Free Samples
Ever been to Costco on a weekend just to try out the samples? You might think this is ‘oh so generous’ of the warehouse club but there’s an ulterior motive behind their so-called generosity with the freebies: it increases the chances of you buying something when you get to test it for free, mainly due to the reciprocity norm – you feel obligated to return the favor after someone has done something for you; in this case, purchase a product as a “thank you,” whether out of gratitude or even regret for having received the sample in the first place.
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Don’t forget “Mail in Rebates” as apposed to a reduced price or instant rebate at the register. They sound great. Who doesn’t like getting freebies in the mail? You just have to remember to take the receipt, cut some proof from the box, fill out the rebate form… you did remember to pick one up, didn’t you? Then you mail that in before the deadline. Of course, you pay the postage. Then, if you got everything right, you eventually get your rebate in the mail. The next time you go to that store, you can use your rebate, if you are making a qualifying purchase, and the rebate hasn’t expired. Oh, and if you haven’t forgotten.