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Family of Five Sells Themselves on eBay
Filed under: In The News, Weird But True
Have you ever sold your child's old stroller or crib on eBay to make a few bucks? Well, a family of five from Austin, TX is doing much more than that to make ends meet – they're selling themselves on eBay. Huh?
When he was laid off, dad Loren Guerra had an idea. In the hopes of getting corporate sponsorship for his family, he decided to offer their services to companies in need of advertising. The Guerra's eBay page reads: "Let us represent you and be your brand ambassadors."
What does that mean exactly?
"We are auctioning off our brand ambassador services for a brand that is looking to have an all-American family basically represent their brand," says Loren.
The Guerra's are willing to do anything to advertise a brand for the reserve price of $50,000. They say they'll wear shirts with brand logos emblazoned on them, participate in parades, stick signs in their yard, even wrap their cars in advertisements. But they have one strict rule: They'll only advertise for "family-friendly companies." This means no tobacco, alcohol, gambling, or adult-themed advertisements allowed.
Sure, this stunt may sound far-fetched, but is it really? In a dwindling economic market, families are getting more and more creative with making ends meet.Earlier this year, Heather and Brent Spooner, a couple from New Hampshire, vowed to spend only $1,500 on food, household supplies and medical expenses for them and their two children. For the entire year.
They stockpiled food, clipped coupons, shopped for sales, and cooked food before it spoiled. And on some days they spend absolutely nothing. The goal, they say, is to raise people's awareness to value their hard-earned money.
The Spooners have also promised not to eat out until their wedding anniversary on December 28.
Some families have even decided to shack up together when faced with the possibility of foreclosure. Brothers and sisters are moving in with one another to help pay the mortgage, and adults who wish to divorce are even delaying their divorce proceedings to avoid paying for their own place or because they can't sell their homes.
Tell us – What extreme measures would you take to keep your family afloat?
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
3-09-2009 @ 4:57PM
pamela said...hey if it works more power to em, why didn't i think of that haha, atleast it's possitive, i give it up to them for only sticking to family freindly ads!
Reply
3-09-2009 @ 9:11PM
Aspassia Arvanitis said...I agree more power to them selling them selves on the net. People they try to do what they can to make some money and protect their family. They do what they can as a family. That shoes creativity too. It is good to let them (our kids) know they can use their creativity in good way and be proud of them selves.I lately help my kids start their own business on the net, with my guidance and support, and I am proud of them, because for one mane reason when other kids will depend on their parents for everything , mine will be making more money then the kids at their age. The company, I am in too, is one very few who can help any one who's looking for part or full time to make some extra money and the help makes you be very income secure for ever. They do not have to make any advertisement for $50.000, but they can make up to $10 or $25 thousands a week.You only have to dedicate 2 hours a day at the beginning. Want to know more?
http://c5worldwide.infusionsoft.com/go/60/aspaarva/
Reply
3-09-2009 @ 10:38PM
ame i. said...First, stockpiling food & pre-shopping clearance sales for other necessities & clothing before taking a vow to only spend $1500 on such items during the next year is cheating. If I spent several thousands of dollars stocking up on non-perishable, shelf-stable foods, filling a deep freezer with meats and other freezable items, buying enough socks and underwear for all family members, I could also get buy on only $1500 on these items during the next year. I would only have to spend cash on things like fresh fruit, vegetables, & a 1/2 gallon of milk each week b/c only one of us (9 yr. old daughter) drinks it.
Gas for their cars, entertainment, electricity isn't included in their $1500 a year budget and I'm sure an unexpected illness or life-threatening injury would be excluded from the $1500.
They sound like attenion-hungry hounds to me.
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