Capitalizing on the upcoming sniffling and coughing of millions of cold and flu suffers, Kaz USA, Inc., the manufacturers of humidifiers and thermometers under the Vicks, Honeywell, and Braun brands, has launched a Facebook page named Cold and Flu Central where they will entice people to join with weekly giveaways.
Among the product giveaways are those that will sooth and aid the suffers: Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier, Vicks Digital Thermometer and Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer.
“We want to get our products in the hands of users and get them talking a about it,” said Lara Peterson, vice president of health care at Kaz USA Inc.
To let people know about the giveaway, which runs through the end of the year, Kaz is posting ads on Facebook, working with bloggers and sending out direct mail communications.
Visitors simply “like” the fan page answer a question—this week it’s, “What’s your favorite movie to watch when you’re sick?”— and they are automatically entered to win. The question and answer are posted in a comment section, which Kaz hopes will spark a dialog among users.
The site also includes, doctor-approved tips, third-party expert advice and links, and discussions and polls. Yesterday, fans could download coupons for 10% off a Vicks Humidifier, Vaporizer, or Thermometer; free shipping on all Vicks products and $10 off a Vicks, Braun, or Honeywell purchase of $50 or more.
“It’s important to provide a resource and a tool to get information online,” Peterson said. “[Facebook] is going to be one of those things that grows, so while it might not be taking off immediately, I think it’s an important place for us to be.”