Samples received: How to get samples and other stuff for free

There are a lot of Web sites out there, just waiting to take advantage of people, and especially so when it comes to getting "free stuff". So, I thought as I go about this process, I would share a few of the things I've found which have proven to be safe, and also share some of the promotions as I receive them. By blogging about them as I receive them, as opposed to as I apply for them, you'll know they're valid because they've worked for me. I already mentioned Freeflys.com, but there are some great other alternatives as well. The first stop is to look at manufacturer Web sites, and of course, Walmart.

Walmart

Walmart has a great page of free samples. I've read that it updates every week, however, I've found that if you check it once or twice each day you can sometimes find samples that don't normally come up just by checking a few times a week. Don't get too excited though; the past week or so I've only been seeing the same samples. So, you may not get a handful of samples every week. You can get your hands on some good coupons, as well though. I've even read about people getting makeup samples here. So go check it out today!

StartSampling

One of the recent samples I received came from StartSampling.com. I received a Stayfree Ultra Thin sample, plus a one dollar off coupon. I was a little bummed that I only received one pad, because I've received entire boxes in the past, but it's free so I'll take it. It doesn't seem like StartSampling updates very often, however. They do have a pretty wide range of product samples available, including shampoo, perfume, energy supplements, and even beef jerky. They're pretty much just another gateway Web site, so you may find some things here which may be on other sites, such as Walmarts. It's a pretty good start though.

Facebook

Facebook is a great way to find free samples, giveaways, coupons and more. Just look for some of your favorite brands, and quite often they'll give you a discount just for liking them. T-tapp is one of these! If you don't know about T-tapp, it's my favorite workout program, and you can find out more in my blog. When you like T-tapp on Facebook, you get a coupon code for 20% off!

Emergen-C is another brand you can get free samples from. You can like them on Facebook, or go to their Web site and request samples. Several months ago, I received free samples from them... I think from their Web site. I requested samples from their Facebook page recently, so I'm waiting to see if you can get both or not.

You can also get a sample of Lipton's Tea & Honey by liking them on Facebook, and requesting a sample. You get a 50 cent coupon, also. The flavor is Mango Pineapple Iced Green Tea Mix, which I'm not too sure about. I don't really drink tea anymore, but I thought it would be something different to try. Also, the past few times I've purchased Lipton Black Tea, the boxes have included 50 cent off coupons. So, another way to save money if you buy tea often as I do.

All of these Facebook sample offers are still valid, so you may want to hurry and get them while you can! Some may be special offers, such as the Lipton sample.

Free nail polish alert!! That's right! One of the great experiences I've had recently was winning 2nd place in Totally Lacquer Obsessed's 300 Likes Giveaway. What did I win? Well, I'll be blogging about it some more, hopefully within the next week or so, but I won OPI's  New York City Ballet Collection Mini Set. So watch out, I'll be updating with a blog all about my experience with this giveaway soon, I hope.

Luck

My last entry for today is about pure and simple luck. About two weeks ago, I ordered some makeup from Amazon.com. When I received my purchase, I was annoyed to discover they had shipped the wrong item by mistake. I paid for an item worth $16.99 and received one worth $9.99. I sent them an e-mail and not only did I end up getting a refund, but they offered to pay for one day shipping if I wanted to reorder the item (I didn't), and they then told me I could keep the item I received in error!