25 Ways to Get Free Stuff
Posted: July 26th, 2012 | 3 Comments
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t like getting stuff for free? Whether you’re a millionaire or living paycheck to paycheck, it’s easy to appreciate freebies. There are lots of these no-cost gems out there for the taking, it’s just a matter of where to find them.
To save you some searching, we’ve compiled these 25 ways to get free stuff. Try just one or use all 25; it’s a free country after all.
- Ask Away
One of the earliest rules you learn in math is the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Try calling or writing your favorite companies and directly asking them for free samples. A promise of brand loyalty or promotion on your blog will usually help grease the wheels. - Dumpster Dive
This one can turn gross and dangerous quickly since you never know what to expect digging through a dumpster. A more sensible approach is to peruse the dumpster areas in large apartment complexes around the end of the month. There’s often plenty of perfectly good furniture someone else wasn’t willing to move.
- Download
Let’s be clear, this isn’t encouraging illegal downloading of any kind. Still, there are lots of free, legal downloads of good stuff out there. Try these free ebook resources from Amazon, or download their free app of the day. - Gamble
You don’t have to be playing high-stakes poker to get freebies at a casino. Even if you just stick to penny slots, many casinos provide free drinks and food vouchers to players. Though the drinks are completely free, tipping ensures you stay in the server’s rotation. - Get Older
Getting older is an inevitability, so you might as well cash in while you can. There are more than 100 restaurants on this list that will reward you with everything from an ice cream sundae to a corn dog, just for surviving another 365 days.
- Comb the Sand
Chances are you don’t have a metal detector sitting around in the garage. If you’re not prepared to make the investment just for the potential freebies, these devices can usually be rented by the day. You never know when you’ll uncover that long-lost diamond ring, but a pocketful of change is more likely. - Listen to the Radio
Between streaming stations and mp3 players, the radio is becoming a forgotten medium. However, stations still have giveaways on a daily basis, so it’s worth tuning in if you can stomach the annoying ads and over-the-top on-air personalities. - Pay With Plastic
Spending with your credit card just to get the rewards is undoubtedly counterproductive. Instead, use a rewards credit card to pay regular bills and accumulate freebies from your everyday expenses. - Explore the Outdoors
According to the National Park Service, 264 of the 397 national parks never charge an entrance fee. Even then, those that do have several free entrance days throughout the year. Check this list for more information on upcoming dates.
- Check Craigslist
It’s always a mystery what you’ll find in the “free” section of your local Craigslist. While there’s plenty of junk, a watchful eye can regularly discover diamonds in the rough. Keep in mind, most posters will expect you to load and transport the giveaways yourself. - Take Up a Trade
If you need some fresh reading materials, there are tons of free trade magazine subscriptions available at no cost. Most publications want you to provide information about your related business when you subscribe, so how far you want to stretch the truth to receive Welders Weekly is up to you. - Sample Everything
Whether you’re trying a new beer at the bar or aren’t sure you’ll like honey-maple ham, you can usually get a free taster to make up your mind. Costco is becoming legendary for its free sample days, with many claiming you can compose an entire meal from samples alone. - Like What You Like
Companies want free publicity and you want free stuff. As long as you’re browsing around Facebook, “like” your favorite brands and products to get free samples and money-saving coupons.
- Ask Your Doctor
Doctors’ and dentists’ offices are practically overflowing with free samples. A toothbrush, floss and a lecture on the benefits of flossing are to be expected from the dentist, but try asking your doctor if he can provide you with samples of meds so you don’t have to pay for a full prescription. - Take a Class
Unless you have powerful connections and access to a trust fund, you might think an Ivy League education is out of the question. However, many top universities — including Harvard, Stanford and M.I.T. — are offering free online classes. While you won’t get college credit, you can get a certificate of completion and a feeling of self-satisfaction. - Plan a Trip
Tourism is big business, and states will do what it takes to get you to visit. Contact visitor centers in cities that interest you and they’ll usually send you free stuff like maps, stickers, calendars and more. - Open a Bank Account
If you’ve been racking your brain for a way to afford a new iPod, it might be as simple as opening a checking account. Many banks provide free gifts when you open certain types of accounts. Remember, you have to keep the account open for a certain amount of time or you’ll be required to reimburse them for the freebie. - Pan for Gold
You could say this one is really digging deep for a freebie, but in select states there’s still gold floating around out there. Even if you don’t uncover anything, it makes for a free and fun family activity. These instructions should be helpful for any first-time prospectors. - Become a Business Professional
Custom printing sites such as Vistaprint will provide you with 250 free business cards as long as you cover the shipping costs. Better yet, you don’t even have to have a job to take advantage of the deal. Go ahead and print your cards with the professional title of “Ladies Man” if you really want. - Get Cultured
If you’re into art or history, many museums have free admission dates scattered throughout the year. The best way to find out if your local institution has an upcoming free day is to call and ask. Some museums always have free admission with a “suggested donation.” You don’t have to donate, but you do have to endure the dirty looks when you decline.
- Move
Whenever it comes time to move it’s impossible to find help lifting anything, but people come out of the woodwork to give you their leftover moving supplies or unwanted furniture. If you fall short on boxes, ask at your local supermarket during an off-peak time, and they’re usually willing to give you as many as you need. - Eat Out
After a stressful day at work, it can be a chore to whip up a meal for the whole family. When you’re having one of those nights, look for restaurants where kids eat free. The free meal usually requires the purchase of an adult meal, but it still spares you the extra expense and a pile of dirty dishes.
- Give Out Your Email
These days it’s a constant struggle to keep spam out of your inbox. That’s why it’s worth creating an email address to use when signing up for mailing lists from stores. Many merchants offer free coupons for a big discount or free shipping on your next order. This is also a good way to get on the list to receive their birthday freebies. - Take Those Surveys
Nearly every receipt these days offers you a chance to win a free gift card if you complete a short survey about your shopping experience. Since most receipts wind up in the garbage or crumpled in a cupholder, the odds of winning are better than you might expect. Having one chance to win free stuff is always better than none! - Have a Party
Hosting a party is a good way to load up on free food and drink. Just ask each person attending to bring a portion of the meal. If you don’t feel like exploiting friends and family for free appetizers, try applying to host a party through HouseParty.com. Companies looking to promote a new product will send you free samples and other supplies to share with your guests.
