Larue Tactical Freebies And Promotional Items Included With Orders

LaRue Tactical, a tactical gear and firearms accessories company, is known among customers for including unexpected promotional items with product orders. These freebies, often referred to as "LaRue Goodies," have become a notable aspect of the company's customer experience. While the specific items included appear to vary, customers frequently report receiving various complementary products along with their purchases, ranging from branded accessories to consumable items. This article examines the types of free items LaRue Tactical includes with orders, other promotional offerings available through the company, and how customers can access these benefits.

Product Order Freebies

LaRue Tactical has developed a reputation for including unexpected promotional items with product orders. While the company does not advertise these freebies as a guaranteed part of every purchase, many customers report receiving additional items beyond what they ordered.

Several customers have documented receiving multiple free items with their orders. One customer who purchased a LT-104 received several complimentary products including Dillo Dust (described as "pretty tasty"), two sniper stickers, a carry bag (humorously noted as being for "shopping in liberal stores"), a Dillo bottle opener, and a Tan LT cap. The customer expressed surprise at the quantity and quality of the free items, noting "Really didn't expect that much stuff!"

Another customer who ordered three sets of LaRue index clips received a free hat along with "dillo" items and stickers. This customer specifically asked in a forum post whether LaRue includes such items with every order, indicating that these freebies have become a notable part of the customer experience.

The contents of these freebie packages appear to be somewhat random. One forum participant explained, "Some yes, some no... stickers are pretty standard, other stuff is the luck of the draw." This suggests that while certain items like stickers may be consistently included, other promotional products are distributed at the company's discretion.

One customer shared an experience where they ordered a Medium scope bag and flashlight mount and received "Dillo Dust and Holiday Dillos" along with their order. Another customer mentioned having accumulated a collection of promotional items in a drawer, including "Dillos, pocket constitutions, and Dust."

The free items serve a dual purpose for LaRue Tactical. As one customer noted, "It's definitely good advertising for Larue to give out freebies with his name stamped on them in huge letters." The branded items effectively function as walking advertisements when customers use them in public or at shooting ranges. One customer, who initially wasn't a fan of wearing baseball caps, mentioned receiving a LaRue baseball hat that they now wear regularly, even noting that strangers have approached them about it at shooting ranges.

Types of Free Items Received

Based on customer reports, LaRue Tactical includes various types of promotional items with orders. While the specific contents appear to vary, certain categories of items are frequently mentioned:

• Apparel and Accessories: Tan LT caps, baseball hats, and carry bags are among the clothing items customers have received. These branded items feature the LaRue Tactical logo prominently.

• Consumable Items: Dillo Dust appears to be a popular promotional item, described as both "pretty tasty" and something customers collect in quantity. "Holiday Dillos" and "Dillo" related products (possibly food items or novelty items) have also been mentioned.

• Stickers and Decals: Multiple customers report receiving sniper stickers and other branded decals. One customer specifically noted receiving "sooo many stickers" with their order.

• Novelty Items: Bottle openers, pocket constitutions, and keychains have been mentioned as part of the freebies customers receive.

• Practical Accessories: Some customers have received more practical items like scope bags and flashlight mounts as part of their promotional packages.

The variety of items suggests that LaRue Tactical uses a mix of branded merchandise, practical accessories, and novelty products as promotional giveaways. This approach likely appeals to different customer preferences and provides multiple touchpoints for brand exposure.

Downloadable Targets

LaRue Tactical offers another form of free content through their website in the form of downloadable targets. Customers have noted that these targets are available for free and are useful for sighting in firearms at various distances.

One customer specifically mentioned the "Sight in Target" which works well "for longer distances." Another customer explained that they color in the boxes on these targets to get "a better picture for holding," particularly noting that their "eyes kinda suck" and that these targets help with their shooting practice.

The availability of these free targets serves multiple purposes for both customers and the company. For customers, they provide a valuable resource for practicing and sighting their equipment at no cost. For LaRue Tactical, these targets reinforce the company's positioning as a resource-oriented brand that supports its customers beyond just selling products. The targets also likely feature the LaRue Tactical logo, providing subtle brand reinforcement each time a customer uses them.

Event Giveaways

LaRue Tactical occasionally hosts events where they provide promotional items to attendees. While these events appear to be less frequent than the order-included freebies, they represent another channel through which the company distributes promotional products.

At shooting events, LaRue Tactical has reportedly served barbecue and provided attendees with "a bunch of free goodies including some very good BBQ rub, keychains, bags, hats etc." One customer who attended such an event mentioned receiving "a meal and a couple freebies to boot," noting that the event was crowded but valuable despite the $30 shooter fee.

These events not only provide an opportunity for the company to distribute promotional items but also create experiences that generate positive associations with the brand. The combination of product demonstrations, expert shooting opportunities, and free food creates a comprehensive brand experience that goes beyond simple transactions.

The events also serve as a platform for LaRue Tactical to showcase their products in action. One customer mentioned having the opportunity to "fire a number of their rifles, including a Stealth rifle with $2,000 Nightforce scope at a 500-yard target and a number of OBRs with various Aimpoints, EOTechs, ACOGs, etc." This hands-on experience, combined with the freebies, creates a memorable brand interaction that likely influences future purchasing decisions.

Newsletter Subscription Benefits

LaRue Tactical has established a partnership with ARFCOM, a firearms community website, to offer a weekly newsletter that includes exclusive content and promotional opportunities. Customers can sign up for this newsletter to receive benefits beyond standard product purchases.

The newsletter is described as featuring "the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers." Subscribers are entered into a weekly drawing for a free ARFCOM membership, with one new winner announced every week.

While this particular newsletter benefit is tied to ARFCOM rather than directly to LaRue Tactical, it represents another channel through which the company engages with customers and provides value beyond product transactions. The exclusive deals available to subscribers may include promotions on LaRue Tactical products or special offers not available to the general public.

Customer Experience with Freebies

The inclusion of unexpected free items with orders has become a notable aspect of the LaRue Tactical customer experience. Customers frequently express surprise and appreciation for these additional items, which often exceed their expectations.

One customer noted that they "didn't even expect" to receive the quantity of items they did with their order. Another customer, who initially wasn't a fan of baseball caps, found themselves wearing the LaRue hat they received regularly, even in public settings where it attracted attention from strangers interested in the brand.

This positive reaction to freebies creates a memorable customer experience that extends beyond the core product purchase. The element of surprise—since the freebies are not guaranteed or advertised—likely enhances their perceived value. As one forum participant explained, "what they send in addition to what you paid for with your order is considered a gift," suggesting that customers view these items as unexpected bonuses rather than entitlements.

The freebies also serve as conversation starters and brand ambassadors. Customers who use the branded items in public or at shooting ranges effectively promote the company to others, as evidenced by one customer who had "two people ask me about it" at the range after wearing their LaRue hat.

Marketing Strategy Behind Freebies

LaRue Tactical's approach to including free items with orders appears to be a deliberate marketing strategy rather than an afterthought. The company benefits from several aspects of this approach:

1. Brand Exposure: The free items prominently feature the LaRue Tactical logo, extending the company's reach beyond the customer who made the original purchase. As one customer noted, these items are "definitely good advertising for Larue."

2. Differentiation: In a competitive market, unexpected free items can differentiate LaRue Tactical from competitors who may not include similar promotional products with orders.

3. Customer Loyalty: The surprise element of receiving unexpected free items creates positive associations with the brand and may encourage repeat business.

4. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Customers who receive notable freebies often share their experiences in online forums and communities, generating organic promotion for the company.

5. Product Testing: Some of the free items may serve as low-risk introductions to other products in LaRue Tactical's lineup, potentially leading to future purchases.

The company's approach appears balanced—providing enough value to generate positive reactions while maintaining an element of surprise and avoiding customer expectations of specific free items with every order.

Conclusion

LaRue Tactical has developed a distinctive approach to customer engagement through its inclusion of promotional items with orders. While the specific contents of these "LaRue Goodies" appear to vary, customers frequently receive a mix of branded apparel, practical accessories, novelty items, and consumable products like Dillo Dust. These freebies serve as effective marketing tools while enhancing the customer experience beyond the core product purchase.

In addition to order-included items, LaRue Tactical offers downloadable targets on their website, provides promotional items at events, and partners with ARFCOM to offer exclusive content and opportunities to newsletter subscribers. This multi-channel approach to providing value helps establish the company as customer-focused beyond simply selling products.

The unexpected nature of these freebies—since they are not guaranteed or advertised—appears to be a key element of their effectiveness. Customers express genuine surprise and appreciation for these items, creating memorable brand experiences that often lead to positive word-of-mouth promotion.

For customers, these freebies represent an added benefit of purchasing from LaRue Tactical, potentially influencing future buying decisions and brand loyalty. For the company, they serve as a cost-effective marketing strategy that extends brand reach while differentiating from competitors in a crowded market.

Sources

1. LaRue Goodies Discussion on AR15.com Forum
2. Texas CHL Forum - LaRue Tactical Event Experience
3. Pew Pew Tactical - Veterans Day Deals
4. Printable Targets from LaRue on OK Ballistics
5. LaRue Tactical Order Surprises on AR15.com