Invitation Only Sales
Seem to be the in thing these days. And whoever thought that concept up was a spin-doctoring genius:
[SCENE: A board meeting at 'Jolly spiffing Synergistic Solutions Inc.']
MANAGER: We're about to launch this new phone, but we're not sure whether anyone will actually want to buy one. If only there was some way we could measure demand beforehand, so we don't over-stock.
MARKETING GENIUS: Leave it with me sir. I have a cunning plan to require the customer to ask for permission to buy one in advance, so we'll know exactly how many we need to order.
MANAGER: Customers asking permission to buy? You'll never get them to fall for that one!
[A few days later on ASS.com]
Enter your email now, for the chance to win an invitation* to buy the new 'Aweso-Phone 3'. Remember, this revolutionary new smartphone is only available to purchase through invitation!
Joe Public: [typing furiously and waving credit card] Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
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[* 'invitation' = what 'invites' used to be called, when we still spoke English this side of the pond]