For the longest time I have been a huge fan of entering competitions and signing up to websites where you receive discount codes or freebies for joining mailing lists. There is something so satisfying about getting something for doing minimal effort, whether that be sign up offers or entering a competition.
Obviously there are different degrees of what you can obtain so I am hoping to give a little insight into a few ways you can get your hands on what you want. Whether that includes a little work or just popping your email into a box, we all appreciate a little something for nothing so grab a pad of paper and pen and get ready to start on your newest venture!
Sign Up Offers
When you sign up to some websites or purchase items you tend to get a discount code or free item as an incentive to purchase. How do you know when these offers are available though? How many times have you signed up to a new website and processed your order only to THEN be offered with a discount code on your NEXT order! Thankfully there are dedicated websites on the internet which will help you find exactly what you want but also showcase the sites that have offers on at that moment. Personally if there is a chance to purchase from one website and there is no offer – yet if I purchase from a competitor and they offer 10% discount or a free gift, I know which one I would choose.
Competitions
I am a huge comping fan and can spend a good few hours every night when I am in the right mood. There are a multitude of websites including MoneySavingExpert and Loquax, who list competitions by end date so that you can filter by those finishing soonest. I still remember my first win, it was a DVD and from that moment I was hooked. I have gone on to win weekends away, flights, money and so many precious memory making prizes that it really does make me want to start again! I tend to have fits and starts of comping and when I first started out over 10 years ago there were a lot less doing it on a regular basis so the odds were better but as with everything, you have to be in it to win it!
Samples
Free samples are available from lots of different websites, there are specific ones available where you can sign up and review items. There are certain monthly boxes or trial products where you can sign up to be a tester, simply look online for product tester and it will open up a whole new world. Don’t be afraid to ask if samples are available, if you are visiting a store or you are ordering from a website and you see that they have something else you wish to try, I know that fragrance and wax melt sites tend to send out free samples with orders. Free samples are usually available over the counter too, remember when you go to Boots etc they will tend to have skincare and perfume samples which make great little and light samples for when travelling.
One of the best ways to get a response from a company is to send them an email complimenting them on the product or service you enjoy using. Of course this should only be done if you really love the item and it is a pointless waste of time and effort if you are just going to copy and paste the same ramble to all CEO’s. It is best to send a personalised note of how you and your family use the product, how long you have used it and what you love about it. Don’t expect anything in return then if discount vouchers or free gifts turn up then that is a bonus. If nothing arrives then you no loss as you use the product anyway and if you love it you will still carry on buying it anyway!
Overall there is a whole world out there on the internet trying to get your custom, it pays to shop around. Do you homework and if you are making a big purchase you wouldn’t dream of not going into a store and trying it first, the same should apply for online purchases if possible. Discounts or samples are generally always offered as stores know they need to fight for custom in the current market. If you are offered a discount check first to see if there is anything better available. You win some you lose some but utilise the websites that put in all the hard work before you buy!
