I really should call this marketing tactic “the cereal box bonuses” because who doesn’t remember begging a parent for the most unhealthy box in the aisle because there was a toy that you wanted more than the cereal? And often times the cereal was ignored completely and the prize at the bottom of the box was a little underwhelming (or missing entirely!).

As a kid a bad bonus was disappointing. As an adult paying thousands of dollars, the bogus bonus marketing tactic is one that I hate.

Maybe you recognize this scenario: you’re on the fence about a program or product and while it sounds great, you’re not yet convinced it’s right for you. But you get caught up in the excitement and “limited time offer” or bonuses and buy. However, in the weeks or months after purchase those bonuses don’t show up, you have to hound the company or they’re pathetically lame.

Let me be clear: bonuses aren’t bad. But  Continue Reading ￫