Buy one, get one (BOGO) deals are everywhere, from supermarkets and clothing stores to restaurants and even e-commerce websites. They’re also aggressively promoted both in stores and online, and you’re as likely to see them pop up on your social media or the sites you visit as you do when you shop in a mall or city center.
Perhaps even when you don’t intend to go shopping, BOGO promos catch your eye. These promotions can feel like a steal, but are they always worth it? Here’s what you should consider before jumping on any tempting BOGO offer:
1) Do You Actually Need Two?
BOGO deals can be great if you genuinely need two of the same item. But if it’s a perishable product or has a limited shelf life, think twice. No one wants to end up with an extra carton of milk that expires next week.
Think about past experiences, too. How many times has an extra item gone unused in your household? That “free” product might end up in the back of a cabinet, collecting dust until it’s finally thrown away. The best BOGO deals for you will likely involve non-perishable or frequently used items, like shampoo, toothpaste, or paper towels.
2) Does It Work for Your Preferred Payment Method?
Some BOGO deals may be even more rewarding to cash in on using particular modes of payment, like credit cards. If a BOGO deal is available, check if you can be rewarded further with rewards points or cashback.
For example, a Landers credit card will allow you to earn cashback for many items. That will make shopping for BOGO deals at Landers Superstore even better thanks to the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.
On the other hand, perhaps you may need to reconsider the deal if the payment conditions are too restrictive. If you have to jump through hoops just to pay for a BOGO deal, perhaps you’re better off without it.
3) Is the Discount Really a Bargain?
Retailers sometimes inflate original prices before offering a BOGO promotion. A single item’s price might be higher than usual, making the “free” one less of a deal.
Check the price history or compare it with other stores before assuming it’s a great bargain. If a store consistently sells an item at a higher price just to make a BOGO deal seem more appealing, it’s not really a discount.
4) Do You Have the Budget?
Spending money on an unplanned BOGO deal might mean cutting back on other essentials. Even though you’re getting an extra item “free,” it’s still an additional expense if it wasn’t originally in your budget.
Do you have a monthly shopping limit? Check first if you can afford this deal. If buying it means skipping something you really need, it doesn’t count as savings.
5) Is It the Best Deal Available?
Sometimes, a straight-up discount (like 50% off) is actually a better deal than BOGO. This is especially true for higher-priced items, where a direct price reduction might save you more money.
For example, buying two shirts at “Buy One, Get One Free” for PHP 1,500 total may sound great at the moment, but if the store offers a “50% off” sale next week, you could get one for just PHP 750 without the pressure of buying two.
6) Are There Hidden Conditions?
Always read the fine print. Some BOGO deals require buying specific variants, a minimum spend, or applying for a store membership. If you’re not aware of the conditions, you might end up spending more than expected. Do the math to see if it’s really worth signing up or adding extra items to your cart.
7) Is It Encouraging Wasteful Consumption?
One overlooked aspect of BOGO deals is their potential to encourage overconsumption and waste. If the free item isn’t needed, it may end up being discarded, thus contributing to waste. Food items, in particular, are at risk of being thrown away if they’re not consumed before they expire.
Think about storage space as well. Where will this extra item go? Is there enough room to store it, or will it just clutter an already full pantry? Getting a second item free may sound good to you, but if it sits unused or if you eventually throw it away, it’s not a deal—it’s just clutter.
Consider if the BOGO deal aligns with a sustainable shopping habit. If buying extra leads to unnecessary waste, it may not be the best option. If you won’t use the second item, consider splitting the deal with a friend or donating it to make the purchase worthwhile.
8) Can You Sell or Regift the Extra Item?
Lastly, if the second item isn’t needed, another practical consideration is whether it can be resold or given as a gift. Some items, like cosmetics, personal care products, or seasonal goods, might be suitable for resale online or as a thoughtful present for someone else.
A BOGO deal might make sense if an item can be sold or gifted. However, if it’s something nobody else would want, it’s probably not worth it.
Conclusion: Should You Go for That BOGO Deal?
BOGO deals can be highly appealing when you see them, but whether they’re the bargain you initially think you’re getting depends on several factors. Smart shopping means knowing when a “deal” is truly worth it.
Next time you see a flashy BOGO sign, take a second to think. Is it a win or just a way to spend more? Your wallet will thank you for making the smarter choice.
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