On social media, a cookie shop owner sheds light on the issue of influencers seeking free products, sparking debate among viewers.
David Maffei, the owner of Halfsies Cookie Company in Hudson Valley, New York, has recently voiced his frustration over ‘influencers’ asking for free products.
On Instagram, David posted a screenshot of an email the company received from a so-called influencer, which gained attention on social media.
In the email, the influencer, who had recently gotten engaged, expressed her desire to include Halfsies’ products in her bridal party boxes as a way to spoil her squad rotten’.
She ended her email with an enthusiastic invitation: “Are you in for some bridal bliss? Let’s chat!”
In the post, Maffei responded by congratulating the influencer and directing her to Halfsies’ website to place an order.
When the bride-to-be inquired about collaborations with influencers, Maffei confirmed that they do collaborate, but questioned whether she was indeed an influencer.
Despite her insistence that she was a ‘beginner influencer’, Maffei remained unconvinced, responding with a tongue-in-cheek comment: " Sorry, you're not an influencer'.
He added, “And I’m a beginner astronaut.”
In the caption of the post, Maffei explained his view about the term 'influencer; describing it as ‘a wild label’.
He offered advice to beginner influencers, suggesting they start by purchasing and tagging products from brands they like.
He explained: "You buy the products from the brands that you like and you tag them. They will probably repost you. You’ll pick up some followers and maybe other brands will see what you’re doing and you’ll eventually have an engaged following that’s interested in the products you receive but you just don’t ask in the beginning for free product."
Additionally, he pointed out that some of the biggest influencers on the internet initially purchased Halfsies’ cookies and tagged the company, which is how they came to his attention.
In the comment selection, many viewers relate to Maffei's sentiments and criticize the entitled attitude of some influencers.
Others defend the influencer,, suggesting that this is their job on social media, and note that many celebrities do it as well.
One person said: People act like you are charging a million dollars for some cookies. My kiddos love your cookies and we are happy to pay your price and wait for them to arrive in Michigam, never understood asking a business for free stuff.
A second wrote: Good for you, Dave! It's your company do what you want to do!!
While a third commented: You’re good dude.
Another added: This is a complete metaphor for my life. Some people think it’s childish that I air dirty laundry on Facebook but others love it
Someone else said: THAT is the kind of influencers one needs
Wow. I'm not crying, you're crying. Another joked.
Maffei’s candid response to the influencer’s request for free products has continued to spark debate on social media.
What did you think about the incident.
