“Sign up to get a free bugaboo stroller”
“Free car seat – just take our survey”
“Free crib”
“Congratulations you’ve won a free laptop – click here”
“Get a free designer diaper bag”
If you explore the internet, these “free” offers for expensive and popular products have flooded your screen and spammed your inbox. Are these claims real? What is involved? Will they really send a $1000 gift card just for shopping online? These are questions that most internet consumers have asked themselves when presented with these offers. Consumers must arm themselves with knowledge and be aware before entering into these promotions. So, here is the real “deal”:
1.) Read the fine print – it is usually abundant.
2.) These programs always require the consumer to fulfill requirements in order to receive the “free” item – typically monetary requirements.
3.) They usually require the consumer to complete a “survey” and subsequently sign up for “sponsor” offers – sometimes as many as 10 or 20. This translates into the consumer entering into agreements for products or services from 10 to 20 different sponsors. Sponsors can include book clubs, wine clubs, high interest credit card offers, weight loss supplements, teeth whitening products, etc.
4.) The “fine print” states the reward program is allowed to substitute a prize of equal or greater value at their discretion.
5.) These programs also reserve the right to cancel the promotion at any time for any reason. Therefore, the possibility exists that a consumer will never receive their “free” gift.
6.) These sponsor offers always require you to purchase something. Even “free” or “trial” products require payment of shipping and handling charges.
7.) Many of these sponsor offers will automatically charge your credit card after the initial purchase on a revolving or continual basis – monthly, quarterly, etc. Be aware of the terms of the agreement with the sponsor.
8.) Some sponsors will allow cancellation of the agreement at anytime. However, others require the consumer to fulfill a designated amount of orders.
9.) Look for hidden costs such as additional shipping charges and fees.
10.) If required to give a credit card number – be assured that charges will follow. They do not need this information if there is no purchase taking place.
11.) Keep printed copies of all agreements (even the sponsor agreements) for future reference in the event of a discrepancy.
The best advice is to realize that most things are not “free” and usually require some sort of commitment and/or cost. Be sure to read and understand the terms of the agreement and keep printed copies of these agreements for reference. Above all, READ THE FINE PRINT! To quote the adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is…”
Article authored by Sybil Forsythe. Sybil is the publisher of www.letsmakeababydeal.com, an online resource for deals on kids & baby stuff, freebies, and contests. She works full time as a speech therapist and full time as a mother! Email: contactus@letsmakeababydeal.com
