Job loss and continuing economic problems have forced many consumers to reduce spending and focus on saving money. One way you can help reduce your monthly spending habits is to simply collect free samples by mail.
Thanks to the Internet, receiving free samples by mail is actually pretty easy to achieve. You can find freebies online for items that normally cost a lot of money, including baby products and makeup.
Collecting Free Samples By Mail
Big companies, including Walmart, give away free samples by mail all the time. Companies use freebies as a marketing tool to attract new customers. Simply visit the website for a store you like and see if they offer any free stuff online. These products are usually available for people living in a specific state or country. If you live in the United States, you'll probably find more available product samples.
In order to receive free samples by mail, a company website might prompt you to answer a few survey questions about a product. After you answer the questions, enter your name and address, and you'll receive your free product in the mail. Opt in for an email newsletter and receive future samples and promotional offers in the mail. Most companies only allow one sample item per household. It's highly recommended you use a junk email address when ordering free samples on the Internet.
Get Free Samples By Mail From Retailer Websites
Your safest bet for receiving free samples is to use a common retailer website, or an actual manufacturer's website for a product you use. You can also use blogs and coupon sites, but use caution when signing up on a private site to receive a free product. If you're looking to save money on diapers and formula, you can visit the websites for common baby product manufacturers and request free samples by mail.
Diaper and cosmetic manufacturers commonly provide coupons and free samples when you visit their website. Most offers are available on a first come first served basis. Waiting too long to request a freebie could make it difficult to actually receive the item in the mail. Most offers come with a limited amount of available products, so you'll need to order them right away once they become available.
Read the Terms and Rules Before Ordering Free Samples By Mail
If you read the terms of the offer before requesting delivery of a product, you can find the right samples that are actually free with no-strings-attached. Carelessly ordering free stuff online without reading the rules could result in a costly situation. Samples are sometimes available only on a trial basis for 30 days or less. If you fail to cancel the service, or return the product, you could wind up with a surprise charge on your credit card.
Most of the free items on popular retailer websites are totally free and do not come with any obligation or risk. You should use caution if you're collecting items on freebie forums, since many are in fact only available on a trial basis. Avoid scam websites requesting a payment or your social security number when signing up.
Avoid Problems With Delivery of Your Free Samples
Read the rules for the offer and follow them accordingly. The free sample might only be available for certain states or countries. There might be a specific age requirement to receive the item you want. Most offers allow only one item per household. Abusing the rules and attempting to receive multiple free samples by mail will prevent delivery altogether.
Fill out the order form accurately, including your real name and home address. Make sure you follow the directions when submitting the form. Answer required questions relating to the sample. You should receive a confirmation email which provides an estimated delivery date for your free sample. If you're missing a confirmation page, call the company and ask about the status of your order. Most free samples by mail arrive six to eight weeks after placing the order.
Sources
- About.com: "10 Ways To Make Sure You Receive Your Free Samples" (Accessed November 30, 2010).
- Msn.com: "Free Samples: How to Get'em" (Accessed November 30, 2010).
Matt Goetz - Matt began freelance writing in 2007. Matt is a blogger and a freelancer writer for Demand Studios. He also runs a small residential house ...
