Smart Shopping – Free is Free

Richard Sklar Posted by:
Richard Sklar, CIRP, LIT
Licensed Insolvency Trustee

Table of Contents

The Difference Between Free, Gift and Bonus

The inaccurate use of ‘Free’ and ‘Gift’ is a type of marketing that is truly irritating. It is a misuse of English and is meant to spur buyers into purchasing something in the misguided belief they are getting something for nothing.

According to Merriam-Webster online:

free (when referring to money) – means ‘not costing any money’

gift – means ‘something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation’

bonus – means ‘something in addition to what is expected or strictly due’

However – as consumers we are constantly bombarded with marketing terms like:

Free with the purchase of … – NO – this is a bonus it is NOT Free

Buy 2 get 1 Free … – NO – this is a 33.3% off sale on the purchase of 3 items – it is NOT Free

Gift with the purchase of … – NO – this is a bonus it is NOT a Gift

Free Gift with the purchase of… – Double NO – this is a bonus it is NOT Free and it is NOT a Gift

Something for Nothing

There are times you can get something for free – for example our initial consultations really are free, there are no fees and no obligations to have us review your serous debt problems at any of our Toronto area offices.

However, in general there is very little in the world of commerce that is in fact free. And as a smart consumer, you need to be aware of the Free Gift ‘buy button’ that marketers will try to push.

Clearly, marketers have more than one ‘buy button’ in their bag of tricks – as a smart shopper you need to be aware of those buttons that have the most impact on you and learn to avoid them.

 

Take Your First Step Towards A Debt Free Life

If you are overwhelmed by debt, call us at 1-844-962-9200 to book a FREE, confidential appointment. We will review your financial situation in detail and discuss all of your options with you. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you. 

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David Sklar & Associates Inc. – Consumer Proposals & Licensed Insolvency Trustees
David Sklar & Associates Inc. – Consumer Proposals & Licensed Insolvency Trustees
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Based on 831 reviews
I worked primarily with Christine, who was very friendly and outgoing. She was quick to help me, and explained everything I needed to know very well. She's quick to answer any questions I may have as well. The other members I spoke with were also very kind and jovial, and were happy to help me with anything they could. They made sure my proposal fit within my budget, and got everything going very quickly. I was happy to work with them, and would highly recommend their very friendly service!
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Jennifer Norton's exceptional assistance with my consumer proposal was life-changing. Her professionalism, expertise, and dedication were evident from the start. Jennifer's thorough explanations and attention to detail created a tailored proposal that set a clear path to financial freedom. She went above and beyond, advocating for my best interests and providing invaluable support. Thanks to Jennifer, I'm on track to a stress-free financial future. I wholeheartedly recommend her – she's not just a financial expert; she's a life-changer. Thank you, Jennifer!
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I was in a tough financial position and found myself searching for relief. I came across David Sklar & Associates page when doing my research on financial advice. The reviews were amazing, but I was concern because I didn’t know what to expect. I made the decision to set up a consultation and had the pleasure to meet with Jennifer Norton. Right from the beginning, she was attentive, knowledgeable, and pleasant to meet with. The experience was painless and very educational. Jennifer made sure I understood my choices, answered my questions, and concerns promptly, in person, over the phone and via email. I’ve been working with Jennifer for a couple months now and I am pleased that Jennifer is the manager handling my file. I would and have recommend Jennifer Norton, David Sklar & Associates to anyone in need of direction regarding finances.
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