*** Filling Out Freebie Forms Guide ***

[MissScrooge]

Wrote this awhile back, and thought I'd share with the rest of you. For those newbies out there, here's what ya need to know


FILLING OUT FREEBIE FORMS GUIDE

It seems this always gets asked, so I've decided to post a lil guide for all of yas to *ahem* cheat a lil...


No Province Listed???

Many times forms ask for a State/Province, but when you scroll down through the drop down menu, it seems no Province is listed... What do you do?

1. Look for OTHER listed

2. Look for INTERNATIONAL listed

3. Look for Canada listed (yes, it seems some people like to think of Canada as one entire province)

4. Select any state and type your Province right next to your City in the same field. I live in Ontario, so I always select Ohio from the drop down menu.

5. TIP: Sometimes it helps to use your provincial shortform in a State field (eg: ON instead of Ontario).


Postal Code Only Allows 5 Characters?? Having Probs?

Many times, they ask for a Postal Code (or they just ask for a Zip) but when you go to enter it in, it refuses to let you enter the 6th and final character. And then sometimes you come across other related probs. Don't fret, refrain from throwing your keyboard against the wall...LOL What do you do?

1. Eliminate spaces (instead of M5K 3D9, type M5K3D9)

2. Instead of caps use lowercase (instead of M5K 3D9, type m5k 3d9

3. or Both, lowercase & no space (m5k3d9)

4. Type in 00000 in the Postal Code/Zip field and then type your actual Postal Code in the same field as your Province, Country OR in the 2nd Address Line.

5. There was one instance where 00000 didn't work. Instead try 01010. 90210 seems to be a favourite as well.


Your Country

Type Canada in any one of the extra fields as suit if it is not listed in a drop down menu.


Phone Number Requirement

This does get asked, so be aware. And if you provide, there is a chance they will call to confirm. Complete their requirement as follows or turn down the freebie.

1. 9057695423 OR

2. 905-769-5423 OR

3. (905) 769-5423


Does the Form Ask for a UPC or Other Related Code?

There are occasional circumstances when a promotional offer asks for a UPC Code or other related code to receive their freebie. The following sites can help you search for such codes if you do not have one already.

• http://www.upcdatabase.com/
• http://www.somewhereincanada.com/upc/
• http://upcmachine.com


Avoid Getting Caught

Truly interested in the freebie? Want to ensure your chances of receiving it? Copy and paste the url or right click and open the link into a new window. By doing so, the link can't be traced back to this site or any other. By not doing so, often times companies catch on and will either refuse your freebie request and/or terminate the offer altogether.


Who Referred You?

Always, ALWAYS, tell them a friend or relative referred you. NEVER check off 'found on a freebie site', nor type in where you found the freebie if it was originally found on a freebie board or forum. This deters companies from offering and sending freebies to people. They prefer to have those interested and as potential customers.


Comments/Questions?

Don't be afraid to request samples BUT if you do, be polite and show genuine interest in their products. Sometimes it helps to ask for a catalogue or a price list to be included with samples if ya wanna score brownie points! The worse they could say is no, or they do not have any available.


If all else fails... Use the extra fields given (Second Address Line), double the info in fields (City & Province in a City field), and be sure to check and fill out all requirements.

Some forms only allow a given amount of space within forms. And some fields are already filled out such as Country with United States. If areas cannot be edited to suit your address, it was not meant to be.

BUT if it can be, I always say... regardless of what they state (US Only), if your address CAN BE accomodated, it doesn't hurt to try!



Happy Freebie Hunting!
-Melissa

[remarker]

Thank you for all the tips in one place.
I've avoided company freebies up to now, maybe I'll try some.

Can I add another UPC search that's helped me in a lot of contests lately?

http://upcmachine.com
They have the option of searching for american or canadian UPCs

[MissScrooge]

Welcome hun!

Business freebies are hit and miss. I've removed such tips so that company sites aren't abused. If you send for em, it's best to be sincere.

And thanks! I'll be sure to add it to the list

[ilovemykids]

Thanks Miss Scrooge! Well put together post.

[Boo Radley]

Thanks Miss Scrooge

It's a sticky now

[Prue]

Thanks! Some very useful info in here

[KaylaKat]

Thanks so much for the tips!

[nagem]

Thanks good info.

[MissScrooge]

You guys are sooo welcome!

[alliecat]

thankyou thankyou thankyou lol

[Racefan]

Thanks for the tips. I'm very new to signing up for freebies/samples online.

[Siobhan]

ty!

[caitfoster]

This is fabulous info! To think of all the time new freebie hunters will save...!

"Back in my day, we used to have this thing called Private messaging. You couldn't just go willy-nilly on the site and find the info you needed to know! And as for bit rate speed, well don't get me started!"

Lol, my mum still gives me the speeches about walking to school in knee deep snow with bare legs for at least 10 miles. I figure mine will be more technology related when I shower guilt on my child.

[small_trio]

Thank You!

[Tannie]

Thank you for the tips! Been doing it for a few weeks now and have been opening up the freebies and contests in the "Open in New Tab" one. Should be okay, right?