Abusing "Freebie" Offers

[poundwise]

I have seen many free offers posted on this forum. For the most part, they are simple, straightforward, and its cool that people report them so that members here can take advantage and get some samples, etc.

However, there are also many posts for so-called freebies that really aren't. There have been many of these lately, so I wanted to call attention to it as I think its annoying and also don't know if people realize sometimes what the offer is or not.

What I am referring to is primarily B2B (business to business) offers. One company who offers mailing services to other companies or telephone systems or payroll services, will offer free envelopes, an address/phone register, or a calculator (for examples) to other companies along with sending information out about their services.

These offers are made to persons within larger companies who are responsible, at least in-part, for making decisions on these factors for the company, or for the owners of smaller companies who, again, might use such services in some fashion.

What I expect most people do with these offers is:

(a) Post fake company information, including number of employees, and give their home address and other info in order to get the 'freebie'

(b) Post real company information, but having no real basis for doing so as they are not decision makers or involved in any way in the company as it relates to the offer

Or some combination of those two things.

For one, I don't see the difference in this and stealing. You are trying to obtain a offer that is not meant for you by misrepresenting who you are.

For another, it is annoying that these 'freebies' are so frequently posted. When I click and read them, I just shake my head and say to myself, "That's not really a free offer." Meaning, it is not for the general public or has some specific persons or type of persons that the offer is made to.

Now, I am not opposed to posting SOME B2B type offers, but it would be nice if the poster would mention that in the initial post. That is.. something like this...

ABC Widgets is offering a free mini tape measure to anyone in the cabinetmaking or woodworking industry.

That is quite different than...

Free sample of Pantene

Enough said.

[barbara L]

I totally agree with you. I also love freebies and I also will not lie to get the freebie. Once I could have gotten a free pedometer if I just told them that I had arthritis. I backed out of it. I would have loved to have gotten the pedometer.

[JMicarose]

I agree, thank you for your input!

[Drageonlily]

I totally agree as well, it is also annoying when I go to click on the offer link and get the message that the offer is no longer valid or being offered. The person posting these should check them out first b4 posting them.

[lou12341]

Great Post Poundwise....hope All Read It And Think About It When
Ordering Freebies.

[PRICEPLUS]

First time seeing this! Thank you Poundwise!

[Magicman]

Thanks for the heads up! I usually don't respond to many freebie offers, though. Most freebies add up to more headaches than they are really worth. Great post.

[meloncedes]

but are those free magazine offers really free? haha. just kidding.

come on it only takes common sense to know which is which.