by Holly Golightly

Created on: September 24, 2008   Last Updated: March 05, 2009

On most websites now, just like Helium, you will see adverts about a company who are offering free samples for people to try. New boots, make-up, etc.

Having had a look at some of the sites, I have to be honest I was put off by the amount of information I have to give to get the samples, as you know in doing this particular thing, you will end up with a lot of junk mail and you dont really know who is going to use the information.

How to get free samples sounds great, but you have to be prepared a lot of these companies pass on your details to other companies, and you may end up with more information than you really want, and come the day that you decide that you do not want to receive any more free samples, trying to stop this company is a whole new chapter in itself.

Another good way to get free samples is to wonder into your local chemist (especially a main branch) like we have here in England and without naming names we have a couple of big high street chains who will give out free samples, and although not quite the same thing, have lots of offers on the BOGOF shelf (and sorry if that sounds a bit rude, but it means "Buy One Get One Free".

On my way into work sometimes, I often see a man or a woman giving out free samples of drinks or little snack bars that have just come on to the market.

I know I once wrote to a company about a certain product I was using as face cleanser and I got a free sample of another product, so it may be another option of obtaining a free sample, writing to the company and praising them. Write to the marketing department of the particular company you want to receive the sample from, as this is where they will have free samples.

I know that if you write to a perfume company often they will send out free samples, especially if you say you are testing one out and cannot seem to trace a shop that sells it locally. I know, its slightly cheating here, but hey, the marketing departments are there for that reason, and if they make you happy about the fact that they were helpful, you might even be encouraged to buy more of their product.

Going to exhibitions can also be a good place to get free samples, especially when it comes to the Marathon. All sorts of sports drinks are handed out, and blister plasters etc.

Now you may be thinking what on earth do you want to get these sorts of samples? Well you might not to get this free sample, but I bet you might know someone else who will want them.

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