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Copywriting TipsFree Contraption and immoderate cheap PC Offers.
by:
Brad Eden
Copyright 2005 Brad Eden
You've probably seen the ads for "low cost" PC's - "PC's for $199" - or even as "free" computers. If you're in the market for a personal computer, the you should cognize that "free" doesn't always mean free. Really often, certain conditions and restrictions found in the fine print of advertisements for "free" or "low cost" PC's can turn a so-called deal into a big ticket buy.
"Free" or "low-cost" PC offers often require "bundled" Cyberspace service contracts, which may last up to three years. In return for language up for Cyberspace service, you can get as more as a $400 rebate on the computer purchase. Patch several of these offers can be nice deals, many a are not as cheap as they may seem. Frequently, important details just about the rebate and Cyberspace service offer are difficult to ferret out because they're left out of the advertising or buried in the fine print.
Up-Front Costs
To get a "low cost" PC, you may have to pay the full cost of the computer up front - that is, the total cost without any rebates. If the PC is publicised
for $199 after rebates, you may have to pay $599, plus any sales tax and shipping charges, and then send for the $400 rebate.
Usually, you have to apply for the rebate in writing, mail in documentation of the sale and then wait - sometimes months - until you obtain your rebate check. Sometimes "instant" rebates are offered and you can get your deduction immediately. But several offers allow you to spend the rebate only on different merchandise from the manufacturer or retailer, meaning you still have to pay the full cost for the computer.
Internet Access
When you buy a "free" or "low cost" computer, you often have to sign up for three years of Cyberspace service at $20-$30 a month - a total cost of up to $1,000 for three years. Technology is dynamic at a dizzying pace. It's possible that the three-year Cyberspace service you lock in now could be out of date in six months or a year. And if you'd like to cancel your service, you'll likely have to pay a substantial penalty.
If you decide to cancel your Cyberspace service for any reason, chances are you'll have to pay back several or all of the rebate you received; you as well may have to pay a cancellation fee of $50 or more.
If you don't live in a major metropolitan area, you may have to pay long distance telephone charges to access the Internet. Or you as well may be able to use a "toll-free" (800, 888 or 877) number supplied by the Cyberspace Service Provider (ISP), but you may be charged five or six dollars an hour to use their "toll-free" number. Whether you choose to use the ISP's telephone number or pay long-distance charges, your phone calls to access the Cyberspace could add up to more than you'll save through the rebate.
If the PC offer requires you to sign-up for Cyberspace service, ask the distributer and the ISP for the Cyberspace access phone amount nighest
to you. Then check with your local phone institution to determine whether you have to pay long distance rates to use those phone numbers. You may want to consider another offer if the "deal" you're considering requires you to call long distance or pay a fee to access the Internet.
Other Costs
It's possible that the cost of a monitor or different crucial system components may not be enclosed
in the PC offer you're considering. The advertisements for the offer may not be clean just about what's included. If you have to buy a monitor, for example, plan on defrayal at least an additional $150.
When considering a "free" or "low cost" PC offer, ask the distributer just about up-front costs, rebates, essential components, Cyberspace access costs, long-term commitments, cancellation policies, local or long distance phone access and any different important issues. Details wish help you do the deal that's right for you.
Just just about the author:
Brad Eden is a Entrepreneurial Sciences expert with 14 years of industry experience in real estate, marketing and technical communication. He presently
consults with IBM in CA. Brad owns & operates a free traffic resource for entrepreneurs.
http://www.americanfreetraffic.com
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