Recent Cyber Monday deals from HP extended the offer of a totally free Nook. But the small print suggests that free is not always free. Continue reading and learn how you can defend yourself.
Not necessarily free
When you see a deal for something free, be wary. Nothing is really free. Brian is a consumer who got a new Ultrabook with a totally free Noon e-reader as part of a Cyber Monday sale. He was trying to find a laptop and wanted the deal. When he returned the computer he decided did not work for him, HP made him pay $99 plus tax for the e-reader.
Not a unique issue
Free Nook promotions are not entirely free, according to HP, and Brian is not the only consumer to run into this problem. Looking at the fine print of such promotions, it becomes clear that the "free Nook" actually costs $99 plus tax. HP has claimed that the price listing as it appears also on a consumer's receipt is merely the way HP systems process orders - the consumer isn't charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
According to a source within the HP returns department, the business will not take back a free Nook obtained through such holiday promotions, and the customer "will not receive the $106 they were charged for (the Nook)."
Fine print claims not free
HPs small print explained that the Nook was priced with the laptop meaning it is not actually free at all. The consumer had to pay for it based on the terms of the transaction.
The Nook cannot be returned, but it can be sold at the consumer's discretion - albeit at a loss - or given as a gift. That does not take the sting of the "free Nook" away, however. So take the experience of others to heart and be aware that free isn't always free. Read the fine print!
Not necessarily free
When you see a deal for something free, be wary. Nothing is really free. Brian is a consumer who got a new Ultrabook with a totally free Noon e-reader as part of a Cyber Monday sale. He was trying to find a laptop and wanted the deal. When he returned the computer he decided did not work for him, HP made him pay $99 plus tax for the e-reader.
Not a unique issue
Free Nook promotions are not entirely free, according to HP, and Brian is not the only consumer to run into this problem. Looking at the fine print of such promotions, it becomes clear that the "free Nook" actually costs $99 plus tax. HP has claimed that the price listing as it appears also on a consumer's receipt is merely the way HP systems process orders - the consumer isn't charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
According to a source within the HP returns department, the business will not take back a free Nook obtained through such holiday promotions, and the customer "will not receive the $106 they were charged for (the Nook)."
Fine print claims not free
HPs small print explained that the Nook was priced with the laptop meaning it is not actually free at all. The consumer had to pay for it based on the terms of the transaction.
The Nook cannot be returned, but it can be sold at the consumer's discretion - albeit at a loss - or given as a gift. That does not take the sting of the "free Nook" away, however. So take the experience of others to heart and be aware that free isn't always free. Read the fine print!
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