THREE quarters of Brits will swear loyalty to a company – after being given a free gift.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 79 per cent who have picked up some kind of giveaway will tell people about it.
When it comes to spreading the word friends (72 per cent), partners (62 per cent) and parents (41 per cent) are first on the list to be boasted to.
And the ‘thrill' of picking up a treat on the house lasts for the whole day, according to 19 per cent.
Expert psychologists James Cornish and Greg Tucker have revealed the neurological tricks that make Brits’ eyes light up at the thought of getting something free.
The behavioural experts worked with M&S to create a video showing cafe customers reacting with joy after being given a free hot drink – by none other than Matt Willis.
This comes as its cafés offer a free coffee for every six brought, as part of its loyalty scheme.
James said: “The human brain is brilliantly clever. It has had millions of years of absorbing and processing sensory stimuli, which when subconsciously decoded, provide us with a strong perceptive ability.
“The word ‘free’ triggers an immediate neurological response, activating key areas of the brain related to reward, trust and decision making.
“When a consumer receives something for free, the brain’s reward system is activated releasing dopamine.
“What follows is a sense of pleasure and increases the likelihood that they will enjoy the experience while the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to trust and bonding, can strengthen a consumer’s affinity with a brand or experience.”;
The study went on to find 54 per cent have visited a business on multiple occasions, purely because they knew there were giveaways afoot.
And what makes a free treat feel more ‘worth it’, according to consumers, is if it’s something they actually like or need (63 per cent).
Nearly as many (59 per cent) enjoy getting something for nothing as a surprise, and 37 per cent put value on the item’s cash value.
More than half (53 per cent), however, admit they have spent more money than they had planned with a business, after having a free item dangled in front of them.
With 11 per cent of these shelling out up to £100, or even more, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
As many as half of respondents have even been turned into a long-term customer by getting something free the first time they used a business.
A spokesperson for M&S added: “Getting something for free isn’t just about the financial saving – it’s about feeling special.
“A free gift, no matter how small, brings a moment of happiness and a sense of being rewarded.
“That’s why we regularly offer a coffee on the house to all our customers who are part of the Sparks loyalty scheme.
“In a time where people are more mindful of their spending, these little gestures go a long way, which is why getting something for nothing continues to be so popular across all kinds of industries.”;
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers EditorLana Clementsexplains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain...
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
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