Gift Card Meetings: A Quick Reward, or a Long-Term Risk?

We’ve all seen the offers: “Book a call and get a $50 gift card.” On the surface, it feels like easy money,  but in reality, these offers are more about filling a sales funnel than solving your challenges.

Research from HubSpot notes that the typical cold email response rate is just 1% in outreach campaigns.. That’s why some companies dangle freebies because they’re looking for volume, not fit.

Companies offering cash or gift cards to meet potential clients aren’t focused on understanding your needs. They’re focused on generating as many “leads” as possible, regardless of whether there’s a genuine fit. That means you’re more likely to face scripted pitches and relentless follow-ups than authentic dialogue from dedicated implementation partners.

As Marco D’Ercole, Executive VP at 360 Visibility, explains:

“If someone’s paying to talk to you, they’re not just being generous – they’re investing in a chance to sell.”

The Risks Behind the Freebie

While not every incentive-based meeting is harmful, there are serious downsides to consider:

• Privacy at Stake – You may be asked for details about your IT systems, budgets, or strategic goals. That information is valuable to them, not just to “tailor” their offer, but possibly to share or resell.
• High-Pressure Conversations – When a company pays for your attention, the expectation is clear: they want to close a deal fast. That pressure often means less listening, more pitching.
• Misaligned Motives – If a company has to pay you for a conversation, are they truly interested in building a long-term partnership — or just hitting their quarterly quota?

Lynn Cooke, President of 360 Visibility, has seen the fallout:

“We’ve had customers come to us after being overwhelmed by weeks of follow-up calls and emails from companies they only met for a gift card. It’s not about fear — it’s about helping leaders make informed, confident decisions.”

What to Look for Instead

Your time and knowledge are worth far more than $50. Instead of chasing freebies, look for implementation partners that:

• Educate, Don’t Entice – Do they provide resources like blogs, workshops, or webinars?
• Build Trust through Transparency – Do they clearly explain pricing, process, and expected outcomes?
• Take a Consultative Approach – Do they start with your goals, not their quotas?

At 360 Visibility, we believe partnerships are earned through expertise, clarity, and trust — not through transactions.

Bottom Line: Don’t trade your strategic insights for a gift card. Align with implementation partners that value your time as much as you do.