Chapter 5:  Miscellaneous Odds and Ends

Groceries and supermarkets are another great source of free stuff, but if you’re not in the mood to fight your way through traffic (or your fellow shoppers), there are other options available.

1. Big brands

 You’ll notice if you look through Costco’s website that they don’t have a freebie section, but don’t despair. In the blue bar, near the top, is their SEARCH option, which asks, “What do you want to find?” Type in “free sample” and click enter. They usually don’t have much, but sometimes they seem eager to get rid of stuff without going through the bother of giving discounts.

 Fortunately, Proctor & Gamble doesn’t limit its freebies to those in the Big Apple. If you want your share of give-aways, check out their freebie site. They’ll send samples to your door, but only if you’re willing to take the time to fill out their form and tell them something about yourself.

 If the thought of making your way to Walmart is too mortifying, then make your way to their website’s freebie section, instead. Joking aside, they give away tons of free stuff, but you have to check in regularly and act fast when you see something you like. They empty out really fast.

 Sam’s Club provides free stuff, but you have to be a member on their website, first. Their samples also go really fast, however, so you have to keep your eyes glued on their offers.

 Target provides free samples, which you can access by making your way here. They’re not all for everyone, however. You first have to qualify by filling out a survey form. Depending on your age, sex, location, and whatnot, you may or may not qualify for the item. If you don’t qualify for something, be patient. They’re always coming up with something new that you might be a fit for.

2. Not so big names (yet)

 The name Hey! It’s free! is self-descriptive. They have a vast array of freebies, ranging from clothes, cosmetics, movies, and food.

 If you’ve never heard of Start Sampling, then you’re really missing out. They’re a marketing and promotions group that offer discounts and freebies on a vast range of items from many different companies. Cosmetics, dog food, baby products, chances are that Start Sampling has it.

Becoming a member not only entitles you to a lot of free goodies, but allows you to vent,

as well. Companies that sign up with them are genuinely interested in what consumers like you think of their products and services. To get your stuff, click here.

 Vocalpoint is a relative newbie that provides discounts and freebies on a range of items in exchange for feedback on your part. The bad news is that, as of August 2014, they’ve begun making changes to their site. Hopefully they’ve fixed things up by the time you’re reading this.

3. Swap sites

While barter is an ancient custom, it fell out of fashion when cash became a fad. In recent years, however, it’s starting to make a comeback. While it is not technically free, chances are that you have a lot of stuff you no longer want or need.  As the old saying goes, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure,” so check out the following to see what’s available. None have membership fees.

  SwapStyle is all about clothes, accessories, gadgets, and even cosmetics (the not-yetused kind, hopefully). The downside is that you’ll have to pay for shipping.

 Kids grow up fast, don’t they? ThredUP’s solution is to provide a forum where you can swap clothes that no longer fit for those that do. Age appropriate toys are also part of the bargain, but it costs $5 for a box full of clothes and toys, excluding shipping. While not free, that’s a bargain that makes it almost so.

 SwapAce has an anything goes mentality so, besides clothes, you can also swap cars, DVDs, and other things. Their car swap program is a hit, but do exercise caution. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

 Freecycle is one of the biggest swap sites with 8.5 million members and over 5,000 groups worldwide. Think of it as a garage sale, but one where using money is discouraged.

4. Free boats

This actually deserves its own chapter but, after much thought, it was put between the odds-andends section and the technical stuff, with good reason. Some of the free boats on offer require work, which is why they’re free… usually available after a divorce.

 WoodenBoat magazine has a section on free boats available throughout the US. They even have a couple of yachts. The downside is that, besides needing work, the docking isn’t free and you have to make your way to them. Still, imagine getting an actual yacht for free! How great is that, huh?