by PN Schiavone

Created on: December 13, 2008   Last Updated: April 10, 2009

Free, is a word that is highly ranked on many Internet search engines. The Internet is full of free offers. Almost any product can be found for free when searched. Most of the time in order to get any item for free, you would have to fill out many Internet forms and sign up for some offers that the site refers you to. In most cases you need to complete three offers to receive your free item. It can also take up to two hours to successfully complete the surveys and offers just for a chance to get the freebie.

These surveys are designed to get information about you and your family for finely targeted e-mail ads later. You will be asked how much money you make, your interests, your vacation habits, and how much debt you have. Once the site has this information it is shared with all companies that advertise on the site. Your e-mail will be filled with advertisements that are specifically targeted for your interests and needs based on information provided to the site. It may take months to get your self off of those e-mail lists.

In most cases you can complete at least two offers for free. These usually are offers for free insurance quotes. These offers ask for even more information and phone numbers to contact you with. If you fill out these offers get ready for calls day and night for insurance and loans. After all you asked to be contacted for this purpose. Again, this information will be sold again and again making it almost impossible to get off of the call list.

You will have to buy something in order for the freebie to be sent to you. The more expensive the item the more you will need to buy. The marketers tell you that you will buy this stuff anyway. Just ask yourself, do I really want to be involved in the book of the month club or the wine of the month club. Many of these types of purchases are expensive and most people would not intentionally look to join such clubs. It can be challenging finding one offer that you truly need.

The question you need to ask yourself is this. Is an item free when I have to spend my time, information, and finally buy something that I usually would not buy? If you can truly find three items that you would buy anyway, then it could be said that the item is free. When you give your information away, you run the risk of identity theft. In many cases finding the item you want on sale is going to save you time and money in the long run. The decision is yours.

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