: BOGO deals typically require you to open a new line of service or upgrade to a premium, high-cost unlimited plan.
: Humans overvalue "free" even when it is mathematically identical to a 50% discount.
: You already have multiple lines, plan to stay with the carrier for 3+ years, and were already planning to pay for a premium unlimited plan.
The "Buy One, Get One Free" (BOGO) phone deal is a psychological masterclass that leverages the where the word "free" triggers a rush of dopamine and a sense of immediate gratification. However, in the high-stakes world of smartphones, "free" rarely means "no cost." The Psychology of "Free"
While these deals aren't exactly scams, they are carefully structured to ensure the carrier remains profitable:
: If you cancel your service early, the remaining bill credits vanish, and you are often required to pay the full remaining balance of the "free" phone immediately.
