FREEBIES 101

Ok, who can say they don't like getting something for free, eh? There's just something kinda 'fun' about it...

However you may be asking, where do I start? Where do I find all this "Free Stuff?"

Well, here are a few pointers on how to get started and where to look:

Preparation:
1. You'll probably want an email dedicated to this task. Invariably you'll get additional email once you start requesting free samples - so unless you want your regular email address bogged down with alot of 'extra' mail, I suggest you sign up for another email account for this purpose.

2. Filling out all the forms can become tedious and monotonous. I suggest using a "FORM FILLER" - a tool that puts the information in the blanks for you. I suggest using "Roboform" which can be downloaded for FREE. Click the link below. I have used this tool for years and find it trouble-free. Be sure to read the program description information prior to downloading.





3. Learn to determine what is a 'legitimate' offer and what isn't. All the posts found on this blog will already be screened for legitimacy. 99.9% of the time - I've already taken advantage of the offer and/or know first hand that it is ok.

So how do you determine if it's a legitimate offer or not?
1. Check to make sure the company with the offer provides you with a "Privacy Policy" and tells you how they handle your information.
2. If the website doesn't look professional or a 'real' company - then it probably isn't.
3. Don't give out any more information than would be 'reasonably expected' for the offer. I seldom give out my phone number (if required - the site should tell you "WHY" they are asking for it) If I don't feel comfortable with their "reason" I won't give it to them - I just use a 555 # to fill in the blanks for the freebie.
4. Remember this is JUST a 'freebie' - it's highly unlikely that you really "NEED" it and it certainly isn't worth compromising your personal information online for a 'freebie'.
5. If the offer REQUIRES you to complete an offer - it's not really a 'freebie'. Move away from these sites.

Now, on to the 'meat' of this post - WHERE do I find the freebies?
1. First of all - RIGHT HERE! This BLOG is a GOOD START - subscribe to this blog for regular updates to your email.
2. Another EXCELLENT BLOG to get freebie information and MORE is Frugal Freelancer.
3. Magazines - I get countless magazines (95% of them are FREE) and not only do I read the articles, ads, etc. I pay close attention to the advertisements in the magazines and the 'fine print' beneath them. MANY times they will have a website link there to get a "sample".
4. TV Ads - Often as I'm watching TV there will be fine print at the bottom of the screen that says "for a free sample go to www.yadayada.com".
5. Many of the websites for the various magazines I subscribe to offer their own "FREEBIE" programs.
6. Online Forums - there are several online "forums" or bulletin boards of sorts - that you can subscribe to. Members of these forums post their 'freebie' finds for everyone to take advantage of.