How to Get Free Samples
What Not To Give Out
Never give out your social security or credit card number to request a free sample. If it is a free sample you will not need a credit card. If you are signing up for a trial then you might need to supply a credit card because you would then be paying for a subscription. But, if you are signging up for a free sample then it will not be called a trial.
Read the Fine Print
Have you ever read this, "Terms and Conditions apply." Usually that means there is some string attached to the free sample you are requesting. The terms and conditions might be acceptable to you but you need to actually read the fine print to find out what is required. Maybe you are signing up for a magazine subscription and only get 1 or 2 issues for free. If the company you are requesting it from is legitimate you will be able to figure out what you are getting by reading the fine print. But, you have to read it to make sure.
Don't Want to Use your Real Phone Number?
When you are requesting a free sample there really is no reason the company needs your phone number. If you are entering a sweepstakes that is a different thing because the company might contact you if you are a winner. If you don't want to use your real phone number but the form won't let you submit it unless you put a phone number then either fill it with random numbers, or 000-000-0000 or sign up for a k7.net account, which lets you get a free phone number, and you can check your voicemail online. (this last part came from my friend James at JustFreeStuff.com)
Sign up for a Separate Email Address
I suggest that you sign up for a separate email address that you can use to request free samples and also use to enter sweepstakes. It will keep your personal email account free from a lot of extra email. When you sign up for free sample or sweepstakes you often agree to get that company's email newsletter and unless you opt out at some point your email Inbox will fill up with newsletters. Company newsletters are good though because often you will find more free offers and sweepstakes in future newsletter so you want to keep them coming.
Some good free email companies you could sign up with include Yahoo, Gmail, Live (Microsoft), or AOL. I use Gmail.
Be Patient
Remember that many times it takes from 4 to 6 weeks to receive a free sample in the mail. If you start requesting samples today and keep requesting them you will have freebies in your mailbox on a regular basis.
Privacy Policy
If you are concerned that the company you are requesting the free sample or other freebie from is legitimate, check to see if they have a privacy policy. Many times it will be a link at the very bottom of the page. It will tell you know what the company will or will not do with your name, address, phone, or email you might give them to request a free sample.
Do you want Free Stuff you can't find?
Maybe you want to try that new cereal, dog food, or bathroom tissue you saw on TV but you can't find it it in your store and you can't find a free sample listed online. Why not contact the company directly and tell them you would really like to try their product. They might send you a free sample or coupons. It sure never hurts to try the direct approach.
NEW HERE? Subscribe to Life in the "Free" World for Free by Email or RSS.
