Quick note to online retailers

[yendi]

The definition of "free" that I use does not mean that I expect to pay $6.95 for the item, even if you use the term "shipping costs" to justify it. And I sure as fuck don't expect to find that cost only mentioned on page 2, after giving a good chunk of my personal info.

That's not to say that it's wrong to charge a total of $6.95 including shipping for a half pound of coffee (it's an ok deal, in fact, if the coffee tastes decent, although since I can regularly purchase a 3/4 pound bag of Starbucks, Caribou, or Peet's from Shaw's for $9.99 before specials or coupons at my supermarket, and since I tend to go out of my way to only buy the ones with coupons or specials associated with them, it's not exactly one that blows me away). But using "free" when it isn't actually free (and not even putting the disclaimer on your front page) tells me everything I need to know about how you treat customers.

"Free" is one of those sales words that, when you use it, needs to either be accurate, properly qualified, or not there. I'm fine with "free shipping," or "buy one, get one free," or "free with your paid subscription," but if you don't put the strings or qualifiers right next to the word "free," you've lost me. You'd be better off with, "only $6.95, including shipping."

(Yes, I'm feeling as grumpy as Seth Godin this morning).

Comments

[emilytheslayer.livejournal.com]

Not that this makes it a ton better, as it's still pretty well hidden, but the shipping cost is mentioned if you click the "Click here for details" button. Before putting in any info.

[yendi]

*nod* And since I saw "scam" written all over it, I put in fake info, just to see what happened. But my first impression of this company is now that they're scammers, and in a world with many coffee choices, I don't have any incentive to let them change my mind.

[emilytheslayer.livejournal.com]

Sure, that makes sense too.

[lonesomenumber1]

Have you ever tried Coffee Bean Direct? I pay less than $30 for a five pound sack, including shipping.

[yendi]

I haven't, but since I have both Amazon Prime and a bunch of gift certificatess, I've got a five pound bag of another brand of coffee heading my way for $31 in gift certificates. I'll keep Coffee Bean Direct in mind, though. Thanks!