Box of Awesome Review ~ Box 1

I first heard of the marketing genius 'Box of Awesome' from Swapit (an ebay for children), and being me promptly signed up for more information.

The idea behind the campaign was to send out boxes filled with media, games and general things of interest. A great idea for raising the awareness of new products and gaining feedback. They ran a brief advert on television (BOA advert) , but most of their marketing was done via social media. When I joined at the start of February there was a paltry 350 Facebook liker's now there over 3,500, Twitter has seen a slower increase but is creeping up on 900 followers.

The concept branched out with a separate digital box being released for games, which were available for all, on a staggered release. The first installment consisted of a new Zelda-esque game 'KU: Shroud of the Morrigan' by bitSmithGames (along with plea to sign a petition to get Steam to green-light them). Fabulous publicity and aimed at exactly the right age range.
Next up was a 7 day membership to 'Herotopia' the online, educational anti-bullying game. Followed by a 1 month trial of 'OiDroids', which appears to be a collectible origami robot game along the lines of Pokemon (not confusing at all!). 
Just added to the digital edition today (22/03/13) is Minimonos a childs online game with optional paid membership. There is an option to create a free monkey, collect a bonus garden and get 20 bags of monkey poo compost. The game is a virtual world aimed at children (farmville with an eco driven message).
Personally I think someone in marketing missed an opportunity; a short trial will only attract some people, although I know some children who would merrily demand the full membership after a couple of days

Yes I did receive a Box of Awesome, and while I found it promising start for the company, I was far from overwhelmed. Besides being aimed primarily at boys, the box seemed a little sparse. Yet this is the first collection, and that many companies would be reluctant to give out free products without proof of commercial increase.  None of the products were particularly expensive, (apart from the Ipad Mini, which I wasn't lucky enough to get!) but they are interesting.

First off the Kobots dual action figures with a drawstring bag. From the makers of Gogo Crazy Bones, these are tiny collectable figures that attach to stands and do battle tiddly-wink style with a Krator (looks a lot like a plectrum).

The OiDroids also featured in the physical BOA as a pre-release sample pack. With push out, folding cardboard shapes they are very simplistic, and have great potential to be a new collectible craze. The robot designs are deliberately cute with large eyes, and a sad back story.

The Jelly Bean Factory also kindly donated a box of Gourmet Jelly Beans. At 75g its not the largest but the flavour range makes it look like a nice version of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans from Harry Potter. The depth of the flavour is really remarkable, I didn't want to be convinced but between the 'Cafe Latte' and  the 'Mint Sorbet' I became their new greatest fan!

A pre-release paper back of Darren Shan's novel Zom-B, the first in a series of 12 teenage books which deal with racism and a zombie apocalypse from a teenagers view. He has also written a 12 book series based on Cirque Du Freak. He writes for both adults and teenagers in the horror genre. The book its self is well written even from an adults viewpoint and competently deals with emotions and reactions.

Finally there is the obligatory business card and sticker for BOA, as well as a leaflet for feedback surveys and a competition for an un-boxing video. The one with the most views winning a years worth of games in the form £60 worth of vouchers (amazon or itunes) every month for a year.

On the whole I was very impressed and eager to find out more about BOA 2, fingers crossed more companies sign up for this form of advertising. I hope they continue to include new companies and products, as its an unusual way to spread word of mouth marketing. Feel free to sign up with them or follow them on any of the links below.

Box of Awesome

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