You’ve probably already heard about the influencers who expect businesses to give them free stuff in exchange for “exposure”. And you’ve probably already heard about the way managers reject them too. This restaurant in Greece, however, has come up with a counteroffer to such requests that I bet you still don’t know about.
The idea is simple: the influencer pays for their meal but the restaurant — after serving them — donates food of equal value to people in need as well. Afterward, both parties can tag each other on social media, celebrating the great deed they just did, and feel good about themselves having made the world a little bit better.
But the problem is that influencers don’t wanna do it. Not a single one has agreed to it. And the restaurant proposes this to dozens of them every single year. Which kinda says something about their values, doesn’t it?
The public probably wouldn’t have even known about it if it wasn’t for one of the family members who own the restaurant. Recently, they posted screenshots of a conversation they had with one of these influencers on reddit, and it blew up.
A family who own a restaurant in Greece often get messages with influencers asking for food in exchange for exposure
Image credits: UnBassador
So they came up with a wholesome counteroffer that benefits those who need the food most
Image credits: UnBassador
Arianna O’Dell, founder at Airlink Design would probably applaud this move. She thinks that unless influencers can show the return on a business’ investment, they’re throwing money in a black hole. “As a marketer, I’m happy to explore new mediums and campaigns to increase awareness about my products and store. The problem with many “influencers” is they have no insight into their reach or predicted conversions,” O’Dell wrote on Inc. “I ask influencers who email me how many people they reach and about the success of the past campaigns. I’m usually met with crickets. You wouldn’t throw $50 into a black hole–and you shouldn’t do the same with influencers.”
O’Dell believes that if someone is begging for freebies, chances are, they are not an influencer. “Influencers can be great additions to a marketing campaign if it’s relevant. If you’re selling a baby product, a mommy blog with 1 million subscribers could help you drive sales. If you’re a selling lipstick, a teenage girl with 200 followers might not drive any results,” she said, adding that she has found that most people asking her for free products were simply looking for free stuff and not offering any business value.
The opinion is only reinforced by influencers’ lack of attempts to work with this restaurant.
Sadly, influencers aren’t interested
Here’s what people said about it
It's weird how much joy it gives to read about influencers getting blocked. Even more when they are exposed. It feels like every time it happens the justice scale tips a little for the good guys.
These people don't even realise that most of their followers are following them for a laugh or to judge them. Not to see where they eat so they can go there too.
Load More Replies...I absolutely LOVE this!!! I abhor influencers, even the word is irritating. I would love for that restaurant to list those who didn't participate - haha. (not really, they have too much class to do that.)
As if ANY of these restaurants in world famous tourist spots need “help“ from these delusional instagram people.
Why in the world would no one take them up on that? I'd have done it in a heartbeat. Then again, I'm just an ordinary person, and not an 'influencer" or whatever that is.
Just introducing myself as an influencer.....i wouldn't be able to keep a straight face!!!
Wtf even is an influencer? Someone who happens to be somewhat attractive and can master filters? What do they influence exactly?
My gig ( after paying and having a good experience) would be "hey, your food was so amazing and do was the service. Can I post pictures of your restaurant? I want everyone to know about you!"... you know... like a normal person. Being an "influenceer
Influencer doesn't make you special. ( gee, I REALLY wish we could edit posts lol)
Load More Replies..."Not a single one has agreed to it. And the restaurant proposes this to dozens of them every single year. Which kinda says something about their values, doesn’t it?" I think we all know that 'influencers' are vapid, selfish attention whores. And the amazing thing is is that they wouldn't exist if lemmings weren't following them. Just don't look and they'll go away.
This just goes to show how selfish and narcissistic these "influencers" are. It's not right to go into a business and ask for something and the only thing you want to offer is a mention on social media. I have eaten at some great restaurants(by the way, if you ever go through Grapevine, Texas, check out the Rainforest Restaurant) and I have never wanted anything in the restaurant for free. Like some people have said, these influencers need to get a job and stop freeloading. I would gladly take this restaurant up on their offer just to help someone in need.
If I got that response, I'd be like, "DEAL." How can you turn that down unless you're a soulless narcissist?
Influencers: the updated version of the ol' "Do it for free for the publicity/experience/future paid work." :P My policy is simple: I'll post a review if the service/product either has few reviews or I have something different to add to a list of reviews on a site. I check reviews on various sites (TripAdvisor, Amazon), not influencers, when buying a product or service.
Just stop posting stuff about how terrible influenza's are and ignore them. It's bad enough that those idiots manage to find even bigger idiots to follow them.
If influencers were offering a valuable service, they would be able to pay for their meals but charge for the service of advertising.
Unfortunately, some of them--with chutzpah larger than their market reach-- actually do ask for advertising fees in exchange for their blessed presence at restaurants.
Load More Replies...This is the first time I've ever heard of influencers. Their lack of response after hearing restaurant policy basically exposes them....kinda like spammers on the phone. Dang I never even knew this was a thing
Every restaurant should adopt this policy. And if any influencer takes them up on it, so much the better.
Well, I think your fellow pandas are proof against that right here . ;)
Load More Replies...There are many people who want to live off other people's work, and what's even more shocking, they think they are entitled to do so. They are parasites, and they have no shame. My friend, the hairdresser, told me a story: a customer showed her a picture how she wants her hair done, paid for the service, and left. After few hours returned, said she wants her money back because she changed her mind. Instead of telling her that changing her mind is her problem, my friend offered to redo her hair for free, which she did not accept; clearly, her objective was to have her hair done for free To be fair, there aren't just dishonest customers but also crooked businesses which promise products or services knowing all well they cannot deliver. Nowadays, one needs an attorney before signing a contract. Even if you can prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you were willfully lied to and cheated, the law is on the side of a dishonest businessmen: 'Oh, that's too bad, you shouldn't trust them."
Okay...so I'm older than dirt, but frankly, I just don't get the whole influencer thing. When I plan to go out to dinner; make a major purchase, plan a party, buy a gift, whatever...I don't look up what someone I've never met thinks. I don't care what moisturizer, makeup, shampoo, cookware, linens, etc some stranger likes. I don't give a fig for the style some stranger insists is "right" or what is the current "must." I care what my friends want, how they view me, what we share in common and what we endlessly debate. I don't care what some stranger thinks or does when it doesn't involve me or impact what I care about. Why would someone give that much credence to the often dubious advice/recommendation of a stranger? The majority of those calling themselves "influencer" are shallow, narrow-minded, status seeking, self-important fools who place great value on things that are of no interest to me. I just don't get it...at all.
If I was an influencer I would ask what they recommend and the price. Then I would book a table and eat and pay but I would also buy a second meal for a second person to benefit from the offer. I hope this is a real offer and if an influencer ever took the offer up someone in need gets a meal. Also, I would ask if I could take a photo of the owners and staff outside the restaurant if they have time.
How did this whole silly "influencer" thing get started? Do these pompous little people really take themselves that seriously? Their "followers" must be even more pathetic, unless they are signing up to get a laugh at someone's overblown opinion of himself.
All businesses should do this. I am not any kind of influencer but I would totally eat at a restaurant and pay full on cost if I knew the restaurant did something like this to help others.
"... I'll be mostly eating IG influencers" LOL. Sounds almost reasonable
'Influencing' is really nothing more than a racket based on greed. People with hardly any followers puff themselves up to feel important and impress gullible, possibly desperate business owners. Influencers with huge fan bases do exist, but what do they do but make deals with corporate sponsor who pay them to mention their products, whether they use them or not. There is not regulation in this field, whereas in ordinary advertising a celebrity spokesperson has to actually use the product or admit that he's merely a paid spokesman. Followers of influencers are mostly suckers lacking the self-confidence to make their own choices without the validation of celebrities.
Our family doesn't travel much, not even in the states, mostly due to my health issues. BUT, if we did and visited that country and that restaurant, I would be willing to double up on the ticket to contribute to the owner's giving of meals to the less fortunate in his community.
As a Greek, I am proud that we boycott all of that fake lifestyle stuff
That is brilliant and just shows how selfish these so called "influencers" are. If I was coming to Kos I would definitely pay for mine and somebody in needs meals. How about setting up a Just Giving account so we can all chip in?
"Influencers" are 100% fake culture. If they actually had influence, they wouldn't need to ask for free s**t to make themselves look better. This is a "fake it till you make it, but never make it" situation.
Really? That much hate to the influencers? To much bitter comments and I'm sure all of you follow someone! I owe a restaurant, and it depends of how many followers have the influence YES I give the meal for FREE!! Because of that exposure now I DO NOT PAY for advertising any more! And I have more clients because of that!!
Where I live good restaurants are always known word of mouth. It was like that before IG and STILL is.
Load More Replies...It's weird how much joy it gives to read about influencers getting blocked. Even more when they are exposed. It feels like every time it happens the justice scale tips a little for the good guys.
These people don't even realise that most of their followers are following them for a laugh or to judge them. Not to see where they eat so they can go there too.
Load More Replies...I absolutely LOVE this!!! I abhor influencers, even the word is irritating. I would love for that restaurant to list those who didn't participate - haha. (not really, they have too much class to do that.)
As if ANY of these restaurants in world famous tourist spots need “help“ from these delusional instagram people.
Why in the world would no one take them up on that? I'd have done it in a heartbeat. Then again, I'm just an ordinary person, and not an 'influencer" or whatever that is.
Just introducing myself as an influencer.....i wouldn't be able to keep a straight face!!!
Wtf even is an influencer? Someone who happens to be somewhat attractive and can master filters? What do they influence exactly?
My gig ( after paying and having a good experience) would be "hey, your food was so amazing and do was the service. Can I post pictures of your restaurant? I want everyone to know about you!"... you know... like a normal person. Being an "influenceer
Influencer doesn't make you special. ( gee, I REALLY wish we could edit posts lol)
Load More Replies..."Not a single one has agreed to it. And the restaurant proposes this to dozens of them every single year. Which kinda says something about their values, doesn’t it?" I think we all know that 'influencers' are vapid, selfish attention whores. And the amazing thing is is that they wouldn't exist if lemmings weren't following them. Just don't look and they'll go away.
This just goes to show how selfish and narcissistic these "influencers" are. It's not right to go into a business and ask for something and the only thing you want to offer is a mention on social media. I have eaten at some great restaurants(by the way, if you ever go through Grapevine, Texas, check out the Rainforest Restaurant) and I have never wanted anything in the restaurant for free. Like some people have said, these influencers need to get a job and stop freeloading. I would gladly take this restaurant up on their offer just to help someone in need.
If I got that response, I'd be like, "DEAL." How can you turn that down unless you're a soulless narcissist?
Influencers: the updated version of the ol' "Do it for free for the publicity/experience/future paid work." :P My policy is simple: I'll post a review if the service/product either has few reviews or I have something different to add to a list of reviews on a site. I check reviews on various sites (TripAdvisor, Amazon), not influencers, when buying a product or service.
Just stop posting stuff about how terrible influenza's are and ignore them. It's bad enough that those idiots manage to find even bigger idiots to follow them.
If influencers were offering a valuable service, they would be able to pay for their meals but charge for the service of advertising.
Unfortunately, some of them--with chutzpah larger than their market reach-- actually do ask for advertising fees in exchange for their blessed presence at restaurants.
Load More Replies...This is the first time I've ever heard of influencers. Their lack of response after hearing restaurant policy basically exposes them....kinda like spammers on the phone. Dang I never even knew this was a thing
Every restaurant should adopt this policy. And if any influencer takes them up on it, so much the better.
Well, I think your fellow pandas are proof against that right here . ;)
Load More Replies...There are many people who want to live off other people's work, and what's even more shocking, they think they are entitled to do so. They are parasites, and they have no shame. My friend, the hairdresser, told me a story: a customer showed her a picture how she wants her hair done, paid for the service, and left. After few hours returned, said she wants her money back because she changed her mind. Instead of telling her that changing her mind is her problem, my friend offered to redo her hair for free, which she did not accept; clearly, her objective was to have her hair done for free To be fair, there aren't just dishonest customers but also crooked businesses which promise products or services knowing all well they cannot deliver. Nowadays, one needs an attorney before signing a contract. Even if you can prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you were willfully lied to and cheated, the law is on the side of a dishonest businessmen: 'Oh, that's too bad, you shouldn't trust them."
Okay...so I'm older than dirt, but frankly, I just don't get the whole influencer thing. When I plan to go out to dinner; make a major purchase, plan a party, buy a gift, whatever...I don't look up what someone I've never met thinks. I don't care what moisturizer, makeup, shampoo, cookware, linens, etc some stranger likes. I don't give a fig for the style some stranger insists is "right" or what is the current "must." I care what my friends want, how they view me, what we share in common and what we endlessly debate. I don't care what some stranger thinks or does when it doesn't involve me or impact what I care about. Why would someone give that much credence to the often dubious advice/recommendation of a stranger? The majority of those calling themselves "influencer" are shallow, narrow-minded, status seeking, self-important fools who place great value on things that are of no interest to me. I just don't get it...at all.
If I was an influencer I would ask what they recommend and the price. Then I would book a table and eat and pay but I would also buy a second meal for a second person to benefit from the offer. I hope this is a real offer and if an influencer ever took the offer up someone in need gets a meal. Also, I would ask if I could take a photo of the owners and staff outside the restaurant if they have time.
How did this whole silly "influencer" thing get started? Do these pompous little people really take themselves that seriously? Their "followers" must be even more pathetic, unless they are signing up to get a laugh at someone's overblown opinion of himself.
All businesses should do this. I am not any kind of influencer but I would totally eat at a restaurant and pay full on cost if I knew the restaurant did something like this to help others.
"... I'll be mostly eating IG influencers" LOL. Sounds almost reasonable
'Influencing' is really nothing more than a racket based on greed. People with hardly any followers puff themselves up to feel important and impress gullible, possibly desperate business owners. Influencers with huge fan bases do exist, but what do they do but make deals with corporate sponsor who pay them to mention their products, whether they use them or not. There is not regulation in this field, whereas in ordinary advertising a celebrity spokesperson has to actually use the product or admit that he's merely a paid spokesman. Followers of influencers are mostly suckers lacking the self-confidence to make their own choices without the validation of celebrities.
Our family doesn't travel much, not even in the states, mostly due to my health issues. BUT, if we did and visited that country and that restaurant, I would be willing to double up on the ticket to contribute to the owner's giving of meals to the less fortunate in his community.
As a Greek, I am proud that we boycott all of that fake lifestyle stuff
That is brilliant and just shows how selfish these so called "influencers" are. If I was coming to Kos I would definitely pay for mine and somebody in needs meals. How about setting up a Just Giving account so we can all chip in?
"Influencers" are 100% fake culture. If they actually had influence, they wouldn't need to ask for free s**t to make themselves look better. This is a "fake it till you make it, but never make it" situation.
Really? That much hate to the influencers? To much bitter comments and I'm sure all of you follow someone! I owe a restaurant, and it depends of how many followers have the influence YES I give the meal for FREE!! Because of that exposure now I DO NOT PAY for advertising any more! And I have more clients because of that!!
Where I live good restaurants are always known word of mouth. It was like that before IG and STILL is.
Load More Replies...
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