Free, what does it really mean? We have always heard the quote, " There is no such thing as a free lunch." Many times in my life, I have learned that very hard lesson. I admit, that although I am the town crier of Free, it is a very hard thing for me to walk into a Krispy Kreme and get a free donut and walk out. I have to buy something, don't I? Well, I know that is why they do it, it generates sales. I think deep in my psychological being I feel a responsibility to pay for the things I get. What makes me this way? There are people that have no problem walking in and walking out with that free item. Me.... it pains me a little. The other day I sent Marty for the free Mcdonald's mocha and he drove through the drive thru and asked for the drinks, "that were free" but he also bought fries. Obviously, he is in the same boat with me.
What if you are in the mall and they give you a free sample of makeup? I have no problem with that. I used to give them out. Well, what is the difference? Some things I can take without the pain and others I can't.
The bottom line is, when a company gives a free item, they are hoping for your business. Every free download of an album, a free book, a free meal, or free makeup hopes to capture you as a customer. The parameters of what we are willing to give for an item or service leads me to my next point. We could take a sample and dislike it, and if you do, you will never buy it. I guess then it was free for you, but you were educated and made aware. However, then they paid for it (better them, than you, right?) If you liked it, well..........you fill in the blank. I believe Free is a really nice idea, but NOTHING, not even freedom is free. A price is paid by someone.
I will continue to call these cool offers Free, because you don't have to give them your money to get it. I to wanted raise a few questions. Responsibility, who really paid here? This subject is much bigger than a free mocha isn't it. We will explore this together.
Part 2 soon.
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Good point Sherri. I'm the same way. It is hard to just take the free item and walk away. At the internet cafe we used a week or so ago in Kathmandu, they had free wireless, but we always got at the very least a cup of tea, and often ended up buying lunch there too. excellent garlic naan bread!)
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much money the average company shells out, as compared to new business they might get from "free" items. Is there even a way to effectively quantify it? Interesting thought. Looking forwards to reading part 2.
Oh, and thanks for keeping me posted on the free-for-me freebies!