It’s nice to be given something extra without asking for it. It’s wonderful to collect a reward or a gift because of a personal effort or persistence. From freebies, discounts, negotiated rates, bargains, cashbacks to buy one-get-one deals, I like and want them all.

These ‘wins’ make me feel special and successful. Regardless of the number of times I recieve a thoughtful giveaway or manage to negotiate a tiny discount that is not part of a deal, I feel good. I feel happy about myself and the company I am dealing with. And, the happy occasions are etched in my memory.

This happened at Mangala Resort and Spa in Gambang, Pahang. My husband and I arrived around mid-afternoon for a two nights stay at the resort. A tad hungry but not enough for a full lunch, we were pleasantly greeted by a selection of complimentary snacks. It was the first time in my hotel and resort staying experience that everything in the fridge was free. We read the table card again just to be sure. Canned drinks including Coke, Sprite and 100 Plus and a bag of M&M’s in the fridge were free. There were also a packet of cashew nuts and a small can of Pringles. Yes, for free. All these in addition to sachets of tea and coffee, and coffee capsules if you fancied fancy coffee out of a coffee machine.

It reminded me of another unforgettable experience my husband and I had when we stayed at The Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, Nepal. After we had checked-out, the Dwarika staff expressly told us we could still swim in the infinity pool, attend pottery classes and eat however many cookies we liked ( I liked many) that were available at various places within the resort grounds. We were also served complimentary coffee and tea while we waited for our transport to the airport. What were the chances of us returning to this resort in Nepal? Next to remote. And yet, the service was so impeccable and sincere that it made us actually consider the possibility.

These resorts won us over with their surprisingly generous gestures. What they offered us was quite basic – food, drinks and access to facilities. How much would snacks and drinks cost, at cost, per room? I say at cost because titbits and items in the mini bar in hotel rooms are so exorbitantly priced, they are there to almost tease and simultaneously deter guests from even considering a drink or a nibble. How much would cookies and beverages, and access to existing facilities cost? I don’t know but not as much as the positive reviews we have shared with friends and family. Both resorts went the extra mile to make us feel rather special.

It was a somewhat similar feel-good experience when I bought my car last year. I timed it for the Chinese New Year promotions, which meant I got my car at a reasonably reduced price. I arranged for a trade-in with the same car dealership, which released me of the time and hassles of personally selling my previous older car. I didn’t get my colour choice. I settled for black, and I was pleasantly surprised to be given free-tinted windows to keep the sun’s glare out. Happy me.  

I like bargains. Undeniably, trying to leverage on the best supermarket deals requires a bit of work and legwork. Supermarket operators know how to use loss leaders to lure customers. They are also amply aware of their competitors’ moves and countermoves. My strategy is to scan through supermarket leaflets and online catalogues for the cheapest prices on my to-buy list. I focus only on price cuts that I think are real and give me substantial savings. This was the case when I bought a trolley full of Dutch Lady Full Cream Milk for my mum.  Happy mum!

I also get euphoric when I manage to enjoy a fantastic deal on flight tickets. Airlines seem to have quite a few sales all year long. The problem is booking the flight times and dates that I want. That said, my husband and I managed to get a £1 deal to fly from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia to Stanstead on Go, BA’s budget airline, back in the day when it was in operations. That was an absolute steal.

I am aware that not all free gifts are free and not all discounts amount to real savings as cost and profit considerations have already been factored into them. That said, I still like my freebies and bargains, genuine or otherwise.