Often on TV ads, a new product offers a FREE trial sample, but attached a hefty shipping and handling charge. I don't think it costs $29.95 to send a 2 oz. sample of hand lotion. Then the sample really isn't FREE, is it?
2007-12-30 01:08:45 · 7 answers · asked by debodun 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing ➔ Other - Advertising & Marketing
They assume it (and marketing is all about assumptions) that when they say free, they are not including shipping and handling costs. And of course they could not, because they hire the transport, and handling to an outsourcer. And they canno't offer what does not depend on them, So actually it is not a crazy assumption they make. They assume that it is free, because everything that depends on their part comes to you free of charge. This does not include services rendered by other companies, like transport and handling.
Hope this helps.
Salazar
2007-12-30 01:15:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, this practice IS unethical but not illegal. There are no regulations about how much businesses may charge for shipping costs. Remember the old proverb - there's no such thing as a free lunch. Since these charges are paid directly to the company, they can pocket the difference between their actual shipping charges and what they say they are, hoping nobody will notice the sticker amount on the package when it arrives. This is especially true for small businesses and ones just starting. Think of some guy making hand lotion in his basement laboratory. Is he going to front the costs of sending out hundreds or maybe thousands of samples? They figure you want their product, you must be willing to pay for it, no matter how small a sample.
Maybe this will help you understand:
http://www.pcguide.com/buy/ven/eval/factShipping-c.html
2007-12-30 01:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by kapustafooz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another thing which is happening in ads on the internet is to offer a product for a free trial using a reasonable S&H of $4.95-$5.95 but the trial is for only 14 days which starts at the time of the order. By the time you get the product, you only have about 10 days. If you exceed the trial period, you are put on their subscription PLUS charge you for the first shipment TOO. I don't call this Free Trial at all. Again, it appears to be legal, but to me very unethical. You don't get a real chance to try the product and end up paying for the product anyway. NOT right!
2016-05-28 01:16:16 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another thing which is happening in ads on the internet is to offer a product for a free trial using a reasonable S&H of $4.95-$5.95 but the trial is for only 14 days which starts at the time of the order. By the time you get the product, you only have about 10 days. If you exceed the trial period, you are put on their subscription PLUS charge you for the first shipment TOO. I don't call this Free Trial at all. Again, it appears to be legal, but to me very unethical. You don't get a real chance to try the product and end up paying for the product anyway. NOT right!
2013-12-28 10:05:05 · answer #4 · answered by Vic 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you answered your own quesiton, they aren't REALLY free if there is S/H. Samples cost a lot of money to send (although nonecost that much!). Companies that mislead people to that extent are doing themselfs a big disfavor. They make the company look dishonest
If you like free samples (REAL free samples with NO cost) you should check out
http://www.sampleaday.com .
It provides a sample a day from companies and doesn't make you get fill out a bunch of surveys. Just click the link to get redirected to the company that has the free samples. You can sign up to get the sample of the day delivered to your e-mail too (which is pretty nice), but it is not required.
The descriptions are pretty funny to read too
2007-12-30 09:38:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, that's the way they can still make a profit off their prduct by saying it's free but then you have to pay shipping and handeling. Nothing for FREE there's always a catch . Just make sure you read the fine print first.
Good Luck
2007-12-30 02:02:07 · answer #6 · answered by Rhonda L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, nothing is free, they just call it free in hopes you will be dumb enough to fall for it.
2007-12-30 01:12:10 · answer #7 · answered by Leizl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋