You're browsing through the weekly circular when you see the word "Free" in big, bold letters. It's for one of your favorite products, so you're naturally excited. Then you see the dreaded little star next to it, and bring your eyes down to the terms and conditions. Alas, it's not really free. How can you start actually getting items for free?
Read Fine Print
Even worse than the circular situation described above is when you get to the checkout counter only to find that the beloved item is actually not free. You haven't purchased enough items to qualify for it. Remember, it's not as though people are giving things away every day for free. It's always important to read the conditions that go along with the deal.
Buy One, Get One
Whenever you see the "Buy One, Get One" sign, you're generally good to go. Of course, this is pending that it's a reputable company from which you're buying. For example, Lane Bryant might be running a buy one, get one deal on shirts, and McDonald's could be doing the same with one of the popular sandwiches. If it's a big name like this, you are pretty much ensured that the item will be free. There is one item to make note of though: In buy one, get one deals, the item of lesser value will be the one for which you aren't charged.
Use Reputable Websites
You've likely gone to Google and typed in "coupon codes for Old Navy" or "coupon codes for Sephora" before. That's an excellent way to see if you're able to get some items for free; however, you need to know which sites are okay to use. Coupon Cabin and Retail Me Not are rather highly regarded in this sense. Their coupon codes tend to work. Furthermore, people who have used the codes write on the website to report the accuracy of them. They also list expiration dates, so you'll know when your free is no longer available.
Free Contests
You probably get mailings from time to time asking you to please fill out your registration material for particular contests. Now if only it were that simple to actually win the prize! Before you fill out any paperwork, run a quick review to make sure the company is valid. You should not be required to pay for anything. Remember, if you're paying anything at all, then it's not free. Try to choose some smaller, more local opportunities in which thousands of people from all across the country are not participating. The smaller the pool of competitors, the greater chance you have of winning that free prize.
Who doesn't love a good freebie? Of course, they are tough to come by especially when the economy is not doing so well. It's financially difficult for companies and business owners to be giving out freebies on a regular basis; however, many of them find ways to do so. Just keep your eyes open your good deals, and always use your common sense.
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