How to Ask for Freebies from Brands

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Everyone loves a freebie. The less we have to spend on things, the better we feel. I especially enjoy receiving freebies I can sell on somewhere else. After all, if these freebies aren't edible, then I want to make a profit from them. I even did a post about the wonderful stock you can find for a penny or less. So how do you get even more freebies then? In particular, how do you get the things you actually want?

I've found that two opposing methods are just as affective as one another to secure these goods. Besides competitions and stealing, this is how you get brands to give you free things.

1. Complain

What Do You Do?

When you exchange cash for any product or service, expect it to be a first class transaction. Everything must be on point. Not happy with the customer service in-store? Follow up with an email. If it's an online purchase and they miss the delivery timeframe, swoop in. If your item arrives flawed, you know what to do.

Many will swear by complaining in-store or by phone, but a quick email should suffice.

What's the Best Method?

I communicate these things best via email, so I have to structure my approach based on that. I go in telling them the problem, my hang ups about buying from them in the future and leave it open to them to find a solution.

Gift cards are almost inevitable afterwards.

When Shouldn't You Do This?

This method should be used to squeeze cash from big companies that can take a few hits and keep things moving. Their customer service department will be disconnected from their central operation, and their staff will have training that instructs them to give things away, to retain the reputation of the company.

Smaller companies are completely different and aren't to be taken advantage of. You should be lenient with them and accept that they may not have the resources to run as smoothly as larger operations. While you should feel free to share your dissatisfaction with them, don't use it as a chance to fish for freebies.

What's the Worst That Can Happen?

No reply. And you should expect it. Some brands do not care about customer concerns via email, so don't expect them to be apologetic every time. In fact, smaller brands may just throw some hostility your way.

2. Compliment

What Do You Do?

Let the company know that you're happy with their product or service. Just drop a quick note to big them up for it. It's especially effective if it's for a product which is in low stock or has been discontinued. Just show a little appreciation and leave it at that.

I know it sounds simple and probably pointless, but trust me on this one. Usually customers are only getting in contact because they have issues. The positive messages stand out and often warrant a response.

What's the Best Method?

As mentioned, end-of-line products are a great opportunity to get in there and start a conversation. A product may not have enough demand to continue to be stocked, but they're likely to have a few extras sitting around (unless you're trying to get a piece of the latest Supreme drop).

If you have any sort of a profile, it can be used as leverage. If you could influence your local community, online following or anyone else to send business their way, they are probably interested. Bloggers out there, mentioning that you can slip a product into a post is always with a shot.

When Shouldn't You Do This?

There's never a time when you shouldn't show admiration for a product or service. Do it as frequently as you see fit. Obviously don't overdo it with the same brand, but being nice is never a bad thing.

What's the Worst That Can Happen?

You can get aired. That's as bad as it gets. Do this in volume and you won't take each as a personal rejection.