Understanding Sase Freebies How To Get Free Samples By Paying Only Postage

SASE freebies, or Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope offers, represent a popular method for consumers to receive free products while minimizing costs for companies. This arrangement benefits both parties: companies save on advertising expenses by not paying for shipping, while consumers gain access to products for just the price of postage. The SASE system has become so popular that dedicated directories now categorize these offers separately, making them easier for consumers to find and request.

What Are SASE Freebies?

SASE stands for Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope. This is a method where consumers send a pre-addressed, stamped envelope to a company or individual in exchange for free products or samples. The consumer covers only the cost of postage, while the company or provider covers the product cost. According to ILoveFreeThings.com, which added a dedicated category for SASE offers in their free stuff directory, this system is "widely favored by consumers and companies alike." The company notes that offering samples to consumers willing to pay only for shipping is a "win-win situation" because "People like it because they save money."

The popularity of SASE freebies was demonstrated when ILoveFreeThings.com conducted a poll on their Facebook fan page. The response was overwhelming, with users indicating they would send out self-addressed stamped envelopes for free stuff. In response, the company created a separate category specifically for SASE offers to make them easier to find. This allows users to "search for companies offering free samples to consumers willing to pay for the stamp to ship the product."

How to Request SASE Freebies

The process for requesting SASE freebies typically follows these steps:

1. Prepare a self-addressed envelope: Write your own address on the envelope
2. Add postage: Affix sufficient postage stamps to cover the return shipping
3. Include any required information: Some requests may require a note or specific form
4. Mail the envelope to the provider: Send it to the specified address
5. Wait for your freebie: The provider will return your envelope with the free product inside

The amount of postage required can vary depending on the provider and the weight of the expected package. In the seed sharing example, the provider requests "at least 4... 5 is probably better but it depends on the size envelope you send." For standard business-size envelopes, one first-class stamp is typically sufficient, as demonstrated by Kim Harrison's instructions: "Just stick on a first class stamp, fold it up, and mail to me in another envelope at the address above."

Common Issues with SASE Requests

When requesting SASE freebies, several issues can prevent successful delivery:

• Insufficient postage: If the envelope doesn't have enough stamps, it won't be returned
• Hard-to-read addresses: Return address labels with "tiny or too flowery print" may not be deliverable
• Problematic ink: "Shiny/metallic ink" can't be easily read by postal machines
• Improper envelope format: Some providers may require specific envelope types or sizes

Kim Harrison notes that if you send a SASE and don't receive anything back, there are a few possible explanations. These include using shiny/metallic ink that the post office can't read, using a return address label with tiny or too flowery print that can't be delivered, or failing to put return postage on the SASE envelope. To avoid these issues, providers recommend using standard ink, clearly printed addresses, and ensuring adequate postage.

Examples of SASE Freebies

Seed Sharing

One example of SASE freebies comes from a gardener sharing seeds. According to the post on Houzz:

• The provider has seeds from 2014 and 2015
• Requesters should send a padded envelope with return address information and postage (4-5 stamps)
• A brief note should be included about garden preferences (flowers/veggies/mix) and garden style/size/hopes
• Seeds are available primarily for zones 5-8 gardens
• Envelopes are filled and returned in the order they're received
• Requesters should post to request the address or send a message through Houzz

This example demonstrates how SASE freebies can facilitate the sharing of resources within communities, allowing people with surplus items to distribute them to others who can use them, with only the minimal cost of postage required from the recipient.

Author Freebies

Author Kim Harrison offers freebies to readers via SASE. The process is:

• Mail a standard business-size envelope with your address and postage
• Harrison will return it with a freebie related to her book "Demon's Bluff"
• For international requests, no stamp is needed on the return envelope
• The address is: Kim Harrison, Demon's Bluff freebie, PO Box 498, Dexter, MI 48130

Harrison explains that "Being able to send you a freebie doesn't make up for not being in your town, but it helps." This example shows how authors and creators can use SASE freebies to maintain connections with their audience, offering a small token of appreciation that doesn't require significant resources from either party.

Online Directories of SASE Freebies

Websites like ILoveFreeThings.com have dedicated sections for SASE freebies. According to their announcement, they added a separate category for SASE offers after their Facebook fans voted overwhelmingly in favor of including them. This allows users to easily find companies offering free samples to consumers willing to pay only for postage.

Other websites, like the one referenced in the sources, offer extensive lists of SASE freebies across numerous categories including: - Free apparel - Free books/brochures - Free beauty products - Free catalogs - Free CDs & videos - Free food & drink - Free gardening supplies - Free health products - Free pet products - Free mousepads - Free phone cards - Free posters & stickers - Free recipes - Free screen savers - And various miscellaneous freebies

These directories aggregate SASE offers from multiple sources, making it convenient for consumers to find current opportunities without having to visit individual company websites.

Types of Products Available Through SASE

Based on the sources, SASE freebies can include a wide variety of products:

1. Physical samples: Beauty products, food items, health products
2. Reading materials: Books, brochures, catalogs, magazines
3. Gardening supplies: Seeds, plant information
4. Promotional items: Mousepads, posters, stickers
5. Digital content: Some websites offer free downloads that may require SASE for physical media

The diversity of available SASE freebies means that consumers with different interests can find relevant offers. Whether someone is looking for beauty samples, gardening supplies, books, or promotional items, there are likely SASE opportunities available through various directories and direct providers.

Tips for Successful SASE Freebie Requests

1. Check postage requirements: Ensure you have enough stamps for the return envelope
2. Use standard ink: Avoid metallic or shiny inks that postal machines can't read
3. Include all requested information: Some providers require specific notes or forms
4. Allow sufficient time: Processing and return shipping can take several weeks
5. Keep track of your requests: Note when you sent each SASE to follow up if needed

Following these tips can increase the likelihood of successfully receiving your requested freebies. It's particularly important to pay attention to specific instructions from each provider, as requirements can vary significantly between different offers.

Conclusion

SASE freebies offer consumers an opportunity to receive a variety of products for just the cost of postage. By understanding how these offers work and following proper request procedures, consumers can successfully access free samples, promotional items, and other products through this method. Online directories and specific provider offers make it easier to find current SASE opportunities, and with careful attention to postage and addressing requirements, most requests can be fulfilled successfully.

The SASE system represents a win-win arrangement that benefits both consumers and companies. Consumers get products they're interested in trying at minimal cost, while companies gain exposure for their products without the expense of full-scale advertising campaigns. As the popularity of SASE freebies continues to grow, more companies are likely to participate, expanding the variety of products available through these programs.

Sources

1. ILoveFreeThings.com Adds New Category to Free Stuff Directory
2. Cleaning the seed box.... got freebies for SASE
3. Kim Harrison's MailBox
4. SASE Freebies