More and more freebies not really free

Lots of restaurants offer freebies to bring in customers. It may be a free dessert on your birthday or a free appetizer if you like them on Facebook.

With so many restaurants competing for our dining dollar, freebies are one way of getting us in the door.
    
But, the consumer website MousePrint.org says in a new report some of those freebies require you to spend more and more money.

Example: A recent email from TGI Friday's to its best customers offering a coupon for a "free entree on us."
    
Only problem: "The coupon says buy one entree get one free, with the purchase of an appetizer." Is that really free?

Mousprint.org says a second email from Friday's says "free entree." But open the email and the coupon says "Buy one entree and get the second at half price."
    
A PR spokesperson for Friday's tells MousePrint the second email had an incorrect subject line, and apologizes for any confusion.

Doesn't that stink?

From the doesn't that stink file, the disappearing BOGO.  BOGO traditionally means "buy one get one free."

But more and more stores and restaurant it now means "get the second one at half price," not free.  If you are not expecting that, you may say "Doesn't that stink?"

And with some mail order BOGO's, you still have to pay shipping and handling, which can stink even more.

So with any freebie, check the fine print for what you may need to do in order to cash it in.

That way you're not disappointed, and that way you don't waste your money.

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Don't Waste Your Money is a registered trademark of the EW Scripps Co.

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