Why Do We Score So Many Free Products?

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Do you ever wonder why there are so many opportunities to get free or nearly free products.  There are deals every single day, at so many different stores that give you the opportunity to score free soap, free candy, free shampoo, deodorant, cold medicine and so much more.  Some, you even walk away with more money then you started with.  How can this be and why does it happen?

Well, first of all, these deals have been around for a long time.  But, now with the economy the way it is, we have become more of a savvy shopper and are able to sniff them out and take advantage of them more.  But, how do companies stay in business if they are giving away so many products.

1. A lot of consumers do not take advantage of these offers.  As much as it seems like everyone is taking advantage of the deals, they really are not.  It’s really just a small percentage of us that know about them and take advantage of them.  A perfect example of this is my recent trip to Target.  A simple deal that was advertised right in the circular this week.  The deal is buy 5 Motts applesauce and/or Apple Juice and get a $5.00 gift card.  They were already priced low at only $1.67 & $1.75 respectfully, however while I was at Target filling up my cart with 5 Applesauce, another shopper placed only 3 in her cart.  I mentioned to her that if she placed 2 more in her cart she would be getting a $5.00 gift card.  So, it cost her no extra money to buy the 2 extra.  But, had I not been there to tell her that, she wouldn’t have gotten the deal.

So, my point is, although we all think that so many people are taking advantage of these great deals, they really are not.

2. Free offers get people to try new products. This point is one of the biggest reasons that companies promote and offer their products for free.  Whether it be through a free coupon, free sample or just a free deal at the store.  It gets us to try their new products.  And, for me personally, it has worked.  Off the top of my head I can tell you of 2 products that I have come to love.  Both of them I had never purchased before and probably would not have if it had not been for a free offer.

The first is Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel.  I scored the starter kit free through Right @ Home and then the refills through a deal at ShopRite back in August.  Well, my husband has informed me that we are to get this product, coupon or no coupon.  Why?  Well, because you know that nasty ring that you get in your toilet bowl.  Well, hubs is the one who I volunteered to scrub it out.  Isn’t that nice of me?  And, time after time, he would.  But, since I got this product, no more rings.  I kid you not, no more rings.  My husband has proclaimed it to be a miracle product and would sell one of his children if need be to purchase it.  I might put up a little fight on that one.  Although I don’t think anyone would buy them right now, not with the college bills that come along with them 🙂

The second product I have never purchased and scored for super cheap was Excedrin at only $0.49.  I have always used Advil but how could I resist $0.49 for a pain reliever.   Well, now that I have it, I can not live without it.  I am prone to bad sinus headaches and this is the only thing that works for me.  Seriously, within 15 minutes, my headache is completely gone.  So, for me, it was a great switch and one that I’m happy I tried.

3. Free advertising and hype.  Think about the cost of advertising.  It can get pretty pricey.  Well, what better way then to give away free products and have you,  the consumer, talk about it once you tried it.  Some of my non coupon using family members and friends (yes, believe it or not I do have non coupon using family and friends) have been at my house when I’ve put out a new product.  Maybe it was a new Glade candle or a new dip or chip.  They like it after seeing it or having it at my house, they go home and buy it and their family and friends find out about it.  And, the cycle goes on.  Word of month is the best marketing tool and it’s not going to happen if it doesn’t get into at least some consumers homes.  So, I’m happy to try things for free anytime!

Do you mind trying out new products or being free advertising for the company?  I certainly don’t.  Not when the price tag is $0 at my store.

Have you gotten hooked on a product that you would never have purchased if it wasn’t free?