Free, or Not?

I've just about had it with advertisers who keep using the word "Free" in their advertising, when their offer has nothing to do with anything being free at all.

Webster defines "free" as "Not subject to a duty, tax, or other charge." Webster also defines "Free" as "Given without charge".

How many times have you seen an ad offering a "Free" whatever, provided you BUY something else first. I'm sorry, but that's NOT free!

If you attach conditions to the deal to get the extra whatever-it-is, it becomes part of the original purchase, and is covered by, and paid for, by the amount paid.

It's like saying "Give me $20,000 dollars and I'll give you a free Harley Davidson motorcycle!" Sorry, that's not a free motorcycle......

If they'd be honest in their advertising, all they would have to say is something like "Buy the new Bassmaster 5000 today, and we'll include a Mini-bassmaster at no additional charge."

No problem, that explains the deal in a clear and un-confusing manner, just like it ought to be explained.

"At no additional charge" is not the same as "Free", never has been. "At no additional charge" implies that you gotta do or buy something to get the extra goodies, "Free" does not.

I wish just once, a good attorney would go into a store using that kind of deceptive advertising and ask for the free item. When the store refuses to give it to him, he files a class action lawsuit and armed with nothing more than a dictionary and his law degree, sues their pants off.

After he wins that one, maybe he'll go do something about the "Bait-and-Switch" being used by some of the nationally known stores.

I'll get into THAT rant on another day.

I think it's time to head out to the range.............