Covering Free Condom Campaigns

Sex is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. While this includes all kinds of creams, dreams, and other various enhancers, a big (no pun intended) part of it is prevention. A marketing goldmine with plenty controversy, as we know most great campaigns are…

But the Trojan man is old news. And we have all heard about the Fox ban debacle, like condom advertisements are any worse than the reality TV they play. But what about, in keeping with my theme for the week, condom giveaways as part of community education?

I mean, as far as in-class giveaways go, teenagers evidently just don’t really use condoms – yet it remains the recommendation of choice for health classes across the states (except those crazy abstinence ones). But that’s a limiting demographic, especially for free giveaway campaigns, where big numbers like 5 million condoms per month are the key to showing success…

New York City is giving away condoms to everyone and anyone that wants them, from businesses to individuals. And just look at that cute, collectible wrapper with the mock subway letters! But let’s be honest: with the giant, multi-media, popular commercial brands overwhelming the market with advertising at every turn, how can a local campaign compete?

If you know anything about New York, you understand the best way to get noticed is to show off who you know: and therefore Kenneth Cole was quick to jump on board to promote the craze.

“Craze?” you ask suspiciously. Oh yes. I have had friends who live abroad ask for one of these condoms to be sent to them. I mean, it’s New York – of course we are the first city to have our own brand of condom! Even some New Yorkers (who shall remain shame .. er .. nameless) have hoarded a couple condoms just like the old subway tokens. And it doesn’t stop there…

Even the elderly New Yorkers around us are loving the new free condom campaign. Those nursing home dances can get pretty hot, plus they are a better grab than Splenda packets.

There are catches, of course:

1. Don’t give away faulty products like bad condoms, especially since the consequences involve lives. I mean, for a lot of freebies you can just shrug your shoulders and admit you get what you pay for, but not when it comes to something like this.
2. You cannot sell, advertise, or really do much of anything in the business world relating to sex without a controversy. Especially in today’s politically/religiously charged environment. While its a huge money making industry, its definitely not for the faint of heart.
3. Remember that sex product advertisements do not always have to be gendered. While there may be specific products or campaigns directed at one particular gender (”for him or her pleasure”), the best advertisements (like the examples above) can appeal to everyone, getting you the most bang for your buck.

Beyond these sexual health and free giveaway advertising points, a word to the wise: not everyone can pull off a campaign like this. New York is special for a reason, and it’s not just ’cause of our pizza. The brand that is New York is ridiculously strong, and combined with sex is practically unstoppable. Just saying, these results are not typical – though that fact should never dissuade you from trying.

Still haven’t had your fill of condoms for the day? Then perhaps consider being a condom tester.