When is free something other than free? When HP dangles a totally free Nook offer, notes The Consumerist.
Not totally free
The Consumerist tells the tale of Brian, a consumer who was in the market for an HP laptop. He bought an Ultrabook as part of a Cyber Monday promotion that incorporated a totally free Nook e-reader. Everything was fine until Brian decided the Ultrabook was not exactly what he was looking for. When he went to return the computer, Brian was actually charged $99 plus tax out of the return funds from the laptop. It was the cost of the Nook, which HP wouldn't take back.
Issue seen all over
Free Nook promotions aren't entirely free, according to HP, and Brian isn't really the only customer to run into this issue. Looking at the small print of such promotions, it becomes clear that the "free Nook" really 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 customer isn't charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
The consumer cannot get back the $106 they were charged for the promotion, and the company will not take back the free nook. An HP source said that the business will not take back the Nook or give a $106 refund for the gadget.
Not really as free as you may think
HPs fine print explained that the Nook was priced with the laptop meaning it is not really free at all. The consumer had to pay for it based on the terms of the transaction.
The "free Nook" sting is still there and makes lots of people angry since it cannot be returned, though it could be sold at the consumer's discretion.
Not totally free
The Consumerist tells the tale of Brian, a consumer who was in the market for an HP laptop. He bought an Ultrabook as part of a Cyber Monday promotion that incorporated a totally free Nook e-reader. Everything was fine until Brian decided the Ultrabook was not exactly what he was looking for. When he went to return the computer, Brian was actually charged $99 plus tax out of the return funds from the laptop. It was the cost of the Nook, which HP wouldn't take back.
Issue seen all over
Free Nook promotions aren't entirely free, according to HP, and Brian isn't really the only customer to run into this issue. Looking at the small print of such promotions, it becomes clear that the "free Nook" really 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 customer isn't charged the $99 at the time of purchase.
The consumer cannot get back the $106 they were charged for the promotion, and the company will not take back the free nook. An HP source said that the business will not take back the Nook or give a $106 refund for the gadget.
Not really as free as you may think
HPs fine print explained that the Nook was priced with the laptop meaning it is not really free at all. The consumer had to pay for it based on the terms of the transaction.
The "free Nook" sting is still there and makes lots of people angry since it cannot be returned, though it could be sold at the consumer's discretion.