I could easily keep Edwin and never go back to that hotel chain ever again.
That’s what I’m saying. This is less manipulative capitalism and more customer experience. It would hold literally no weight on my decision to stay there or at that chain (assuming it’s a franchise) again. If the room sucks it sucks. Duck won’t fix it. It’s a far cry from McDonald’s putting toys in happy meals.
But if there were two equal rooms (excluding the duck) at competing hotels for the same price, I’d go back to the duck hotel.
That doesn’t make it manipulative. Like you said, it’s customer experience and that can make the difference.
I’d go back to the duck hotel.
Why, did you lose your duck?
He needs a friend.
This is acceptable.
What does this have to do with capitalism?
It’s to encourage loyalty, like wearing branded clothes, using branded bags, or loyalty programs. This one is very benign though, so I don’t find it in any way something to complain about.