about using multiple identities or email accounts. That is a grey area though.

One woman was able to get four (4) free pizzas, but not for herself. She ordered some for family, and her husband’s co-workers.

I’ve seen the time my mom and I shared a computer, but she had her own email account. So, would it be fair if I got one and she got one? Yes and no. That’s a fine line.

There are times she’s not familiar with online ordering and I’ve had to place her order for her. It doesn’t mean she is not entitled to it … she’s just not familiar with the whole process.

Here are the rules though:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNiLecWCQAAnHxp.jpg:large

5. There is no place to enter the code

There is a place in the checkout, below the “order summary”. You have to add your items, and then hit checkout. As with anything, investigate it, familiarize yourself before. This isn’t rocket science.

6. Why am I paying $1 (more or less) for my free pizza?

While I didn’t have to … some states do require businesses to collect sales tax on the pre-coupon/promotional price. Some states preclude businesses from giving away food in contests, so they have to charge something (even a $1). Don’t ask me why, but I know there are laws about contests, lotteries, misc that have to be followed.

It helps to look at the receipt you’re emailed or your “order” summary to see what the charge is for. Call the store to make sure, and check online or call the state.

In the end, free food is nice … it’s great. But, it is a gift. Some are lucky to get it, others aren’t. You’re not guaranteed it. You have to be fast, and you have to follow the rules.

The only time you should “call corporate” is if there are continual issues with the store that cannot (for whatever reason) be resolved at the store level. These issues might include delivery issues, poor service, poor quality, and the store’s overall operations. Not being able to use or “win” a free pizza/product is NOT a corporate concern.

Now, if you go to the store after redeeming the code and the store wants to charge you – indeed, call corporate.

Some stores are franchises, and some are corporate. Franchises can elect not to participate or to limit online ordering.

And, they are only liable for ACTUAL out of pocket expenses (meaning you have to pay). Not getting a free pizza is not an out of pocket expense.

With that said …

I enjoyed my free lunch … which might end up being tonight’s dinner as well!