Free items

**Siebrie** · 08-13-2009, 06:19 AM

Yesterday I had a discussion with my dh about some free items I had received. He said that he does not think they are 'free', because they always come with an obligation. Maybe the obligation is moral, but there are always strings attached, for instance the expectation of the company to buy their product from now on, or to talk about it to others and give them free advertising. He prefers it if I stop applying for free items.

Do you agree? Do you feel there are strings attached to 'free' items? And to samples?

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-13-2009, 07:03 AM

I do not feel there are strings attached to samples. I think samples are a great way to get people to try your product who normally wouldn't even look at your product.

I do agree that free items often (not always) come with stings. It may be that you pick up the item, have to repair it in some way, have to make a trade of some kind...

It kind of reminds me of parents groups for "free" babysitting. We go to this event and you keep my kids for "free" but then I am expected to repay by babysitting your kids. It may be a deal or not! (We did this once and lost a bed and dresser in one "sit" with mr wild child). Suddenly paying an older teen sounds inexpensive.

**lilyrose** · 08-13-2009, 07:54 AM

As far as free samples, the company is 'offering' the free sample if you apply for it. I don't see any obligation there - moral or otherwise. The company is trying to 'tempt ' you with their 'wonderful' product. If you received a sample and then found you hated it, would you still feel morally obligated to buy it? Besides, I'll find myself forming opinions (conciously or sub-conciously) about the sample I get and try. This could then end up being discussed with others if the topic comes up. Or, if I REALLY liked a sample, I could find myself looking to find it on sale with a coupon. Company's objective is then reached at that point.

**imagine** · 08-13-2009, 08:51 AM

Free things come from many sources so the answer if there are stings attached is a complex one for me. I try to stay away from ones that have strings attached unless I'm willing to accept the strings.

I also believe some times the free things is offered but you trade something for it like your e-mail address, phone number ect. They use these for marketing and sometimes sell your info.

Something you earn the free thing like when you collect points, or your child reads X number of books.

Somethings are free from collective money library activities or group events, like girl scout activities.

Sometimes free things are given buy a company or store in the hope that you will come back and spend money or will like the product and will buy it next time.

Sometimes things are given free when you promise to buy something. Like CD and book clubs. I feel that is definitely strings attached as you agree to buy X for some long or for some many times.

Things offered by friends sometimes have string attached some times not. Example: I ask the people that I give hand me downs to to pass them on. The way they pass them on and to whom is up to them.

**frugalwarrior** · 08-13-2009, 01:04 PM

Depends.
If I go to Sams club and get samples. They hope I will buy there products,I will try them and see-no obligation.
If I get something from the curb someone was tossing -no obligation.
If the company expects me to buy something to get a free something or other-obligation.

It depends on the situation. I also figure I do lots of nice things for other people and that things are karmically often "sent" your way. Things are always clearly tit for tat.

**JanieD** · 08-13-2009, 03:10 PM

I see samples as marketing for the company. I compare it to an ad in a magazine. It gets their product & company name out to the consumer. I'm often surprised by the number of samples I try & buy again. The "new" sample product then replaces another item I've used, so the company "wins".

I try to avoid the freebies w/strings attached. Club memberships that give you X number, but you must buy Y within a year or 2. I try to avoid companies that sell my information or require too much.