Free Nursing Drug Handbook - Gimmick or No?

[KrCmommy522, BSN, RN]

So, today in the mail I received an offer "Here's your chance to get a FREE Nursing 2019 Drug Handbook, 39th Edition."

Immediately, I'm intrigued! Who doesn't love free stuff!! Lol...But in my mind I think, "Is anything ever really FREE?"

So, I open it to read....

First, it's got a 4 page "Important Notice" with it. This first describes that, getting the book, you'll be able to "correctly answer the following questions..." and goes on to give 4 random questions regarding first drugs approved.

It goes on to say that you "get a FREE copy if your request is among the first 50 received by June 22, 2018." You just have to take the postcard and take the sticker from the envelope and mail it back to them. It says "Yes (checked off), send Nursing 2019 Drug Handbook, 39th Edition, right away. I understand that the Handbook and access to the companion Website are mine FREE if my request is among the first 50 you receive between now and June 22, 2018."

So, I'm like, okay, so I send this card in, and IF I am among the first 50, THEN they send me the book. But, I caught on something in that, "I understand that the Handbook and access to the companion Website are mine FREE IF MY REQUEST IS AMONG THE FIRST 50 YOU RECEIVE between now and June 22, 2018."

That "IF...." kind of threw me. So, they send it to me, but it's only free IF I was among the first 50? How can that be?

Then, on the side, written small of course, I see "GUARENTEE: I may use my Handbook FREE for 30 days even if I'm not among the first 50 to replay. If I decide to keep the book I'll pay just $39.95 plus shipping and handling (and sales tax where applicable) and have immediate access to the Website. Or, I'll pay shipping costs to return the Handbook within 30 days of receiving it and owe nothing for the Handbook."

So, I'm very confused...Even if I'm not among the first 50, they still send it to me, without me having to provide any credit card info, and if I wasn't among the first 50 and want to keep it, they are really satisfied with the fact that people might not send the money? It seems weird to me to not have to give them any credit card info for this 30 day trial (if I'm not among the first 50 who get it free). They just hope that people will do as they should and send the money, with no sort of backup?

It's just so weird to me! Most things offering a free trial, want your credit card first, in case you keep it. Of course, I am also thinking that how would you know if you were the first 50, they could just say you weren't and expect you to pay for it. I don't know, I guess I'm just not very trusting!!

What are your guys' thoughts?

My final decision is it's not worth it. Whatever it is. If I want to book, I'll get it on Amazon, probably cheaper! Lol!

[caliotter3]

They have been doing this for years and years. I never fell for it.

[Guest219794]

I think you can safely assume you won't be among the first 50.

So- is it the book you want for $40? Or would you try to stiff them for it?

What has your prior experience be with things that sound too good to be true?

Books are expensive to print and ship. The way you get that money back is by getting money from the people you ship the books to.

You are asking whether this is a scam. Sure. One way or another.

A better question is, "What kind of scam is this?" And, really what does that matter?

[KrCmommy522, BSN, RN]

I think you can safely assume you won't be among the first 50.

So- is it the book you want for $40? Or would you try to stiff them for it?

What has your prior experience be with things that sound too good to be true?

Books are expensive to print and ship. The way you get that money back is by getting money from the people you ship the books to.

You are asking whether this is a scam. Sure. One way or another.

A better question is, "What kind of scam is this?" And, really what does that matter?

Agreed! I definitely agree I wouldn't be among the first 50! I definitely don't want the book for $40, and I am not the kind of person that would stiff them for it, so I'd just not send it in!

I just thought it was funny. I've never received anything like this and it just seemed so weird to me to be offering it but not be asking for credit card info, but saying they are going to send the book whether you supposedly win or not. So, I definitely think it's a scam of some sort. I just thought it would be a fun topic for here!