I Love Free Stuff: 4 Great Free Sample Websites | brokeGIRLrich
I love free stuff. Although I think very few things in life are truly free – pretty much everything has a string attached, whether it’s a price tag or something else – I still also think that some of those strings are more palatable than others. Personally, I’m ok with trading a little of my time to get something for free. It doesn’t hurt that I started this love affair with free stuff when I was a graduate student procrastinating writing my Master’s thesis. It then continued on through assorted jobs that left me with lots of internet surfing time – to present day. Where I still have a little too much free time at work.
So if you’re like me, with random pockets of free time that you have to spend “looking busy” anyway (and don’t get me wrong, I do actually work at work too sometimes) and you like getting free stuff you may want to check out some of these social networks that get you access to assorted free samples in exchange for a social media shout out or a review.
Where to Go to Get Free Samples
Are you an Influenster?
The first site I recommend you check out is Influenster. This is the mack daddy of free sample websites, but it’s also the one where you have to put in the most work initially. Sometimes Influenster has open enrollment periods, but most of the time you need to be invited by someone (and hey, I have about 5 invites in my docket right now if you’re interested). Once you sign up, you have an Influenster score, which starts out really low. To build up this score, you can review items you’ve already used and work on earning badges.
Influenster: Expert Badges
There are two types of badges that you’re initially concerned with – Expert Badges and Lifestyle Badges. You can earn an unlimited number of Lifestyle Badges, but when you start, you can only pick 5 Expert Badges. These Expert Badges will often influence the type of free samples they send you. Expert topics include categories like Gamer, Fashionista, Jetsetter, Sweet Tooth, Beauty Queen, Six Pack, Decorator, and more. Personally I went with Jetsetter, Beauty Queen, Fashionista, Mosquito and Sweet Tooth, but you don’t even have to pick all 5 categories if you don’t want. Honestly, I just started with one and when I got sick of it, moved onto another.
Each of these Expert badges has things you can do to up your score for that badge – and increasing your scores on your badges also raises your overall Influenster score. Some of those things are taking surveys, sharing certain reviews on social media, submitting your blog (ie my very lazily updated travel blog for the Jetsetter badge), and answering questions related to the topic. Lifestyle badges are very similar, but fall into categories like Blushing Bride, Collegiate, Boomer, Bow-Wow, Do-Good-Er and Canada. Completing these badges also raises your Influenster score.
Influenster: LifeStage Badges
I would say I had 4 of my badges up over 80 and had written maybe a dozen random reviews of products (and by reviews – I mean 4-5 sentences, nothing taxing) when I qualified for my first Influenster package. They call them Vox Boxes. Since then, I’ve qualified for about 3 a year. Each box contains a wide variety of samples – some awesome. Some not. What I really like about Influenster though has been that I can write a review about how much I hate a product and it doesn’t seem to count against me. When you receive a Vox Box, you’re given a set of activities to complete. To be eligible for future Vox Boxes, you really just have to confirm you received the Vox Box and complete a survey about the products you received; however, you keep your Influenster score good and high, you have to do a couple of other activities as well.
For example, last week I received the J’Adore Vox Box (I have no idea how they come up with these names), logged on and clicked a button to confirm I’ve received the box. Technically, that’s all I’ve had to do so far, but since I like receiving these boxes and want to qualify for more, I started working on the assortment of tasks they ask you to do like create a Pinterest board dedicated to the Vox Box (to get an idea, you can check out one of my old one’s here – it took me roughly 5 minutes to put together), Tweet about the tea sample (I use a separate Twitter account just for this stuff), Instagram the Hershey Kisses, leave a review of the hair product on John Frieda’s Facebook page, and blog about the J’Adore Vox Box. They also love it when you YouTube stuff, but I hate YouTube. So I just never do those tasks. And I keep getting the boxes anyway.
Instagramin’ It Up: My Beautimous Hershey Kisses Display
On top of all the stuff you get in the box, you can also do Brand Badges. Each item in the box gets an extra set of stuff for you to do (all in that Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube or blog post categories). If you complete the tasks, you qualify for the Brand Badge and you get entered in a drawing to win a bonus a prize – usually a collection of items from that brand. I’ve won several Sally Hansen nail items and a second Vaseline spray lotion just by completing the Brand Badges.
BzzAgent
BzzAgent is even easier to use than Influenster. Anyone can just sign up for it and on this site your goal is to build your BzzScore… which is essentially the exact same thing as your Influenster score. Instead of emphasizing reviews, BzzAgent has you fill out surveys to get an idea of what’s going on in your household and with what brands you’d be a good fit.
My BzzScore
Each time you fill out a survey, it helps increase your BzzScore, which makes you eligible for samples, and usually you get a few MyPoints, which is a website associated with BzzAgent, although I’ve never tried to redeem any of MyPoints yet. It appears as though you’d qualify for gift certificates and such after you get a certain number of MyPoints, but I think you need to spend time over on their website to rack up enough to actually make it worthwhile.
My Current BzzCampaigns – it’s kind of unusual to have qualified for 2 at once!
Once BzzAgent finds an item it thinks you’d be great for, it leaves a notice on your wall and you take a survey for that item specifically. I have qualified every time I’ve taken one, so I think they’re already pretty sure they want you by the time they offer you the item. Once it’s shipped to you, you log on again and leave blog posts, Tweets and posts on Facebook reviewing the item. You also let them know how many people you talked to in real life about the product. Every time you complete an activity you get more MyPoints and your BzzScore increases.
Incidentally, one of my favorite samples ever came from BzzAgent – Kashi Hummus Crisps. And then I could never find them again. Thanks for nothing, BzzAgent. I’m still hoping to stumble across them in a food store one day. They were freaking delicious.
Smiley360
If you’re not sure about this whole free sample thing, Smiley360 might not be a bad place to start. I’ve found they expect the least from you… but in return, you get the least from them (for example, my first freebie was 5 packets of Emergen-C, considerably less impressive than the other freebie companies).
Smiley360 Mission: I do like me some Emergen-C. Especially mixed with vodka.
At Smiley360, you just fill out a survey upon signing up and they offer you different items from there – they call them missions. Smiley360 really seems to like getting people to watch a TV episode and Tweet or write about, and maybe if I would actually do that once or twice, I might qualify for more freebies from them, but as it is, Smiley360 has been my least successful freebie site. They also have a page that you go to once you’ve received your item, but it requires a lot less work than Influenster and BzzAgent to complete their tasks. When you complete a task you collect a “smile” and after a certain number of smiles you go up a level. I’ve been stuck at Level 2 for a while. Apparently you need to collect 10 missions to move up to the next level – so if I would watch those TV shows, it would probably increase the number of offers I received. I just don’t care enough though.
PinchMe
I don’t actually have much to say yet about PinchMe since I just took my first package from them out of the mailbox today, but they also mail you samples in exchange for a review or two. Based on the little card that came in the box with my Gevalia sample, it says that if I Tweet or post on Facebook about the sample, it enters me in some kind of monthly drawing. We’ll see. I’m holding out on a verdict on this company.
I do have to admit that if you want to do this successfully, you’re definitely going to pimp out your social media accounts. It took me a long time to give into posting on Facebook and even now I don’t always do it. I don’t think I’ll ever do much with YouTube. I think I made one video once and decided video reviews were not for me. I have a separate blog I set up for free for my reviews too. Although, if the product is good, I’m happy to tell people about it in person – BzzAgent even makes it easier since they usually send you a dozen or so coupons with each item. And who doesn’t like coupons? Communists, that’s who.
Any readers out there know of any other word-of-mouth companies that’ll send you awesome samples for a Twitter shoutout? Anyone ever had any bad experiences with any of these companies?
Have you tried Klout? It sounds like a similar concept to influenster, I’ve gotten some fun perks from that.
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life recently posted…Frugal Find NYC : COOK & GO
I actually have no idea what Klout is. I’ve gotten notices that some people have +-ed my score for something… so I guess I signed up at some point and forgot about it? I’ll have to look into it!
I have never heard of any of these sites before. I need to check them out. Thanks for the info.
Brian@ Debt Discipline recently posted…Week End Round Up #23
You totally should. They have a much smaller pool of guys, so I think they often get extra perks.
This is a totally new list for me too. I usually focus on YouGov where I typically can get a Amazon gift card in about three months of doing surveys. I’ve used Klout too to get perks, but it can be hard to get your points up.
Michelle @fitisthenewpoor recently posted…Friday Blog Roundup #20: 20 Reasons Why I Love My Life
Thanks for sharing this list! I have only heard of Swagbucks and it seems to take FOREVER to get anything, which is my only issue with some of these sites. If it is too much time commitment for too little reward, I have a difficult time making them a priority. It’s a tough balance.
Shannon @ Financially Blonde recently posted…Top Ten Quotes About Women
I agree. Back during the great years of procrastination, I signed up with Swagbucks too… I think I made $20 all year. It was definitely not worth the hassle.
I’ve used all of these companies you’ve recommended and my favorite one is BzzAgent. I get the most from them! I stopped by from #SitsShareFest
Louida recently posted…Product Review Weekend Link Up Party #ProductReviewParty #2
They’re definitely a good one. I seemed to go through a dry spell for a while, but they just shipped me two different BzzKits within a week of each other! And the Tone body wash is actually pretty awesome.
I just finished reviewing the Tone body wash. I really enjoyed it! Thanks for linking up at #ProductReviewParty!
Louida recently posted…Product Review Weekend Link Up Party #ProductReviewParty #2
I’m an Influenster! I’ve gotten one VoxBox and one single product box from them. I also use Tomoson.com to ind items to review in exchange for blog posts. I’ve gotten some fun stuff from their, like a one-year subscription to a meal planning site, some nice jewelry and fun apps and books.
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Penny Auctions Canada {Review}
Cool, I’ve never head of Tomoson.com. I’d be a little nervous though. I just recently received my first product to ever review on my blog – something I contacted them about because it actually looked really interesting to me – but I’ve found that I actually really don’t like it and am having trouble finding ANY positive spin to put on it for the post I have to write at the end of the month. :o/
Cool! I’ve never heard of any of those sites, and love me free stuff!
Mo’ Money Mo’ Houses recently posted…Blog Love – Why I’m Instaloving Instagram
Wow, this is a great list! I’ve never heard of any of these. I’d like to give Influenster a try and see how it goes. Thanks!
Kay @ Green Money Stream recently posted…Rattlesnake Wrangling and 5 Other Side Hustles
Cool! I sent you an invite if you’re interested.
I just ran across your site and you mentioned that you may consider eviting some? Could you invite me to influenster or others you like? I’m a member of pinchme and love them! I just had to defend them on a site saying they weren’t legit. I’m very true to my causes. Thank you, Niki Williams
I’m such a health nut so I’ve found myself waiting until I have time to come across more opportunities in this category or until I have a moment to look at some things online. Influenster is definitely a good one if you like the products they have on there. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this one with us at Countdown in Style, too!
Brittnei recently posted…Letters to My First Born: 20 and 21 months
Thanks for the rundown on Influenster. You’re inundated with so much information and it’s hard to make time to find out the good from the bad. I’ll have to do more with my account there! This is a good reference point for these companies. Thanks for linking up with Countdown in Style.
April recently posted…Veggie Tales Giveaway Blogger Sign up
Yeah, Influenster is definitely one of the good ones. At least I find it’s worth the effort.
I wish I could access these offers, we don’t have anything quite this attractive in Australia.
We only have sites like http://www.ninemsnrewards.com.au etc, but they tend to be pretty ordinary in terms of the rewards you get for completing surverys/reviews.
Mr Ikonz @ Project Ikonz recently posted…Save money on Microsoft Office thanks to work
There are barely any sites like influensta that ship to Australia!! Its really annoying
We have pinchme.com.au
Thanks for the additional information! I have been using BZZAGENT for a couple years and I love them! I just joined influenser and got my first voxbox in the first week – love free samples and testing out new products
Wendy recently posted…Sign up for BZZAGENT Here
Influenster has definitely been pretty awesome. I’ve heard from a few people that they never receive anything, but I can’t figure out why. I usually get 3 or 4 boxes a year from them. Did you get the #GoVoxBox? Weren’t those Blueberry Almonds surprisingly good??
I got the #SurfsUpVoxBox – LOVE it !!!
Wendy Nalder recently posted…31 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5
I’ve been a full time caregiver to my husband who has severe brain damage and loss of vision from drinking moonshine that was 90% methanol in Sept’09….and honestly I’ve singed up and entered so many different freeby sites that Ive lost track of them all but out of hundreds maybe thousands Ive only gotten 4 samples sent to me(poise pads(which I didnt need),Cottonelle Bath Wipes and a tiny/tiny little bottle of stuff that went on your face….I’m going to give these websites a try and see what happens Thank you for the recomendations I appreciate it
hey I just had a question. when you first register on this website do you just apply for things and wait ? or how should I start ! I appreciate the help<3
Yeah, you just register and then they contact you if you’re approved for a BzzKit.
I liked your post, I love http://www.simply4free.com to get great freebies!
GREAT list Mel! I’m happy to say that I’m also an #Influenster. I’ve received the #VitaVoxBox and the #FrostyVoxBox. Cool, full sized items for not a lot of effort.
What I’d like to add to your list of freebies is Smiley360.com. I’ve not received any samples, yet, but it’s been pretty easy earning points. I’m hopeful and standing by!
Michelle recently posted…5 Things Mystery Shopping Has Afforded Me – Pt. 1
Whoops! MY NEW ADDITION is Houseparty.com. I’ve not been chosen to host a party yet but it’s been easy and fun applying!
Michelle recently posted…5 Things Mystery Shopping Has Afforded Me – Pt. 1
Smiley360 is on the list…
Would love an invite to influenster. Am dying to try this. Love freebies and would love a chance to try this for myself. Thanku .. tiff
Hi. I don’t know if you already got an invite, but just in case you didn’t you can use my referral link. Make sure you connect with a facebook account. Hope this helps =) http://www.influenster.com/r/917746
I like inspired opinions they have paid me real money for testing products!
http://www.inspiredopinions.com
The sometimes have people come in and those are the best ones.. You can also do surveys for points and redeem via visa gift card!
Dude you should try Crowdtap. They are really cool about free stuff and you get entered into so many monthly gift cards. You should check out my blog which is really similar to this one! http://www.Bobinagina.wordpress.com Thanks!
Be careful not to do Freebie Shark. THey enter contests and then take their bit.ly links from the contest that get them extra entries to win and GIVE THAT TO THEIR READERS. They sneakily put the bit.ly link in the regular active link that they give YOU to click on, then all the thousands of people who click on it and enter are giving them additional entries, by the thousands, and pretty much have have USED YOU to win without telling you this! STAY AWAY FROM THESE PEOPLE. THIS TYPE OF ACTIVITY IS SHADY AND DISGUSTING FROM FREEBIE SHARK.
Hi, I see you are the bitter one that Jason banned from FreebieShark for your rude and hateful comments. Get over yourself. It’s actually well documented in his disclosure policy that he uses referral links. Read that before you go on a rant.
Amen, Lisa! I love FreebieShark, and I don’t care even if he does use referral links for instant win games and sweepstakes, because I still win quite often! FreebieShark is a great website, especially since he only shares sweepstakes/instant win games that are legit!
Thanks for these! Could you send me an invite to the 1st one?
If you’re still looking for an invite to influenster here’s one!
http://www.influenster.com/r/1098945
Can I snag a influenster invite?
http://www.influenster.com/r/560853
This is a good list. I would also recommend Crowdtap!
Elaine recently posted…Free Sample Cal-EZ Calcium + Vitamin D Powdered Supplement
Great blog! Thank you for the list! I always wanted to try doing this but found it tough starting out without knowing much. Oh by the way, those Kashi Crisps are at Walmart. But I’m sure you found them by now.
I actually still haven’t!!! Thanks!
Hello, I was just wondering if you still do influencer? If so do you have to be invited still?
YOUR REFERRAL LINK:
http://www.influenster.com/r/1379644
Pingback: Freebies - brandieself | Pearltrees
Would love an invite to influentcer if you possibly could. Thanks!!
http://www.influenster.com/r/1379644
I use all of these and I’ve gotten so many cool things, Especially from Smiley360 🙂
Another good one is Crowdtap
Pingback: Does Influenster Really Work? - brokeGIRLrich
For cellphone accessories, you can also try Maxboost VIPU. It’s a review program really easy to deal with. You can find more information about it if you are interested at http://www.maxboostpower.com/vipu/
Usafreebiesdaily.com is another great website for sweepstakes and free samples.
This one is new but yeah i like it..
Would love an influenster invite. Thanks for all the info am new to all this and still learning lol.
http://www.influenster.com/r/1379644
I know your talking about “samples” buy some great cash making sites are yougov.com, springboardamerica.com, ipsoisay.com, and I have at least 8 other survey sites I use. Springboard is my favorite, I make at least $50 a month just from them. Plus there are some surveys that require you to use something in order to participate so they send you free stuff to try out or the company wanting you to take the survey will pay you straight out while also getting paid from the survey site to take the survey. I’ve gotten 3 packs of 48 diapers in each pack, kitchen utensils, notebooks, a butt load of gum from ice breakers, twizler, and this is all stuff that’s not on the market. They want your opinions on stuff before they put it on the market. The one I did for the diapers was a 3 part survey, so I got the free diapers, on top of a total of $80.
I love PinchMe. Every month they let you know about upcoming free samples and you get to choose 4 of them on the date supplied. It pretty much takes about 2+ weeks to get your samples, afterwards you go back to their site and give them an opinion on the products. You never have to pay for shipping either. Its all free. I have loved many of their samples, and now buy several of them at various stores. Sometimes they tuck in extra samples and gift cards as a thank you. I highly recommend them.
Thank you for your recommendations for samples. I would like to try Influenster if anyone has an invite. Thank you
Heres my referral link! http://www.influenster.com/r/1230259
Influenster and PinchMe are really good. There are many more free sample websites out there which may not be as popular but still worth to check out. I’ve compiled a list here: http://www.lifeoftrends.com/best-websites-to-get-free-stuff-and-samples/. I keep updating it as soon as I discovered new ones which are legit.
Ben recently posted…Discovering Yosemite: The Ahwahneechee
What if you didn’t’ like the items that they send you? do you give them a negative review or just return back?
Depends. If I just didn’t like it cause it wasn’t my cup of tea, I might not write a review for it. If I didn’t like it because it was bad or defective, I’d write a negative review. With each of those sites, they just want honest reviews, they don’t have to be a raving review of something if you didn’t like it.
Some of these sites I’ve already visited, but a few are new to me. I’ll have to check them out, thanks!
A good one that isn’t on this list though is https://www.hotfreebees.com
I’ve actually received a few samples from freebies on their site!
I signed up for Smiley360 today. Haven’t got anything, but it may be too soon. I have received multiple boxes from Pinchme. The samples are pretty decent, and they usually send coupons for the items too. I was super excited to sign up for Influenster, cause my friend loved it. I spent a week doing snaps, earning badges, sharing, and writing over 150 reviews. I slowly started to spend less and less time on it. I forgot all about it to be honest, until today. But, it’s been a year, and I never got a box of any kind.
I’ve heard that Influenster has gotten a little more difficult to qualify for boxes, which is kind of sad. They were really awesome. I’ve been pretty busy, so I don’t often put a lot of work into it anymore. I’m not sure if I’m just grandfathered in because my account has been there so long, but usually if I do a few surveys or answer a few questions, I qualify for another box pretty easily.