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Dr Pepper knew demand for their drink was going to be high, but obviously did not plan on how much America wants to be a pepper too. Back in March, Dr. Pepper bet everyone in America a free soda that Guns N' Roses couldn't release its latest album, "Chinese Democracy," by the end of 2008. The album has been in production for over a decade - and promised to be released over half a dozen times. But the wait is finally over, and the album is being released today (Sunday, Nov. 23). (Read more from the Business Examiner here.)
"We never thought this day would come," Tony Jacobs, Dr. Pepper's vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "But now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr. Pepper's on us." - so they announced everywhere that for one day only, you could register to receive a free bottle of Dr. Pepper on their website. Problem is they were obviously ill planned for their flood of traffic - and expectantly crashed their servers. Even their toll free phone line was jammed, where callers were waiting for hours to get in on the free soda.
"Dr.Pepper" was the 4th most searched for term on google today, followed by "dr pepper chinese democracy" as the 5th, and other variations taking up the 6th, 8th, 9, and 10th spots. The news of the free Dr. Pepper has taken over the news on television and radio too - offering a great chance at promotion -- if they could pull it off. Their site now reads
We are experiencing high traffic and are updating our servers. Please try again later or contact our consumer relations at 1-800-696-5891.
So now even their toll free phone line was jammed, where callers were waiting for hours to get in on the free sodas. The representative on the phone did say that they are taking one customer at a time, but are understandably slammed.
For those still trying to get yours, a few words:
1. Good Luck
2. Try going to this address instead - to save on load time( http://www.drpepper.com/freeDrPepper/address.php) or this one (http://www.drpepper.com/freeDrPepper?icamp=hp_dpfree_coupon) - both should get you in faster
3. Don't be dissapointed with the wait. We waited over 15 years for the new GnR album, and still going to wait w 4-6 weeks for coupon to arrive.Once you get it, don't sit on it, as the coupon expires Feb. 28, 2009.
About the album - from what I have seen, most reviews are not happy. And what will the thousands of people do when they cant get their free drink promised to them? Well, there is always Mr. Pibb....
Comments
"Every American" - except Americans under 13 :(
How Lame The Stupid Phone Number Has had me On Hold For Nearly A Half Hour Now, Seems Really Bad of Them Like They Don't Want to hold up thier end of the deal.... Shame on Dr. Pepper.....
If you open up the website, minimize it, then open another page while holding in the ctrl key. it will let you right in...
Suckers. You don't think they would use the "power" button on their servers and phone banks for today?
Here, get some real music, for free: sskiweb.com
what reviews have you been reading? Read the Rollingstone, Billboard, LA Times, and Spin reviews.
The Dr Pepper website has been nothing but fail since 12:00 PM EST on Sunday, November 23rd. I have submitted the form about 20 times now and it always times out (that is even if I can load the form page - for the majority of Sunday it brought up a SQL server error). I have also called the various phone numbers about 40 times since yesterday. Keep getting a busy signal.
This promotional thing sucks! Back in the 90's Dr Pepper had the best and simplest contests and give-aways. Seems like these days you have to jump through so many hoops. Like their "1 in 6 Wins a FREE Pepper" bottle cap give-away. Over the last year I have purchased maybe a couple hundred bottles and cans and have only won one free pepper - which a bunch of the stores near me wouldn't take as payment for a 20oz Pepper. LAME!!!!!!
I agree, this sucks. Dr Pepper ran better promotions during the 90's. The people in charge don't know what they are doing. Total rip off! I won't be buying any more Dr Pepper.
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