
Holiday Shopping: Separating the Real Deals from the Fake Ones
TINA.org offers some tips on how to avoid a shopping mishap this season.
TINA.org hammers out the fine print details of this advertised member perk.
Lowe’s has an offer for people who like free stuff.
In the commercial above, the home improvement store claims MyLowe’s Rewards members get “free standard shipping” and that becoming a rewards member is a walk in the park – in fact, Lowe’s says, you can “join for free.”
However, whether you actually qualify for free shipping as a MyLowe’s Rewards member is dependent on your membership level. Fine print in the ad discloses that the free shipping perk starts at “Silver Key status.”
And achieving Silver Key status is not typically free. According to the Lowe’s website, Silver Key membership requires a minimum of $500 in annual eligible purchases unless you’re a Lowe’s credit card holder or a verified military member.
For Bronze Key members who can join for free, there’s a $35 minimum in order to qualify for the advertised free standard shipping. And TINA.org found that many of the items featured in the ad, including the hammer, Scrub Daddy sponge, hat and light bulb, cost less than $35 each.
Of note, this $35 minimum order requirement is only $10 less than what non-members have to spend to be eligible for free shipping.
Lowe’s did not respond to TINA.org’s request for comment.
The bottom line
When an ad claims something is “free,” it often comes with caveats. If you come across this claim, always make sure to carefully read any related fine print to ensure you know exactly what the advertiser is offering.
Find more of our coverage on free.
Our Ad Alerts are not just about false and deceptive marketing issues, but may also be about ads that, although not necessarily deceptive, should be viewed with caution. Ad Alerts can also be about single issues and may not include a comprehensive list of all marketing issues relating to the brand discussed.
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