25 years shopping thrift stores, estate, garage, rummage, flea markets and tag sales. 10 years in interior design. Current DIY projects have been renovating two turn-of-the century brownstones and commercial/residential property development. 
(4.33 out of 5)Consumer Alert: Free Offers, Um, Not Really
August 7th, 2006 by markdownmomMarkDownMom loves freebies, but lately there have been a slew of free offers that are not really free. Sites promising free iPods, computers, vacations and dinners are always never free.
Marketing game:
Basically, you have to earn a free iPod by subscribing to spam and signing up for ‘free’ offers and by signing up your friends for free offers.
These so-called free offers are really trial offers. You have to input your credit card, and while the first thirty days are free, you must call and cancel your service to avoid getting charged.
In addition, you must refer at least three friends, and they must sign up for three offers.
Moral of the story: If it is too good to be true, it probably is.
MDM, are there any free offers that are really free?
Yes, free samples are usually free. Like today we post a free sample of H.O.T. Sauce. In addition, we also posted a link to a free sample of 7-UP.
MDM, how can I tell if it is simply a marketing game?
Well, make sure you read the fine print before you submit any personal information. Red flags on websites include:
- "completion of offer terms"- “with participation”- "completion of user survey"- "participation in sponsor offers"- “after participating in free offers”- Or any other derivative of the aforementioned.
In addition, red flags also include a single page with only a place to enter a ZIP code or E-Mail address. This is called a marketing funnel. If they get you to enter your ZIP or E-Mail, chances increase that you will enter more information.
It doesn’t hurt to signup for these offers, right?
Yes it does! (Well not if you like getting spam). These websites usally require your e-mail address and will send you SPAM offers like crazy. And Spam is not elegant.
MarkDownMom: The Bargain Diva. The Art of Elegance on a Budget.
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