How are these "free" if we have to pay 1 credit plus $3.99 shipping?Seems like a scam to me. 

I agree. 

Ya. I didn't join PBS to pay actual money if I don't have to.

I don't think it's a scam. These books are most likely shipping directly from a third party, someone like bookoutlet or another book overstock seller, thus the shipping fee which is a pretty standard fee, in line with the "penny" books on Amazon that you have to pay 3.99 shipping for per book, even if they are coming from the same seller. The credit is to defray costs of programming, system maintenance, updating, etc. to be able to offer this service to you. After all, real people are doing real jobs behind all of these actions. Plus side, these are new books so no worrying about condition or if they are repostable.

I agree with Lori. And there is another reason for them being offered. The ones I see displayed on the page after I log in are often ones I have on my Wish List. So PBS is offering us a way to get those books sooner.

Good points, both Lori and Thomas.  Thank you both, for the reminder not to be so cynical all the time.

I agree with Lori and Thomas.

If you order more than one MAB at the same time or combine MABs with an order from PBS Market, the shipping is only $3.99 for one book, the rest ship at a lower rate.

Still a scam

An offer to sell with the price clearly stated. What is the scam?

Price is too high

As a former librarian in charge of book selection as well as a former bookseller who has ordered numerous books in my life, I would say no scam.  I have bought MAB books, though rarely.  I check the price of the book on other venues and often it is the same as what PBS is charging or the PBS price sometimes will be a bit lower. Occasionally though it is higher.  Then I make my decision on what to do.

I would rather get the book  through our swapping function but there are times I want a book NOW and don't want to wait the length of time that would take so I appreciate the option to buy.  The main point is that it is an option --nothing is required of you.  You can say yes or no.