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I probably get more
excited than most when I see something that is cheap or free, but there
are times when a more expensive choice may be more prudent.
If you are a regular
on this site, you will have noticed that I seldom feature offers that
require you to lay down any money. That should make a lot of sense, considering
this site's topic is freebies. Another reason for that policy is avoid
encouraging users to spend money on bargains that only appear to be bargains.
I'm sure we have all
ordered products or services that turned out not to be the bargains we
thought they were. What we need to learn from those experiences is not
to avoid things that are free or cheap, but to evaluate whether they are
really bargains. Here are some general tips to help you avoid the non-bargains:
- If it looks too
good to be true
You would do well to heed this ages-old advice. When you see a bargain
that you find hard to believe, check it out very thoroughly before you
spend any money on it.
- Be careful with
rebates
There are many fantastic bargains to be found with rebates, but
make sure you are going to follow through. Companies are counting on
many people being lured by the rebate, but not sending in the paperwork.
- Check the feedback
If you buy through online auctions, be sure to check the feedback on
the seller. Even if the seller has good feedback, be very careful about
buying big ticket items. Some unscrupulous sellers have been known to
build up a good rating selling small items and then try to scam people
with a bunch of high priced auctions.
- Fight the Frenzy
It's no bargain to buy things you don't have a use for, even if the
price is fantastic. The exception, of course, is when you can sell them
for a profit, or donate them to those in need.
- Ignore unsolicited
email offers
It probably is not an exaggeration to say that all unsolicited email
offers are all either fraudulent or worthless. Sending spam is easy,
cheap and considered by most to be unethical. That combination attracts
the worst elements of our society to try to make a quick buck at your
expense.
- Never believe
telemarketers
I'm sure there
are legitimate offers made by telemarketers, but the risk of being scammed
is too high. Telemarketers don't offer anything that can't be had through
other channels.
- Don't skimp when
quality counts
Especially, In
matters where safety could be at risk, check things out very carefully
before going for the lowest price. Extremely low prices can often mean
that corners are being cut in order to still make a profit.
I've assembled some
links to articles from other About Guides
that may help you avoid the boondoggles so you can focus on the true bargains.
More
Articles ...
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