by Courtney Christensen

Created on: January 17, 2007   Last Updated: April 13, 2011

Tips for finding bonafide free offers online can be sketchy at best. The following is what my research has produced over the last few years:

Be wary of any offer that has you enter your email first, then click on a button to fill out the rest of your info. These typically give something "free" once you complete "terms" that include a purchase.

• www.walmart.com: If you go to the "In Stores Now" link, then "Free Samples" there are various offers at any given time.

• www.all-free-samples.com: You have to weed through these offers, but there are plenty of real samples and offers.

• www.freecycle.org: This is a group split into regional yahoo groups. Once you go to the site, pick your geographic location and join those lists. People offer things they no longer want or need, and all you have to do is pick it up. I have received a working treadmill, full size bed, upholstered chair and more from this. This will work better if your area has a decently sized group going.

• www.craigslist.com: Like freecycle, except some things aren't free. There is, however, a free category where you can look at everything that is free. Other categories allow people to ask for money, but you can usually find great deals here.

If there is a specific sample you are looking for, many product websites offer a free sample sign up.

• www.bestfreestuffonline.com: Again, you may have to weed through the offers, but there are some good ones.

• www.enfamil.com: Family beginnings program will send free vouchers for money off formula, as well as formula samples.

• www.verybestbaby.com: Another baby site, samples of GoodStart formula and vouchers as well.

Another great way to get samples at Christmas or to send college students care packages is to go to department stores and ask for samples as stocking stuffers or for care packages. Usually they are more than willing to give you plenty of samples to use. Some cosmetic counters will do this as well.

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