The lure of free goodies has been used by marketers for generations to lure consumers in, and then get them to commit to paying - usually a lot - for anything from timeshare deals to vacuum cleaners, dietary supplements and face creams.

Wow service! Now for the fun stuff on Consumerwatch

Wendy Knowler is arguably South Africa’s most experienced consumer journalist. She’s helped more consumers over her 20 year career in consumer journalism than she could count. But while known as a champion of consumer rights, Wendy is also known and respected by corporates for her fair, accurate and balanced reporting. Want to be a more sussed consumer or corporate? Listen to Wendy's episodes here.