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Reader Ellen grumbled about getting tricked by a free trial that turned out to be $35-$40! She emailed me:
In searching for child care I stumbled across the many strings attached to the classic hook, line and sinker: FREE TRIAL. (What I really mean is hook, line and STINKER!) Two Web sites both advertised free trials to post an ad for child care. The responses from caregivers came pouring in to my e-mail only their information was not available unless I “upgraded to a premium membership,” which averaged between $35.00 and $40.00.
Now this would all be well and good if the sites didn’t advertise a FREE TRIAL. In calling one site to complain about false or misleading advertising, I was told that in the past parents would first pay and receive no responses so they revamped their policy to protect those who didn’t get responses. While I could appreciate that, I still feel they shouldn’t advertise something as free if indeed it’s just a bait.
Thoughts?
How frustrating! Retailers and manufacturers should disclose the fine print up front because it builds customers’ trust. I know I am more likely to act on a deal or discount if I can see all the hoops I have to jump through ahead of time. If the rules are hidden, I’m likely to think the provider is hiding something suspicious. With all the info, I can fully evaluate whether the deal makes sense for me.
What do you look for if you suspect a deal might not be as good as it seems? Have you been burned before? I recently regretted a “free” postage scale deal.
Welcome to Niconail! I’m Niko, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
The one that really makes me mad is the “free credit reports” or “free FICO scores”. They say you are entitled to a free report once a year, and yet ALL of these companies – I’ve tried several – want your ATM or credit card number so they can charge it in 14 – 30 days or whatever.
It’s a trick, so I just do without knowing what my credit is.
I was looking for a free hair trial for my wedding day. I found lots that say “free” only to find out that unless you use them on the wedding day, they will charge you for the trial. The price of the trial is tacked onto the wedding day package. That is not FREE.
There is a US government site that does permit you to get free credit reports. I read about it sometime ago but have forgotten it. Julia, can you help?
The credit report is not free from just anywhere. is the site for the really free one. they do charge if you want a score. when you log on they give you a choice of 3 bureaus. each one gives you one free a year.
they recommend running one from each bureau every 4 months.
@3chihuahuas Thanks for stepping in and answering @FrugalDad’s question!
Chrystal – Rather than getting mad, you can start to getting your absolutely free credit reports. Individuals are entitled to 1 free no-strings-attached credit report per 12-month period from each of the 3 major credit bureaus (for a total of 3 separate reports). These free reports can be ordered either all at once or each at separate times at annualcreditreports.com. No other website, regardless of any offers or claims, are obligated to provide any of these free reports. These free reports, however, do not include FICO or any other credit scores. Your FICO score is available with these reports only for a fee. Good luck.
well i tried to get thoes free office supplies you showed but still havent recived them has anyone that sined up
I try and avoid anything on TV that says free and has a cheesey song attached.
@Clementine Ha! Good signs to look for. I’m guessing that brings your chances of buying anything advertised on TV to zero.
It depends on the channel and the time it’s advertised but yeah I avoid the “call now” and get the first (product here) free. Shipping $9.99.
I draw the line at a talking sock puppet promising to get anyone a loan “even if they have bad credit.”
That just smells, like an unwashed sock, well dirty!
If it promises instant gratification there’s almost always an instant consequence.
Instant gratification: Just add water
Jeez…That’s like saying, “Here’s a free sandwich! (But you can’t take a bite until you upgrade.)”
Creeps.
Good one Donna!
This is a good Op-Ed on what banks have in store for us in the name of “free.” And take note: Fee is a hidden word in free!
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Tracy, I haven’t received mine either, but BB says to allow more time.