Free electronics - genuine or scam?
@jewelenterprises (1996)
Australia
April 12, 2008 6:06am CST
Okay, here is the story. I would like to get myself a new computer, specifically an iMac or a macbook. However, my financial situation is such that at this point in time I am unable to afford one.
I was wondering about those sites like freepay and wixawin... the general attitude to them is that they are scams but I am certain that some people actually do manage to get the electronics items that the aim for. Otherwise the sites would not remain so popular (due to bad publicity).
Have you or anybody you know ever received these 'free' electronics from any of these sites. Are there any that you would recommend?
Strictly speaking of course, the items are not FREE because you have to sign up for offers that cost money then refer other members who complete offers also. In general I think these sites earn at least $1000 for every $100 they spend on electronics... cynical I know but I think that would be true.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 Apr 08
Well, I don't necessarily agree with you on that... I mean, if they are going to give away electronics the money has to come from somewhere.
These sites are businesses, they are there to earn money.
As the saying goes, 'There's no such thing as a free lunch'
@Esoteric1 (863)
• Canada
12 Apr 08
I've never heard of these sites, I would like to know more about them tho. I wouldn't mind some almost free electronics. If you can manage to get what you need and it works I think that's great. I agree with the point you made about them being around so long, If they have been and you know for sure it would sound like they are legit. Make sure to read all the "Fine Print" good luck.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 Apr 08
Well, that's what I'm saying... am not sure whether they are genuine. I would love to personally hear from someone who has actually received free electronics from such a site.
@clivemist (4)
•
12 Apr 08
I havent heard of these sites, but will check them out...
Free software isnt a bad thing, as long as its genuine, and it pushes the market foward with larger companies that are developing, making more advanced programs, and making economies more efficient..
In terms of scam software/hardware, as long as its tested properly, there is no reason to try it out, but obviously this may just be a way to gain your details so they may make cash as you say.
As allways, theres always a catch, just depends how bad you want something and what the risks are, but there are far too many sites that take your details and then 'misfunction at the last minute'.
A pain, but people are making REAL money out of our expense...
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
12 Apr 08
Yes, the problem with these sites is that the offers you sign up for are not free and you generally only get 90 days to get the required signups... depending on the value of the item you are aiming for you may need 20 signups... and each of those need to sign up for offers also to be a qualified signup.
Still, you can end up getting the item a LOT cheaper than retail... assuming you can get the required number of signups in the specified timeframe.
The way these guys make money is on all the people who DON'T qualify for their item in the time required... I'd say probably only 1% actually ends up getting the item... the others have just wasted their money on the offers they signed up for... and of course the site has still received their commissions on what those people signed up for. That's why I say that they probably earn ten times what they spend.
Anyway, the two I was specifically talking about are http://www.wixawin.com and http://www.freepay.com
