Why do companies want you to text them?

Question

I went to see the Blue Man Group in concert and you could text them to try and win a prize. I've seen on TV companies that want you to text them for stuff. So why? Do they get money for this?

Answer 1

1) Now they have your personal cell #
2) It's an easy way for their automated systems to keep track of your votes, input, etc...
3) They can determine geographic areas (by looking at area codes, pre-fixes, etc...) to determine where there customer base is located, if they don't already know.

Answer 2

I'm not 100% positive that THEY receive money for this, but YOU definitely lose money! Often times if you look at the fine print it'll say that in addition to what you're paying for sending a text message, there's some crazy amount like $2.50 added on to each text. It could be possible that they maybe receive a cut of the price, but I'm not absolutely sure. Often times they just want feedback from people and they want a large percentage of people to join/enter. Also, this gives the companies the ability to track your phone number, and often times you'll start receiving text messages in return that you're responsible to pay for. I tried voting on American Idol through my cell phone once and they sent me so many text messages after that point! I had to text them and cancel everything so that they could no longer get ahold of me.

But, to answer your question, often times it's easier for them to check a demographic region via text messages, and it's a little easier for them to tally votes/entries this way :]

Answer 3

They might earn a penny, or a fraction of a penny, on the back end (per text, so that adds up), but they also gain very valuable demographic data which feeds into a computer more easily than a phoned-in response or a post card.

Answer 4

it take money from your account all they want is money