How “Free” Can Preserve the Old Total
A buy-one-get-one offer changes the price shoppers see at the shelf, but it does not guarantee that the store has cut its usual revenue on the two items. If the single-item price was raised beforehand, paying for one can cost about as much as buying two did at the earlier price. The extra item is free only relative to the new, higher reference price.
Why the Price Change Can Be Hard to Notice
Stores can adjust prices over time, while shoppers usually encounter one price at a time. Someone who sees the promotion may compare the deal with the current single-item price, not with what two items cost several weeks ago. That makes the offer feel like a substantial saving even when the total bill is close to its previous level.
The promotion can still be a real discount if the combined price is lower than the earlier cost of two items. But the word “free” alone does not establish that. The useful comparison is the checkout price for the same quantity before and during the offer—not just the crossed-out price or the advertised per-item value.
The Shopper’s Practical Test
For a BOGO deal, compare the current price for one with the recent price for two, and check whether you actually need both items. If the promotion merely restores the old total, the store has made the purchase look more generous without making the pair cheaper. A quick look at the price history can reveal whether the bonus item saves money—or simply arrives at the new price.
