The Top 10 Things to Consider When You Opt for Free Items by Mail

For many of us, getting something for free is always a welcome bonus – especially when it’s something we were already interested in trying out in the first place! Free items by mail have become increasingly popular in recent times with the rise of subscription boxes, sampler kits from retailers, and other promotional incentives. From make-up to food and from pet supplies to household items, a whole host of fascinating products are now available to be sampled and reviewed without having to make a financial commitment upfront.

PinchMe is one of the most notable players in this field, offering customized samples from big-name brands such as Proctor and Gamble, Tide, Crest, Pampers and many more. Taking part in the scheme is straightforward – simply answer a few questions about yourself and your shopping habits and you’ll be rewarded with a box full of samples, sent your home address. As an added bonus, you’ll also be able to provide feedback and comments on the products you try, which is shared with the respective companies.

But before you jump in and start snatching up freebies, there are a few things you should consider. Here are the top 10 things to bear in mind when taking advantage of free items by mail.

1. Cost of Shipping

While everything you’ll receive will be free of charge, the cost of shipping is unlikely to be included. This obviously depends on where you live and the type of package being sent, so make sure to check this before signing up – it’s always a good idea to know what’s expected of you before making any commitments.

2. Product Quality

It would be naive to assume that a free sample item will be the same as its full-sized counterpart. Since these free items are given with the caveat that the recipient will provide feedback, it’s possible that the company would cut a few corners in order to keep the cost to a minimum. That said, if the company has a good reputation you can usually expect items of an acceptable standard.

3. Better Deals on Subsequent Purchases

Many companies will offer promo codes or discounts the next time you shop with them as an extra incentive for taking part in the free samples program. Keep an eye out for any such offers or deals because these can deliver some genuine value.

4. Not Everything Will be Relevant

Before you get too excited with the idea of snagging free items, bear in mind that these free samples will not necessarily reflect your personal interests or needs. Even if you’ve articulated your likes and dislikes in the provided questionnaire, there’s no way of guaranteeing that everything you receive will be relevant or personalized.

5. Be Prepared for a Long Wait

The time between signing up and receiving the free samples can be lengthy – it’s not uncommon for people to wait several months in order to be offered the right products. This is why it’s important to have realistic expectations and not become too discouraged if you don’t come away with anything after your first sign-up.

6. Research the Brands

When it comes to handing information such as payment details to unknown companies, a little bit of detective work goes a long way. Doing some research can not only confirm whether a company is legitimate or not, but can also alert you to any potential safety issues too.

7. Verify the Safety Standards

When it comes to items such as cosmetics, skin creams, and even food, it’s important to ensure that these meet with certain safety standards. Check the labels for any potential red flags such as the presence of banned chemicals or allergens and review other online feedback that might give you an idea of the product quality.

8. Reject the Items If Needed

If there’s anything you don’t feel comfortable accepting from the mail, then don’t feel like you’re obligated to keep it. Companies are likely to provide some sort of way to reject the items without penalty, whether that’s returning them to the sender or requesting a credit note if the package arrives damaged or incomplete.

9. Consider the Savings

Sometimes if you do decide to keep the free sample (especially if it’s something you’d have purchased anyway) you can save yourself a bit of cash which came of course in handy. Obviously this doesn’t apply to everything you receive in the mail, but if you keep track of your budget this extra wiggle room can be a blessing.

10. Take Advantage of Other Promotional Offers

Most companies will offer different types of promotional offers to people who take part in their free items by mail. This can include anything from reward points to discounts and exclusive deals on certain products. If you’re new to the company and taking part in their program, it can help to see if there’s anything extra you can benefit from.

Topics:

Free items by mail,

PinchMe,

Proctor and Gamble