Add-ons - are they worth it?

[Boris+]

Ok, so I am a proper old grump (or a grump in training at the least) - recently I've almost started being cynical, and I look at things which are 'add-ons' to everyday products, and then I notice that whilst people buy them, they don't really get used.

So, for example - there's gardening stuff (to spread on lawns or in produce/flower borders) which need 'special applicators', covers for garden furniture (which gets ripped to blazes during the bad weather, and the furniture is supposed to be ok to stay outside all year around anyway), and finally (for the time being) these 'toy' things to put on pushchairs and baby seats/car seats (I've looked at them in the shops and seen them on prams etc., but the babies don't bother with them).

The only cruising thing I've come across is people paying for a 'wine tasting' event and then not going because they didn't like the wines which were going to be tasted.

As I said - I'm training to be a grump (lack of cruising to blame), but has anyone else got something to add to the list?

Em

[Quizzical Bob]

Extended warranties - whenever I'm offered one I always say "why, is this product unreliable?"

[david63]

The point about most "add ons" is that they are there for one reason only - to give the salesperson/shop extra commission. There is nothing new about this - it has been in existence since Adam was a lad.

If you don't want/need it then don't buy it - simples.

[Boris+]

Hi QB,

I'm going to use that phrase next time I get offered an extended warranty - nice one!

I did almost say something impolite last time we were looking for a new car - this sales chap kept on going on about how easy it was to fix a cycle to the cycle carrier on this particular car, and I couldn't resist saying that I should realise then that whenever I saw that make and model on the road the owners were silly because they had bought a car which had to have cycles as an emergency alternative type of travel.

I know full well though that these add ons are there simply to improve the bottom line - but why oh why do people buy them?

Em

[Silver_Shiney]

Extended warranties - whenever I'm offered one I always say "why, is this product unreliable?"

[Dennis The Menace]

Anyone noticed how you can pick up a razor for next to nothing now, but buying half a dozen razor blades for it will shortly need to come with a finance plan?

Not that I am suggesting you are hairy Em

[Andrea S]

Anything is a waste of money if it is there ' just in case'.

I hear that said frequently when my OH looks inside my wardrobes and cupboards.

[Meg 50]

I know full well though that these add ons are there simply to improve the bottom line - but why oh why do people buy them?

Em

cos they are gullible

[Boris+]

Good point Meg.

Em