When is free something other than free? When HP weighs a free Nook offer, notes The Consumerist.
Returned Nook makes nothing free
During Cyber Monday, consumer Brian started looking for a new laptop. According to the Consumerist, he got a free Noon e-reader as part of the promotion. When Brian took the Ultrabook back because he did not want it anymore, he had to pay $99 plus tax for the E-reader still.
Issue seen all over
Free Nook promotions aren't entirely free, according to HP, and Brian isn't the only customer to run into this issue. Looking at the small 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 is not charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
According to a source within the HP returns department, the company will not take back a totally free Nook obtained through such holiday promotions, and the customer "will not get the $106 they were charged for (the Nook)."
Fine print states not free
The terms of the transaction showed that the Nook price was actually bundled with the HP price instead of actually being a totally free product offered on top of the computer. The small print is where all the important information could be found.
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 doesn't 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!
Returned Nook makes nothing free
During Cyber Monday, consumer Brian started looking for a new laptop. According to the Consumerist, he got a free Noon e-reader as part of the promotion. When Brian took the Ultrabook back because he did not want it anymore, he had to pay $99 plus tax for the E-reader still.
Issue seen all over
Free Nook promotions aren't entirely free, according to HP, and Brian isn't the only customer to run into this issue. Looking at the small 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 is not charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
According to a source within the HP returns department, the company will not take back a totally free Nook obtained through such holiday promotions, and the customer "will not get the $106 they were charged for (the Nook)."
Fine print states not free
The terms of the transaction showed that the Nook price was actually bundled with the HP price instead of actually being a totally free product offered on top of the computer. The small print is where all the important information could be found.
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 doesn't 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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