How to Get Free Samples the Safe Way

If you are reading this blog you know that getting “something for nothing” is a reality. Legitimate companies want you to try their product so you will tell your friends and the word will spread about their company and product. We call it word of mouth marketing and companies know it works. What you might not know are some of the basic things you should do to protect yourself from a scams or identify theft when requesting those wonderful free samples.

Here are some things I recommend when signing up for free stuff:

What Not To Give Out

Never give out your social security number or credit card to request a free sample. If it is a free sample you will not need to give out a credit card. If you are signing up for a trial and then after the trial you are required to pay for a subscription like a magazine then a credit card may be needed.

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 that 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. If you don’t then getting “taken” is no one elses fault but your own.

Don’t Want to Use your Real Phone Number?

When you are requesting a free sample there really isn’t a 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 enter sweepstakes with. It will keep you “hobby” separate from your personal email account. When you sign up for freebie and 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 site 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. You will even see that I have one for Sweeties Swag. It will tell you 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 but you can’t find it posted on any freebie site. 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.