Want free stuff? Look for it on social media.
I’ve outlined the basics over at my day job, MSN Money’s Living With Less column. “Freebies on Facebook and Twitter” shows how savvy users can get everything from free pancakes to free iPads. Or laptops or $2,000 shopping trips.
Why would valuable stuff be given away? To get attention, of course. Companies want to introduce new products, promote existing ones and cement brand loyalty. One woman I interviewed scores at least six “high-quality products” a week. Her mailbox is like a piñata.
I, for one, have joined IHOP’s “Pancake Revolution” and plan to eat my free breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage and fruit-topped flapjacks) later this week. Naturally I will tip the server on what the bill would have been if not for the freebie.
Not every giveaway is laptop-lavish, you understand. But plenty of people wouldn’t turn down a free sandwich or video rental. It’s yet another way for the unemployed, the underemployed or just any old illegitimus frugalis to prop up the budget.
Does anyone here troll for gratis goodies? What have been your favorite Facebook/Twitter finds?
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I follow a bunch of deal blogs in my feed reader, so if there’s a great deal, they’ve done all the leg work, I just hope I get lucky enough to qualify or win.
It felt good a couple weeks ago to give my in-laws a bag of toiletries to take to a family they know that is in need. Toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, and toilet paper. The TP was the only thing I paid for.
My favorite FB find was Famous Daves B1G1 coupon offering. We try to eat out only when we have a coupon, so this was a nice treat.
Dawn: That was a HUGE help to the family, because as you know you can’t use food stamp benefits for things like soap. I donate a lot of free-after-rebate toiletries to a food bank and to my church’s emergency pantry. It really stretches my giving dollars.
I ate at Famous Dave’s when I lived in the Chicago area. Wish there were one near me, but the closest one is about 40 miles away. Maybe he’ll consider opening a store in Seattle.
Thanks for reading, and for leaving a comment.
I like to watch other blogs, too. And I always keep an eye on I heart wags and CVS. That gives me a heads up for the following week.
Boy I need to do more of this! I’ve heard of it before, but never really took advantage. Thanks for the reminder!
I have so much free after rebate toothpaste and toiletries I’m getting ready to donate some bags (they have a specific list) of these items to help my friend’s church drive to help a local shelter. I hope I can help them achieve their goal, and it’s awesome to be able to pass on what the drugstores have ‘donated’ to me and my family.