Coupons are great when it comes to saving a few pennies here and there, but it’s not always easy to clip them out of the paper or remember to print them before heading to the store.
Thankfully, the Internet has changed the couponing game, making it easy to find nearby deals and discounts, and even the occasional free sample. A little plunking around online during your lunch hour can yield a lot of discounts and freebies in some unusual places.
Where to Look For Coupons
The next time you’re searching for a deal, look no further than these sites:
1. Instagram
Instagram is a social networking application for the iPhone and Android devices. At its inception, users took photos of their everyday lives, spiced them up with retro filters, and posted them to other social networking sites through the app’s platform. Not long after, Instagram blew up, and small businesses, independent artists, and authors got in on the action.
Many artists and designers are using the app as a way to promote their business and connect with their fans. In order to gain followers and popularity, they often give away the items they sell. For example, a jewelry designer may give away a free necklace to loyal followers. Check out additional sites such as Etsy, Society6, or RedBubble as well, and follow the artists on Instagram for freebies.
2. Pinterest
Pinterest, the site that lets you bookmark photos of everything you love, has changed quite a bit since it launched. At first, Pinterest was mostly photos of interior design, food, and clothing – but now, people are sharing valuable information, and many companies are posting their own pins.
While you won’t find a ton of free deals on Pinterest, if you follow your favorite companies, you can definitely find the occasional offer for free stuff. Companies are always looking to promote their products via Pinterest, and as the site grows, so does the amount of deals and discounts.
3. Reddit
If you’re not already on Reddit, think of it as the mother of all message boards. Reddit users are a wealth of information in just about every category you could imagine – local news, politics, movie reviews, and much more.
The site also boasts a freebies section. The best thing about Reddit is that it’s constantly updated with new deals, and you can find all manner of free items, including disposable razors, samples of laundry detergent, and free tubes of toothpaste.
4. Target Sample Spot
Target’s Sample Spot doesn’t exactly offer free stuff. The site posts deals and discounts, and if you fill out a short survey, you can get some good-sized samples of items including deodorant or mini shampoo and conditioner – perfect for traveling. However, be prepared to answer survey questions of a slightly personal nature – you may be asked your age range, sex, or location, and to provide your address. Sample Spot is updated frequently, so check back every week or so for new offers.
5. Contest Sites
Sites have popped up recently that are entirely devoted to contests and give away items such as purses, tech gadgets, and free DVDs. Most promise not to spam you or ask for a lot of personal information. While winning is never a sure thing, these sites typically run multiple contests at a time, and it can’t hurt to give it a shot. Plus, it takes less than five minutes to sign up.
6. Craigslist
Craigslist has been the go-to source for apartments, jobs, and cheap furniture for years, but the site also has two sections for listings of free stuff. The “Free Stuff” section is kind of like an online flea market, and users can post everything from unwanted bikes to old pedestal sinks. Unfortunately, you need to act fast. Most items in the free section are claimed the same day they are posted, sometimes within the first hour.
The “Barter” section is another part of the site that offers free deals. Users can post ads for trading goods or services. You can even do a little of both, and trade a set of dishes for a haircut. Keep in mind, though, that whether you’re buying, selling, or looking for freebies, Craigslist can be a pain with potential for scams. Sorting through ads, replying via email, and waiting for a response has some headache-producing potential, but the freebies may be worth it.
Final Word
There are tons of freebies hiding in the nooks and crannies of the Internet – but be careful what you sign up for. Set up a new email account to store all your future unwanted junk mail, because signing up for certain sites can result in a lot of spam. While the majority of sites out there are completely legit, be careful about submitting your personal information online. Don’t give out your Social Security number, driver’s license number, credit card information, or anything else too personal. Your name, shipping address, and email address should be all they need.
Have you found any good websites that offer free deals?
