What Is Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO)? Everything You Need to Know Before You Shop

June 13, 2025

Shopping online is always an exciting experience, especially when you come across a Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) offer. BOGO deals are one of the most enticing promotions that shoppers look for, and rightfully so—they can help you save big! But what exactly is BOGO, and how does it work? As a savvy shopper, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of these deals so you can make the most of them.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about BOGO offers, the pros and cons, how stores benefit from them, and how you can shop smarter to enjoy all the perks of these deals.

What is Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO)?

At its core, a Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) deal is exactly what it sounds like: you buy one product, and the store gives you another one for free. In other words, you pay for one item and get a second identical or similar item at no additional cost. These promotions are a staple in retail, both online and in-store, and they can be found across a wide range of products, from clothing and beauty items to food and tech.

Common Examples of BOGO Offers:

Clothing: Buy one T-shirt, get another one free.
Beauty Products: Buy one mascara, get another one free.
Food: Buy one pizza, get another pizza free (usually during a limited-time promotion).
Accessories: Buy one pair of sunglasses, get a second pair free.

Some variations of BOGO offers include:

BOGO 50% off: Buy one item at full price, and get the second item for half off.
BOGO with Restrictions: Some deals only apply to select items, or they might require a minimum purchase.

While these deals are incredibly tempting, it’s essential to understand the specifics of each promotion, including any hidden conditions or exclusions.

How Does the Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) Offer Work?

In most cases, the BOGO deal is automatically applied when you add the qualifying items to your cart. For example, if you're shopping for shoes and a BOGO offer is active, the second pair of shoes will be marked as free when you check out.

However, not all BOGO deals are the same. Some retailers may require you to enter a promo code at checkout to redeem the offer. Additionally, the second item may not always be identical to the first. In some cases, the promotion could be limited to specific colors, sizes, or styles.

Eligibility Criteria and Common Limitations:

Product Exclusions: Some products may be excluded from the BOGO offer, such as sale items or special collections.
Minimum Purchase Requirement: Certain BOGO deals require you to purchase a certain amount of items or spend a minimum amount of money to qualify (e.g., "Buy one, get one free on orders over $30").
Specific Quantities: BOGO deals might apply to a limited number of items—such as "Buy one, get one free on up to 3 items"—so be mindful of any quantity restrictions.

It’s always important to read the fine print to make sure you're fully aware of any limitations before proceeding with the purchase.

Pros and Cons of BOGO

Pros for Shoppers

Incredible Savings: The most obvious benefit of a BOGO deal is getting two products for the price of one. That’s a massive discount, especially on items you use frequently or need in multiples.
Stocking Up: BOGO deals are perfect for stocking up on essentials or products you love. For instance, if you’ve had your eye on a particular shampoo, getting an extra bottle for free can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Trying New Products: BOGO deals sometimes allow you to try a new product at no extra cost. For example, if you’re already buying a skincare item you love, a BOGO offer can let you try another product from the same brand without spending extra.
Increased Value: If you need both items, the value you get from a BOGO deal is fantastic—essentially doubling your purchase for free.

Cons for Shoppers

Unnecessary Purchases: While BOGO offers are great, they can sometimes encourage you to buy products you don’t need just to take advantage of the deal. If you’re not careful, you might end up with items you wouldn’t normally purchase.
Quality Concerns: Not all free items in BOGO deals are of equal value. In some cases, the free item might be a lower-quality version or a smaller size.
Higher Product Prices: Some stores may increase the price of their products to account for the "free" item, so you're essentially paying for both products in the form of a higher price on the first item.
Shipping Costs: Sometimes, shipping fees might not be waived, especially if the store has a minimum purchase requirement or the deal only applies to certain regions.

Pros for Stores

Increased Sales Volume: By offering a BOGO deal, retailers can drive more sales by encouraging customers to buy more than they might have otherwise.
Customer Attraction: BOGO offers are an excellent way for retailers to attract new customers, especially during holiday seasons or flash sales.
Inventory Clearance: BOGO deals can help clear out excess or slow-moving stock. This is particularly helpful during seasonal transitions or when introducing new products.
Brand Loyalty: Offering BOGO deals, especially to repeat customers or those in loyalty programs, helps stores retain customers and keep them coming back for more.

Cons for Stores

Reduced Profit Margins: Offering an item for free can eat into profit margins, especially if the retailer is selling low-cost products.
Inventory Management Issues: Maintaining stock for BOGO promotions can be tricky, particularly if the free items are in high demand or if customers tend to redeem deals quickly.
Potential for Overuse: If BOGO deals are used too frequently, customers may come to expect them all the time, which can make it harder for stores to run profitable promotions in the future.

How Can Stores Benefit from BOGO?

Despite the costs involved, BOGO deals can be highly beneficial for stores in several ways:

Increased Average Order Value (AOV): Shoppers are likely to add more items to their cart to take full advantage of a BOGO offer, resulting in higher order totals.
Creating Buzz and Excitement: BOGO promotions often generate a lot of excitement and can create a buzz around the brand, especially when advertised on social media or through email campaigns.
Customer Retention: Offering BOGO deals as part of a loyalty program or exclusive sale can keep customers engaged and encourage them to return for more.
Seasonal and Event-Based Sales: BOGO deals are often tied to specific sales events, such as Black Friday, or even to promote new arrivals, helping stores capitalize on high-traffic shopping periods.

How BOGO Benefits Shoppers

As an online shopper, BOGO offers present several valuable benefits:

Maximized Savings: Getting an extra item for free allows you to maximize the value of your purchase, which is a great way to save money, especially when you buy in bulk or purchase things you’ll use regularly.
Better Shopping Experience: There’s something inherently exciting about getting a “free” item, which can make your shopping experience feel more rewarding and fun.
Opportunity to Try More: A BOGO offer often lets you try more products for no additional cost—perfect for trying out new products or brands you haven’t considered before.
Reduced Waste: If you’re buying products you regularly use, BOGO allows you to stock up, ensuring you don’t run out anytime soon. This is particularly helpful with consumables like personal care or household items.

Final Thoughts

BOGO deals are one of the best ways to maximize your savings when shopping online, but it’s important to understand the fine details before jumping in. By being aware of the pros, cons, and how these deals work, you can ensure you're making smart purchases while still taking full advantage of the incredible value these promotions offer.

So, the next time you see a Buy One, Get One Free offer, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of it. Happy shopping!

Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) FAQ

Do I need a promo code to redeem BOGO deals?

Sometimes, yes! Some BOGO deals require you to enter a promo code at checkout, but others apply automatically when you meet the purchase requirements.

Can I combine BOGO offers with other sales or discounts?

This depends on the retailer. Some stores allow you to stack BOGO deals with other discounts, while others might restrict it to one promotion at a time.

Are BOGO deals available year-round?

BOGO offers are usually seasonal or tied to special events like holidays, but you may also find occasional flash sales offering BOGO deals.

What happens if I return one item from a BOGO offer?

Check the store’s return policy. Typically, if you return one item from a BOGO deal, you may need to return both, or you may only receive a partial refund.