by Nathalie Knowles Radio 4's Money Box

In the current market climate there may not be many incentives to buy shares.

Investor confidence is so low it will probably take more than a few chocolates to get most people on the phone to a stockbroker.

But if you are planning to buy shares it is worth investigating what the companies offer, as there might be some bargains out there.

Ferry savings

P & O are one of the most popular options for share perks as they provide investors with up to 50% off ferry fares.

But you have to buy a particular kind of share - a 5.5% redeemable non-cumulative preferred stock.

These P & O shares are in such high demand that client broker Hargreaves Lansdown have given up trying to get hold of them.

If you do manage to find some, be aware that you will have to own the shares on 31 December the year before you intend to travel.

If travelling appeals but the open sea does not, there is always Eurotunnel.

You could be speeding across Europe safe in the knowledge that your ticket cost 30% less than everyone else's.

And you can make up to three return journeys a year, as long as you own at least 1000 shares.

Shopping discounts

If you would rather stay at home and concentrate on shopping, Debenhams could be the answer.

These shares have so many perks that they have virtually become loyalty reward schemes.

Debenhams will give you 12% off most goods up to a value of �5,000 a year with a 20% discount in the in-store cafes.

But to qualify for this you must purchase 2000 shares, which would cost you more than �7000.

So, it would be some time before you worked off that initial investment.

Chocoholics dream

If you crave a lot of chocolate then perhaps Thorntons is for you.

For a �225 investment you qualify for �34 of vouchers, which should keep you happy for a while.

If you want to buy a house, you could consider buying 1000 shares in Barratt Homes, which would currently cost around �4000.

You then qualify for �500 off every �25,000 you spend.

With house prices at their current rate this could add up to a substantial discount.

But you must be prepared to hold onto the shares for a year.

Proceed with caution

Most brokers would advise you against buying shares just to benefit from the perks as these may change or be withdrawn at any time and share prices can and do fall.

It is the total return that counts. That is, all the cash flow plus any capital loss or gain.

In some cases, perks can greatly increase your cash flow, so should not be dismissed as unimportant.

If you do let the perks guide your investment choice always remember to check the following: