{Tips & Tricks on Getting Samples/Coupons/Discounts!}
I had been working on another blog topic, but I am too anxious to give you advice on this topic... so this will be blog #2!
Have you ever wondered how people get free items in the mail all the time? Or how Bloggers have tons of beauty products to test out? If you have.... keep reading. :)
My obsession with this started when I was pregnant with my baby girl, Madeline. My fiance and I were calculating our bills and needed to cut corners everywhere possible! I started clipping coupons and got excited when I saw the discounts on our receipts.
Then I started searching social media sites for my favorite brands and companies. I also checked out blogs for discount hunting and coupons. This eventually lead to me calling companies and emailing them.
Want to know what I've gotten through my own research and social media tracking? Here's a few examples:
1. Free Target leopard print makeup bag full of samples/coupons
2. Free full sized Suave Moroccan Conditioner
3. Free samples of Tide, toothpaste, floss, baby wipes, etc.
4. Free full sized baby formula and tons of steep discounts
5. Free CoverGirl cosmetics
6. Free $15 gift card from Victoria's Secret
7. Free lipgloss from LippyGirl Organic Cosmetics
Step 1. "Like", Share, Follow, or Pin all of your favorite brands. Most companies at some point do giveaways, discounts, and sweepstakes. I kept an eye out on Target and nabbed the sample bag!
Step 2. Advertise for them! Share your favorite products on your page, tag the company in your posts, or retweet something they said. I'll even take a picture of myself in a company's makeup and share that with them. Why not? Communication with the customer has become top priority in the social media world, and what more could a company ask for than free advertising?
Step 3. Do you have a blog? Or are you in the beauty industry? Then contact the company personally! LippyGirl started following me on my professional Twitter page. I checked out their products, looved that they were organic, and wanted to give it a try for my followers! I just emailed them asking for a sample or discount, and now I have a pretty gloss! I get a ton of questions from my girls on where to get the best organic products, so this serves both LippyGirl and me. REMEMBER: The worst they can say is NO. The worst response from a company was that they couldn't give me anything, but really soon they were having a giveaway. No fuss, and great heads up info!
Step 4. Soooo important!! Always make sure you're asking nicely. Don't beg, don't bug, and don't get upset. If they are able to send you anything, tell them how thankful you are and how much you like the company or are excited to try the product. I worked in customer service for 6 years, and I can guarantee you we have the power to do a lot for you.....if you're nice! ;)
Step 5. Ask your friends! Know a lot of people in your industry? Pick their brains. I get a lot of my successful advice from my girlfriends in the beauty world. They can show you pro discounts and hidden treasures (cough like me cough).
Step 6. Have a valid reason for wanting a product, and be genuinely interested. I have a lot of allergies, and Blue Diamond has a ton of almond products that really help me. I emailed the company explaining my problem, and they gave me a handwritten letter with lots of coupons! I am very grateful, and completely recommend their line. I also contacted P&G to get a few coupons for home care items, and within a few days I had them! I have always been willing to help people in my industry with a true passion, interest, or need for something. Hell, I'm more willing if they are just a friendly, kind person!
and finally....
Step 7. Be old fashioned! This will pay off like crazy, I promise you. And why not? You will stand out from the crowd, and even seem more trustworthy and worth the investment for companies. Did you receive a free product in the mail? Write an old fashioned Thank-You note! I'd even hand write some of your requests. And also, make sure you give credit to anyone who helped you out. You can even send them a picture of you wearing the nailpolish, lipstick, mascara...whatever it is, and say a quick Thank-You on the back of that. Make sure to post it on their social media sites as well.
Whew! That's a lot of information. Here's some quick websites and companies to check out:
Social Media:
Can't wait for your items to get in the mail? Go to the company personally! Here are some places that give instant samples:
Thanks for reading! Please let me know if this helped you! Comment, Tweet, Facebook...whatever means you communicate, I will respond. Have more advice, or found a hidden gem that I missed? I'll post your info on my blog and credit you.
Cheers!
