Ordinarily I have a very placid outlook on life. But there are things that pump up my blood pressure, and usually it’s something involved with sales gimmicks – especially worthless ones.
What I have in mind is the oft repeated phrase used in connection with television offers, "You pay only shipping and handling!" Usually it’s for something that’s being offered free, or as an add-on to something with a price that brings tears to my eyes at the thought of the sacrifice the seller is making. You know the pitch.... "But wait! As a special gift if you order within the next four minutes....and you pay only shipping and handling."
After hearing these spiels more times than I can remember, it finally dawned on me that the shipping and, especially, handling is probably equal to the cost of the item, or nearly so.
The variation that carries this gimmick to it’s extreme offers "free replacements FOR LIFE" just for the cost of shipping and handling. I think they’re even making a buck or two in profit on this one.
There, I’ve gotten that off my chest. Now why don’t you tell me about your gripes, especially those having to do with questionable sales offers, so I can get annoyed all over again.
Paula "Just Say No" Gifford