Buy One Get One 50% Off

What is the real deal here? Well, some refer to this offer as "BOGO". The intent is for the consumer to buy one item and not be able to resist buying a second item since it is half the price. However, read the small print. It probably states that the second item must be equal or lesser value and while supplies last. In other words, no rainchecks allowed.

Example:
Let us assume the second item is of equal value.
First item - $35.00
Second item - $35.00 / 2 = $17.50

Why divide by two? 50% can refer to something divided into two equal parts. However, the second item's cost could be calculated by multiplying 35 times .50 too.

Let us continue. Thus, if two items are purchased, the total bill without tax is
$35.00 + $17.50 = $52.50
In essence, each item costs $26.25.

Another version of BOGO is "Buy One get One Free".

If you buy one and get one for free, how much did you save? If the adored product cost $15.00, and another identical one is free, the buyer saved 50%. In essence, each product cost $7.50. It is the same as buying two for the price of one. Now, it is up to you how you share your bargain with your friends. You can tell them, "I bought this wonderful gadget and received one free" or " I bought these wonderful gadgets for 50% off. Which one sounds better? Is there a difference?

Again, read the small print. The offer could be straight forward and the consumer actually receives the same product purchased for no charge. On the other hand, the free product may be stated on the coupon or ad, and the free item may have a lesser value.

To Enhance and Improve Your Shopping Skills and Experience
If you want a small gadget to keep up with your shopping list, errands and its voice activated, stays on your refrigerator and prints, have you seen the Smart Shopper from Amazon? I immediately thought of someone that the family affectionately refers to as the Kitchen Gadget Queen. Also, it would serve well for those with writing challenges or arthritis. The latest version is voice-activated, but there is another model available without the voice feature.

Kindle lovers, How to Shop for Free: Shopping Secrets for Smart Women Who Love to Get Something for Nothing is ranked 7 at the time of this writing in Consumer Guides as an e-book and #8 as a traditional book under Women and Business.