Cash For Clunkers Spinoffs

Though Cash for Clunkers has ended, the catchy marketing phrase hasn’t. Dozens of “Cash for [insert product here]” programs have popped up nationwide, hoping to grab the attention of consumers with the financially motivating catch phrase.

From refrigerators to teakettles, consumers can receive financial incentives to trade-in their old items for new ones, marketed as a mutually beneficial program for both the retailer and the consumer. Cash for Clunkers generated approximately 700,000 new car sales during its run from July 27 to Aug. 24., giving a much needed boost to the automotive industry.

Your old two-wheeled clunker may even yield you cash toward a new bike. Photo: sxc.hu/753901.

Toys ‘R’ Us launched a series of trade-in value programs this summer, including cash for cribs, car seats and video games. Beauty retailer Sephora offered a “Cash for Beauty Clunkers” program in October, providing shoppers with a $10-off coupon in exchange for bringing in five empty makeup containers, which would then be recycled.

Though these programs were limited-time offers, other companies offer permanent “cash for” programs, incentivizing the recycling opportunities that come with a new purchase. Boston-based Gazelle offers cash for electronics, including computers, cell phones, digital cameras and MP3 players. The company buys electronic products from consumers online, offers a free box and free shipping for them to be sent in, then resells, refurbishes or recycles them.

Local retailers have gotten involved in the catchy marketing as well. Portland-based bicycle vendor, Joe Bike, recently launched a Cash for (two-wheeled) Clunkers program, providing discounts to consumers who donate an old car or bicycle. Old cars are donated through the American Lung Association and old bicycles are donated via Joe Bike to the nonprofit Community Cycling Center, which repairs the bike and provides it to the needy.

The buzz may be slowing a bit, but expect to continue seeing some creative marketing in the future based on the idea. Dollars for dishwashers perhaps? Bucks for boats?