The 2017 Landscape Of Freebies Full-Size Samples No-Cost Trials And Mail-Order Programs
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What Changed by 2017: From Links to More Structured Programs
By 2017, free sample discovery increasingly relied on a mix of curated deal aggregator sites and well-known sampling companies. Aggregators such as “Sampables” and “Freebies in Your Mail” posted regularly updated lists of full-size offers, often requiring a separate sign-up for each item. In parallel, a smaller set of established companies—SampleSource and PINCHme—offered a more structured, profile-based approach to sampling, with scheduled release windows and direct communication when matches were available. The net effect was two primary paths: request individual products from brand or retailer partners, or join a company that funnels multiple opportunities through one account and email.
How Freebies Work: Request Types and Timelines
Two broad request styles emerged. First, brand- or retailer-led promotions required consumers to click to each offer page, complete an order form, and wait for fulfillment. These were typically “while supplies last,” and shipping could take up to eight weeks. In these cases, the aggregator served as a directory rather than the fulfillment party. Second, sampling companies emphasized a profile-based matching model: users registered, completed a profile, and selected available offers when released. For example, SampleSource would email users when new samples matched their profile; PINCHme invited members to log in during a monthly “Sample Tuesday” drop. Many of these company programs were positioned as truly free, with no credit card or shipping fees.
How to Spot Legitimate Offers
Red flags that had long plagued the freebies category still required caution. Surveys, unexpected fees, and requests for a credit card to cover “shipping” were common and were best avoided. By contrast, legitimate programs at the time emphasized straightforward sign-up processes, clear terms, and reputable brands. Both SampleSource and PINCHme were positioned as safe ways to get free products, with SampleSource explicitly noting one package per household and one request per offer period, and PINCHme advertising free shipping and brand-name samples that were easy to claim.
Full-Size Offers From Aggregators (2017 Highlights)
Aggregators in 2017 often grouped full-size freebies into categories such as “Stationary,” “Beauty,” and “Fun Stuff.” Each offer typically had its own sign-up and fulfillment process, with availability only while supplies lasted. The following examples were featured in 2017 lists.
- Stationary:
- Free Journal from Rexulti
- Free Full Size Set of Books
- Free Z-Grip Ballpoint Pen
- Free Markal Markers Samples
- Free Benicci Acrylic Paint Set
- Beauty:
- Free Beauty Items from Bath & Body Works
- Free Bars of Charcoal Soap
- Free Deluxe Spray Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
- Free Jewelry Gifts from Helzberg
- Fun Stuff:
- Free Ninja Everclad 12″ Fry Pan
- Free Tote Bag from Novant
- Free Ninja Sip Perfect Travel Mug
- Free Belle Aroma ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer
- Free Coloring and Activity Books from the NIH
- Free Measuring Cups Set
- Free Its OK Wristband from Kira Michele
- Free Branson Drawstring Backpack
- Free Water Bottle from WaterBottles.com
- Free Fitbit Versa 2
These lists emphasized variety across categories and encouraged users to sign up for each individually. Fulfillment timelines were generally longer than a typical e-commerce order—many sources advised allowing up to eight weeks for delivery.
Sampling Companies With Free Shipping and No Catch
MoneyPantry highlighted two leading sampling companies that users could rely on to receive free product boxes or kits without paying shipping or fees.
- SampleSource
- What’s inside: A mix of household cleaning products, makeup, health products, beauty products, and food/snacks.
- How to get samples: Register for an account, complete a profile, and choose from available offers when they’re released. SampleSource emails members when available samples match their profile.
- Availability window: Offers are available in spring, summer, and fall.
- Eligibility and limits: One request per offer period and one package per household. Duplicate orders are not allowed.
- Shipping: The process is described as free, with no catch.
- PINCHme
- What’s inside: Food, personal care, and even pet food samples.
- How to get samples: Join PINCHme, and log in during monthly “Sample Tuesday” releases to claim a variety of products from leading brands.
- Brands highlighted: Garnier, Heinz, Biore, Listerine, L’Oréal Paris.
- Shipping: Free shipping is advertised.
- What to expect: Members are asked to provide brief feedback on the products they receive.
A third company, Daily Goodie Box, was also listed as a free-to-join option that sends boxes of assorted full-size products and samples. Qualification was tied to eligibility at the time of sign-up.
Brand-Led Programs and No-Cost Trials
In addition to sampling companies, several brands operated their own programs that offered free samples or trial benefits.
- Sephora: With online purchases, customers could select free samples using the code “FREESAMPLE” at checkout. Beauty Insider members (free to join) could receive birthday gifts that included deluxe sample sizes of popular products.
- Similac: The Similac Club program provided formula samples valued at up to $200 for expectant parents and those with infants, along with feeding guidance and nutritional support.
- Dove: 150,000 free samples of the Dove 10-in-1 Cream Hair Mask were available by mail, with free shipping.
- Mindfield: A market research firm that was described as sending lots of free full-size products by mail.
- La Roche-Posay: A free sample of Anthelios Face & Body Sunscreen was available by mail at no cost.
- CeraVe: A free sample of CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 was available by mail, with free shipping.
- Riversol: A free 15-Day Anti-Aging Sample Kit was available by mail.
- Breathe Right: A free sample pack of Breathe Right Strips was available by mail.
- Salonpas: A free sample of Salonpas Lidocaine Flex Patch was available by mail.
- National Consumer Panel (NCP): A service described as a joint venture by Nielsen, with enrollment for free gift cards and opportunities to earn cash and gift cards—up to $60—after joining.
These brand-led offers gave consumers an alternative path to sampling, often with straightforward requests and direct fulfillment, though the details varied by company.
What to Expect: Shipping, Timelines, and Feedback
Shipping for legitimate sampling companies and brand-led programs was described as free, with no catch. Aggregators, meanwhile, generally did not ship items themselves; they were directories pointing users to third-party offer pages. Timelines mattered: many aggregator-sourced offers advised allowing up to eight weeks for delivery, which was longer than standard e-commerce expectations. Sampling companies, by contrast, operated on release calendars and email notifications, making timelines more predictable within a given season. Some programs, such as PINCHme, requested short feedback surveys after use, a standard practice for market research-oriented sampling.
Common Pitfalls and Warnings
MoneyPantry’s guidance highlighted two recurring issues that consumers should avoid. First, endless survey loops and unnecessary gating should be treated with caution. Second, offers that requested a credit card to cover “shipping” were not truly free. In the 2017 landscape, reputable sampling companies and brand programs emphasized no-cost shipping and a clear process, while aggregators served primarily as a launching point to brand pages or third-party fulfillment.
Best Practices for Requesting Free Samples in 2017
Consumers could increase their success by following a few practical steps. Creating a strong profile on sampling companies helped match offers to interests and increased the chance of receiving relevant selections. Checking email during release windows ensured claims were made while supplies lasted. For aggregator offers, signing up early improved availability, and maintaining patience was important given typical delivery timelines. Providing honest feedback when asked supported long-term program participation and helped brands offer better-aligned products in future cycles.
Final Notes on 2017 Freebies
The 2017 environment reflected a maturing sampling ecosystem: aggregators provided breadth and spontaneity, while sampling companies offered structure, predictability, and free shipping. Brand-led programs continued to complement both with direct access to specific products and trial benefits. Legitimate offers were characterized by clear terms, no hidden fees, and reputable brands. The success of any single request depended on prompt action, accurate profiles, and the right expectations around timelines and availability.
Sources
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