Nothing is free anymore it seems.
I remember years ago banks gave customers one of those leather/imitation leather type bank bags just for the asking. In fact I recall one bank had smaller type bags that could be used for coins. When I lived in Pennsylvania Florida
Places at one time had give-a ways: pens, note pads, key rings, refrigerator magnets and other what-nots.
A few months ago I opened an account with a local credit union. I asked the person who waited on me if they had any of those bank bags. She looked in the back and said no but next time I come in just ask the teller for one. Well over the course of the next few months I had done so with no prevail. They had no bags in stock. The other day I again done business at the credit union and asked about a bank bag. I had been informed that I needed to give them my business account number; if I had no business account I could not get a bag as they only provide them to businesses. Of course the teller went on to say I could purchase a bag for $5.00. I pulled a five spot from my pocket and purchased the bag. I felt as if I got ripped off for some reason.
There use to be a time when you could also get a free calendar from your bank but seems they are gone by way of the dinosaur also. Last year I picked up a nice one from the bank I have accounts with; this year when I asked, I had been told I could get a free calendar if I make an appointment to speak to one of the bank managers about my accounts. I know what that meant; I would be sitting there while someone tried to talk me into a consolidation loan, new type credit card or some other bank offer. I did not make the appointment or get a calendar. The dollar store had them for a buck; okay so I paid for one but I did not have to sit listening to someone trying to give me a bill of goods about banking options.
The last promo item I got for free was a pen from a disc jockey that runs a karaoke. I only hope when he runs out of pens he orders more and does not make me sing a song to get a new one.
Yes I know with the economy being the way it is, companies are not providing those promotional items like they use to. It is such a shame as I do miss my free what-nots.
Now I am not one-hundred percent sure of this, but bartenders have told me they do not get free coasters from the beer distributors as in days gone by. Recently at a local club I saw coasters provided by some business other than a beer company.
My favorite saying goes something like this: “if it’s free, then it is for me.”
I am still fortunate to get via my email address, BOGO coupons for meals at restaurants or coupons for a percent off my food bill. I am a frequent customer at these establishments.
So till next time…..if you see a free pen, key ring or a what-not make sure you take it. I’ll continue my quest for the free stuff whether I need it or not…after all it is for free.
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