by Kraig A. Koelsch
Most people with Internet savvy and the know-how to save a buck like to get free stuff online. But how do you go about it? It depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend.
Free shipping. Some online retailers offer free shipping for a certain amount spent while others match that and offer an additional discount — usually 10 percent off the total price.
Always look for the elusive coupon code. Times are just as tough for vendors, and they want your money. I recently received free shipping on an online ticket order for a sporting event after searching the website's name and "free shipping." You can also try the name of the website and the word "discount code." In this example, I saved almost $20 by doing nothing more than a basic search.
Free stuff. Many companies heavily advertise a new product on popular news, sports and entertainment sites with the offer of a free sample. I've gotten free razors, antacids and even a pen by just visiting mainstream sites and filling out some basic information. Look for these ads to be displayed prominently and sometimes mentioned on TV. I've never had to pay anything for these products — only the time to fill out my information and maybe agree to rate the product online after using it.
Free samples. Some large retailers have sections on their websites specifically dedicated to samples and freebies. That said, good luck finding them. For example, Walmart has a robust free samples page but of course, it's not that easy to find. Try typing "sample" or "free sample" in the search field on your favorite retailer's site and see what displays. It can't hurt and as I said, many have lots of samples to choose from.
Websites and blogs. And there are many websites and blogs that are all about online giveaways like heyitsfree.net and bestfreestuffonline.com and www.free-product-samples.blogspot.com. You can also narrow your search to a specific product like "free laundry detergent sample" and so on. One of my personal favorites is AddictedToSaving.com. Check it out and you'll see why. It's constantly updated and is an incredicle resource to today's deal finder.
Read the fine print. A lot of the offers are indeed free, but some require that you register and agree to multiple offers. That's why you must read the terms of the agreement before you agree to any free offer, so you understand the commitment you're making. Some will offer a free iPod or a computer but in turn, you have to complete a credit card application, subscribe to magazines and usually complete three to four additional offers in order to qualify. By the time you're done, you probably could have purchased the product cheaper yourself.
Food and fun. A great and popular site for reduced meals and fun is Groupon. Groupon sends you a daily deal that is usually half off at a local dining or entertainment venue. They have some fantastic offers and are completely legitimate. Many competitors quickly surfaced such as Living Social and dealfind.
Finally, the Internet is crowded with junk, but there are also many great deals and discounts. With a little effort and some luck, you'll be pocketing shipping costs, saving at your favorite restaurant and even scoring some free stuff.
Kraig A. Koelsch is a Manage My Life Editor who knows the value of a dollar and is always eager to enjoy a free sample of a new product.
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