Free stuff that costs you MORE

We all like to find a bargain – and retailers know it. It used to be that freebies, discount vouchers and codes offered real value, but now they are so common that if you don’t find a discount then you’re probably paying too much.

After all, many retailers are still turning a handsome profit, despite apparently offering such excellent deals to their customers. So, clearly, not all of these free gifts and bargains are such a great deal for the shoppers.

In fact, new research shows that even freebies can leave the buyer out of pocket. Here’s why:

Buy one you don’t need, get another one you don’t need

If you’ve felt pressured into making a purchase because of a buy-one-get-one-free offer then you’re not alone. A new study from mobile phone company EE shows that the nation spends a staggering £700 million a year on bargains that they never use.

In fact, the average shopper regrets two out of five bargain purchases and more than half admit they have regretted buying a bargain.

And it’s not just free additional items. Often retailers will throw in a ‘free’ gift if you spend a certain amount, and this can be a big incentive to overspend on items that aren’t really needed, simply because it seems like excellent value.

Remember, it’s only a good deal if you actually need it or will use it. Otherwise, it’s a marketing ploy to make you spend more than you otherwise would.

‘Free’ phone calls

Brits spend more than £600 million a year 08 numbers, including 0800 numbers, which many people believe are cheap or free. That’s according to new research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Three.

It found that three-quarters of people don’t know how much their mobile phone provider charges them to dial 0800 numbers, with 10% believing they are free.

Others don’t realise that their free or inclusive minutes often don’t include 0845 and 0870 numbers, meaning they are typically paying between 14p and 40p. Three is planning to make 0800 calls free, but it’s worth checking what your provider charges before making the call.

‘Freemium’ games

In a world where games can cost £40 or more, free-to-play smartphone and tablet games should be a great way to save money, right?

Sadly not. New research from Gocompare.com shows that 44% of people playing so-called ‘freemium’ games have made an in-game purchase – spending an average of £17.50.

Worryingly, 3% of 18-24-year-olds admitted spending more than £100 on these free games, to unlock levels or buy extra lives. That kind of spending may be in the minority, but the 18-24 age group have spent an average of £35.40 on ‘free’ games.

Turns out free isn’t free, it’s incrementally expensive.

‘Mums eat free’

With the Mother’s Day marketing in full swing, many restaurants and pubs are advertising a ‘mums eat free’ meal deal. Some eateries are making genuinely good offers, such as buy-one-get-one-free on their usual main meals.

However, others are offering a fixed price set menu, and it’s worth asking yourself why restaurants are giving such a great discount on one of the busiest Sundays of the year.

Many will have increased the set-menu prices to cover this offer, despite offering a simpler meal than usual so that the kitchen can cope with the extra diners. A carvery near me is offering a two-course set menu for £12.95 where mums eat free. They usually offer a BOGOF deal on £5/£6 main courses, so even with starters factored in there’s no extra saving.

Look for a real deal this Mother’s Day and if everywhere looks like a rip-off, then ask if she’d mind going out on Monday night instead. She’s your mum, she won’t mind.

Free trials

It sounds too good to be true; a free trial of a gym, or credit-score checker, or some other useful service. However, if you don’t cancel within the allocated time (and sometimes it’s easy to forget to do so), then often these contracts simply continue to run. The freebie is quickly swallowed up by the later payments you make.

And if you don’t even use the service you’re paying for, then that freebie will cost you a fortune. It’s easier to do than you might think; while researching this article, I realised that I’ve been paying £6 a month for a credit-checking service but I haven’t actually signed in to see the information in two years. I have wasted £144!

What do you think? Is it up to consumers to work out if something’s a bargain, or should retailers be more transparent? Have your say using the comments below.