Freebie FAQs: How to Get Stuff For Free!
(Updated Nov 2023)
Hey there, I am going to tell you how I get Freebies, but first I have to be honest.
While the products and stuff I get may be free when thinking monetarily, it's not always just free, per se.
I do work hard for my free stuff. If you want to be a full time freebie finder or product reviewer, social media influencer, prepare to work hard and be on your phone or computer, a lot.
Each site will take time to participate in. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself when you first start. Some sites take more involvement than others, especially survey sites. I only am a part of a handful of survey sites along with my many freebie/review/product sampling sites and communities.
Read everything. Read the posts, reviews, etc, and check out the whole site. It’s also good to read the About Us page and the Faq page so you know all the details and terms and conditions. Then you can Sign Up and make sure you Confirm Your Email and Complete Your Profile.
Make sure you enter the specific information it asks for about you and your family and add your children. Most sites take into account your household (how many members, kids, genders, pets, etc), when offering opportunities.
Also include your interests, or things you might be interested in giving feedback or trying something out.
Start working and keep at it. Check back often. The more you participate, the better, including commenting on a post or in the forums and reviewing products you have already tried and use, etc. Some sites require quality comments and review over quantity. So make sure it is relevant and informative and unique. The More You Do, the More Chances You Get for Free Stuff!
I usually do product sampling sites and brand communities instead. There, you'll most likely get a free product to try then do a survey, share on social posts and have specific tasks to complete as well as commenting on forums, or other tasks. I find it more rewarding and fun. I check ALL my sites weekly, if not almost daily and complete questions, polls, posts and comments on forums, product reviews and challenges as well as surveys and discussions. The more you do, the more you get noticed.
Embrace the Hashtag! A lot of these sites, brands, and tasks, each have specific hashtags and tagging of specific social accounts they use to verify that you are sharing and also so they can look back on it. Post pictures, comments and posts on social media using the hashtags.
Beware Some Sites DO NOT ALLOW posting of pictures or discussing the product at all. Some products are tested before they are given out to public. Do not post pics or you may be caught and removed from that program.
Also, start following the sites and different brands on your social media accounts. They often have times where you can share your opinions, and get yourself noticed more, as well as contests and giveaways.
Also some stores and brands have their own review programs that are invite only. Meaning if they notice you are leaving really good quality reviews, they may invite you to join. See bottom of post for ideas on what to put on a review.
Here are the sites I use most often as well as what they are like and what I have gotten from them, not including more recent products I have tried, but below is some.
SURVEY SITES:
(MY MOST ACTIVE SITES ARE STARRED *** 1 for somewhat active, 3 for really active and good rewards)
PaidViewpoint ***
They will send you an email when you have a survey. The faster you respond, the more money you get for it. Otherwise it's usually like 10 cents a survey and payout is at $15. Then refer your own friends to make money off their cash outs too! I have cashed out several times with money or gift cards. I have used this for years and cash out pretty often. You get more points if you refer people who are also actively taking surveys.
Panel Polls ***
I have cashed out several times after doing many surveys and video surveys with my daughters and son. These surveys are fun to do with kids. Some are really short surveys, others are about 5-10 minutes long and some of them are long surveys because of 20+ minute videos but they give lots of points and you can cash out quick if you do them all. My son also just got accepted to be in a special brand panel where he will earn $ every month for participating. It is freaking awesome. I do surveys with each of my 3 kids. Some surveys are geared towards specific ages so pay attention. I am also hoping to be accepted into a moms focus group for more participation rewards.
They also have many projects where you might have an online forum you regularly participate in and could get a monthly payment to cash out with a variety of electronic gift cards. We have done several projects and recently got an email invite for another. These vary in what they are looking for including children or adults or families or specific topics or specific activities.
YouGov **
Join and complete surveys on important topics & earn points towards gift cards! AS SOON AS YOU COMPLETE 3 SURVEYS, WE BOTH EARN POINTS! I have cashed out at least 4x with a $25 gift card each time!
PRODUCT REVIEW SITES/BRAND COMMUNITIES:
Smiley360
Once you sign up, check back for surveys, and some mission surveys. You will often complete surveys where they gather information for future samplings.
If you do complete a mission survey, and if you get accepted, you will have certain tasks to complete and a point limit for a badge. Tasks include sharing on many social media sites, face to face contact, sometimes YouTube video posts, etc. The more you do, the more points you get. I've gotten lots from them already and continue to complete surveys for different categories and possible missions. You can also turn down missions if you choose not to participate. I have not done that yet, but it is an option, and it doesn't cause you to lose out on others. I have gotten vitamins, food, candy, a pillow, so much stuff! For Free!
Crowdtap
Do Polls (survey Qs), text challenges, content challenges, photo challenges, moderated discussions, etc. They also have Twitter parties and social media interactions. I have received lots from them including, Ragu sauce, Zep's cleaning products, Scott's tube free toilet paper, Brookside candy, U by Kotex T shirt, Playtex bottle and nipple, makeup, soaps, Johnson's products, Food, and so much more samples and free stuff. Plus you can earn Amazon gift cards!
BzzAgent **
Always check the survey tab in menu. That's where they get info to decide on products right for you. I have gotten Free Tony's pizza, Quaker Popped snacks, Bic pencils, Razors, makeup, etc.i have participated in this for years and often get a bunch of freebies throughout the year.
Influenster ***
I interact on the site as well as social media. Do product reviews frequently, complete surveys as soon as you can then complete campaigns and when you complete then you get the badge or level up after so many. I have way over 200 reviews done so far on free products as well as other products I have used outside of sampling programs. I have received a lot from different campaigns, a Frosty Vox Box full of different products including Eco Tools brush, Red Vines Fruit Vines candy, Celestial peppermint tea, NYC Color lipstick, Rimmel eye makeup remover and eye liner, McCormick's Thyme seasoning, Advanced No 7 creams, then I also received Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polish, and a Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric breast pump. Some pricey items in there. I just won, again, and got a box with a full size shampoo and conditioner, nail polish and Sally Hansen nail polish remover pads. I recently got more body and hair care, food and even Peloton Apparel. And I am waiting on several other voxboxes already. So like I said, if you work for it, you can get some good stuff. THEN when done sampling and trying products, do a survey and complete tasks such as social shares for campaign and brand badges. And I am still getting more voxboxes!
Ripple Street **
Apply for chances to host parties. Companies and Ripple Street will supply you with all you need to start a party. Free swag items like totes, note pads, etc, as well as new products to try. Once you apply, you have certain activities to complete. But the more and more you do, the better chance you have. Then invite friends via email through site so HouseParty can send them surveoys before and after party as well as you.I have hosted a Valentine's party, Velveeta cheesy skillets party, VeggieTales party, Glade Air Freshener party and recently a King's Hawaiian sweet bread party and a 7th Anniversary party for M&Ms. What a blast. They always have new parties coming out so there are always more chances to host. Plus you can apply for Chatterboxes too! Basically apply for a party pack that you test and share with friends and on social medias! All for Free!
Moms Meet
Earn great rewards for your participation, try stuff for FREE! I have gotten a lot of food items, like candies, snacks, pasta sauces, as well as vitamins and baby and kid stuff. I also got to be a part of a National Geographic Kids book reviewer program.
(Website under construction)
Home Tester Club
I have received medicines, food, body care products, hair products and so much more. Check often for applications for product testing. I see at least 2 a week to apply for.
Bullseye Insiders - Target ***
The Target store brand has a new insiders program. I do surveys, provide feedback in brands and product designs and more. You have opportunities to win gift cards, test products and maybe be invited into their product review program like I was. From their review program I have received furniture, decor, pot and pan sets, comforters and so much more. Not everyone is invited to this program though.
BetaBound
This is a community where you can apply to lots of different types of beta testing projects. There can be apps and device product tests, as well as different electronic products for your home, car, office, etc. Through this site, I have done beta testing for apps, devices, and more. Pay attention to your email because they send out surveys as applications for projects often. I get paid by gift card or by free stuff. DO NOT POST PICS OF PRODUCTS. BOUND TO SECRECY :)
PINCHme **
They used to have a specific sample day but now it is just open to apply for anythingyou want to try. You get points for completing applications as well as other ways to earn coins including downloadkng games and trying offers. After you get and sample a product, there is a survey or 2 to do. Sometimes you will do a review on their site as well as other websites. But definitely worth it. I have received food, drinks, makeup, skincare and so much more.
SheSpeaks
They have trivia polls, surveys, and more. You can do product reviews, have open discussions with other members, etc. I have received several things from them including Drip Drop Hydration singles, Aveda Naturally Straight kit, Pampers Premium diapers and a $50 Walmart gift card for participation, etc. They also always have giveaways too.
VocalPoint
Sign up and comment on blogs, talk via Facebook and Twitter, etc. I also had an RSVP party with them and it was for Fisher Price toys. I got 2 free full size 3 stage toys to test out as well as 10 toddler t shirts for friends, etc and a Target gift card and coupons. I just got a hair loss prevention pack system in the mail from them to test and try for 90 days.
Carhartt Crew
Join and be a part of the Carhartt brand. Complete surveys on design and product preferences, apply for potential product tests, be entered to win gear and prizes!
Parents My Take
I used to do lots of surveys on baby stuff and parenting products. You also have a community forum you can participate on and chances to win products to review. I have won products like booster seats and gift cards.
PTPA
I would do surveys, have chances to review products and participate in drawings and contests for baby and parenting products. I've gotten a free book from them and I love it.
Tryazon **
Apply to host parties and get freebies like games, food, technology and more! I have hosted so many super fun parties with so many free products! Like a lot! I ha e gotten Free air mattresses, toys and games, cooking items, Ugly Sweater cookie cutters and party supplies and more. Always super duper fun!
Other community sites to check out:
These sites involve specific brands or companies where you complete surveys, give feedback, apy for free product testing, social shares and get chances to win prizes.
I check all of these almost daily or at least weekly.
Culturelle Probiotics Clubhouse http://culturelleclubhouse.socialmedialink.com
Family Opinions Panel
Glimmer Beauty Community
Arm & Hammer Simple Solutions Community
Sampler *
Complete survey often to be considered for sampler boxes full of freebies. Some sample size, some full size products.
Top Box Circle ***
Here, I apply for beauty and personal care products. Then you leave a review on their site. I've gotten many things from them as well.
Ocean Spray Community ***
Learn about new products, do feedback surveys and get opportunities to test new products. I recently got to try 2 different secret juices!
Shopper Army
Apply to test products, do buy and rebate challenges, earn money and more. I've gotten to test antiperspirants and body care and body washes from them.
(There are actually quite a bit more websites I use. See the bottom of this post for my bookmarked websites screenshots.)
BEWARE OF SAMPLE, SURVEY AND FREEBIE SCAMS!
Lots of survey and sample sites out there are SCAMS! Other than for the sites listed here, ALWAYS search for site reviews and check FAQs and authenticity before giving out your personal information.
AMAZON WARNING...!!!
*IMPORTANT For Amazon Customers*
DO NOT REVIEW PRODUCTS YOU DUD NOT BUY ON AMAZON!
You can no longer post reviews for products you got for free or at a discounted rate on Amazon if you purchased on Amazon with a free product. They only accept "verified" reviews on your own purchases.
Some sellers will contact you and try to get around this by offering to pay you by paypal if you pay first full price yourself and then offer rebate. Make sure the seller or website is reputable.
(The above sites definitely are and I have done this and actually received rebate from them so that is ok as long as you don'tmention it in review. But most of these above sites have you buy from Amazon or Walmartor somewhere and you review on their site or another so not on Amazon.)
Plus if Amazon catches you reviewing something that was given to you for free as you have to write reviews with disclaimers, or working with an Amazon seller know for "buying" reviews, you could get your account removed/deleted! NOT GOOD.
Take and use pics as well as hashtags and SHARE YOUR POSTS!!!
Also, make sure your images and pictures are quality pictures. Not just of the item in a box or of the packaging. Show the product in use or take pictures with a more advertisement look but make sure not to show other products names/brand names. Check each site for FAQs and requirements and policies and tips on photos. They can be very helpful.
Follow Me on Social Media
I am always posting pictures of freebies I have received, discussion posts, contests, new opportunities for free stuff. I also don't mind answering your questions and comments and can help you learn how to get things for FREE.
REVIEWS 101
What you should include in a blog and/or high quality review post:
It is usually Quality over Quantity of words with Reviews, BUT some programs require a specific number of words such as 150-250 words. *the better your reviews, more chances for more free products. Just remember: Who, what, where, when, why, and how!
Who would it benefit?
Who would use it? Who tried it? You? Others?
How is it used? Or how can it be used? Is there multiple ways of use?
How does it work?
What is the ingredients or the design?
What is the main function and purpose?
How is it different from other products?
What is your overall opinion of it and why?
Where and when can you use it?
Where can you find it?
When else would something like this come in handy? What problem could it solve?
BE SPECIFIC!
BE CREATIVE!
BE INFORMATIVE!
Pro Tip: Bookmark all your sites for easy access. Then just click through and visit them often. Also, save all freebie and review emails in a specific folder so you can track your progress and To Do's.
That's it for now. Let me know if you have any other questions, tips, websites or ideas! Thanks :)
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