Occasionally, free is not free. For instance, a merchandise promotion may claim that if you purchase an HP Ultrabook computer, you can receive a free Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader. Such was the case on Cyber Monday 2012. But when one consumer had to return the Ultrabook, they found that Nook is far from free. It went for retail cost, $99 plus tax. Let this be a warning to you, as many free Nook offers are available - read the small print.
Free only to an extent
Whenever you see a deal for something free, be wary. Nothing is really free. Brian is a consumer who got a new Ultrabook with a free Noon e-reader as part of a Cyber Monday sale. He was trying to find a laptop and wanted the deal. When he returned the computer he decided did not work for him, HP made him pay $99 plus tax for the e-reader.
Others have had same issue
Free Nook promotions aren't entirely free, according to HP, and Brian isn't really the only customer to run into this issue. Looking at the small print of such promotions, it becomes clear that the "free Nook" really costs $99 plus tax. HP has claimed that the price listing as seems like also on a consumer's receipt is merely the way HP systems process orders - the consumer is not charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
The consumer cannot get back the $106 they were charged for the promotion, and the company will not take back the free nook. An HP source said that the business will not take back the Nook or give a $106 refund for the device.
Not really as free as you might think
HPs fine print explained that the Nook was priced with the laptop meaning it is not really free at all. The consumer had to pay for it based on the terms of the transaction.
The Nook cannot be returned, but it can be sold at the consumer's discretion - albeit at a loss - or given as a gift. That doesn't take the sting of the "free Nook" away, however. So take the experience of others to heart and be aware that free isn't always free. Read the fine print!
Free only to an extent
Whenever you see a deal for something free, be wary. Nothing is really free. Brian is a consumer who got a new Ultrabook with a free Noon e-reader as part of a Cyber Monday sale. He was trying to find a laptop and wanted the deal. When he returned the computer he decided did not work for him, HP made him pay $99 plus tax for the e-reader.
Others have had same issue
Free Nook promotions aren't entirely free, according to HP, and Brian isn't really the only customer to run into this issue. Looking at the small print of such promotions, it becomes clear that the "free Nook" really costs $99 plus tax. HP has claimed that the price listing as seems like also on a consumer's receipt is merely the way HP systems process orders - the consumer is not charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
The consumer cannot get back the $106 they were charged for the promotion, and the company will not take back the free nook. An HP source said that the business will not take back the Nook or give a $106 refund for the device.
Not really as free as you might think
HPs fine print explained that the Nook was priced with the laptop meaning it is not really free at all. The consumer had to pay for it based on the terms of the transaction.
The Nook cannot be returned, but it can be sold at the consumer's discretion - albeit at a loss - or given as a gift. That doesn't take the sting of the "free Nook" away, however. So take the experience of others to heart and be aware that free isn't always free. Read the fine print!
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