Lunches may not be free, but calls are on the internet!

There’s an old maxim: ‘there is no such thing as a free lunch’. Essentially, it is derived from economic theory that states in a free market economy everything has a price; so if someone offers you something ‘free’ then there are usually hidden costs somewhere.

The phrase is believed to have originated as a result of the practice of saloon keepers in the USA in the late 19th century who offered a ‘free lunch’ to those who bought at least one drink. Of course, the saloon keepers continued in business because their customers invariably bought more than the obligatory drink and thus not only covered the cost of their lunch but added to the barkeeper’s profits. Indeed, the saloon owner would also factor the cost of providing food into the price of all his drinks. So, although his customers appeared to be getting their lunch for free, they or other customers were paying for it.

The principle applies universally; even public services for which we do not pay directly are ultimately paid for through taxation. Most of us are familiar with the theory and the phrase has been so widely used that we have become very sceptical about any ‘free’ offers that might come our way. We are on our guard when considering such offers and waiting for the hidden cost to appear.

So, how is it then, that the principle doesn’t apply when it comes to making free calls using the internet? By signing up with one of the internet services that provides message and call services you really can make free calls! As many as you like and you don’t even have to buy a drink to use the service. And there are no hidden charges, no hidden costs; it is totally free.

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