How To Get Free Stuff By Complaining To Companies

A customer's experience can tell a company a lot about a certain product's effectiveness (or lack thereof). Because of this, most businesses hold considerable stock in what their customers have to say, and countless companies respond to complaints in perhaps the best way of all: sending you free stuff. If you're curious about how to get freebies from companies, the process is pretty simple. Make a phone call, send an email, or write a snail mail letter to the manufacturer and explain your experience. Remember: You can complain without being disrespectful or unkind. In fact, companies prefer constructive criticism with room for discussion versus trying to communicate with an irate customer. Chances are good the company wants to keep your business, and to do that, it may just send you something gratis!

Companies Known to Respond with Free Products

Some companies have established reputations for sending free products or coupons to customers who provide feedback. Based on consumer reports, the following companies have been known to respond to complaints with free items.

Red Bull

Red Bull aims to keep the world awake and amped. If your experience with its products was lacking, feel free to let the company know, as it takes all complaints seriously. Some customers have had Red Bull respond by sending free drinks, or even free four-packs. To initiate contact, consumers can complete the online contact form, and the company will reach out.

• Industries: Beverages, Sports Drinks

Chobani

In addition to responding with coupons for the company's Greek yogurts, Chobani encouraged project creators to reach back out in the future for more free items.

• Industries: Dairy, Food, Snacks

Crayola

Crayola crayons have played a part in inspiring generations of creative talent. The company wants to carry on that tradition. If you would like to share your experience with a Crayola purchase, you can drop the company a note.

Platforms for Filing Consumer Complaints

When a direct approach to a company does not yield a resolution, or if a consumer wishes to publicize their experience, several platforms exist for filing complaints. These sites range from consumer advocacy organizations to government agencies.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping consumers find trustworthy businesses. You can file a complaint on the BBB's website, and they will work to resolve the issue with the company in question. If the complaint is not resolved, the BBB can provide information on how to file a lawsuit.

Consumer Affairs

Consumer Affairs is a popular consumer complaints website that covers almost every industry. It has over 20 categories, including automotive, home and garden, health and wellness, and electronics. One of the standout features of Consumer Affairs is that it provides users with the company’s customer service contact information, making it easier to file a complaint.

Ripoff Report

The Ripoff Report is known for its infamous red flag icon and its extensive archive of consumer complaints. The site allows users to post complaints anonymously and provides a platform for consumers to share their experiences with businesses. While the site doesn’t verify every post, it does have a mediation service for businesses to resolve complaints.

Pissed Consumer

Pissed Consumer is a user-generated review site that allows consumers to voice their complaints about any product or service. The site receives over 1 million visitors a month and has a user-friendly interface. Users can also connect with other users who have had similar experiences with businesses.

Complaint Board

Complaint Board is another user-generated review site that allows consumers to share their experiences. The site features a community forum, where users can post and discuss their complaints with other consumers. Complaints are sorted into categories like financial services, travel, and online shopping, making it easier to navigate.

SiteJabber

SiteJabber is a review-based site that covers businesses and products across several industries. The site’s unique feature is that it uses an algorithm that detects and removes fake reviews. Users can also leave reviews and complaints anonymously, giving them more protection.

Government Resources for Consumer Complaints

For issues that require legal or regulatory intervention, government agencies provide structured channels for filing complaints. The USA.gov website offers guidance on where to file complaints regarding specific products and services.

General Consumer Product and Service Complaints

Consumers with issues regarding a product or service are advised to learn the steps to file a complaint with the company first. If the complaint cannot be resolved, consumers can seek consumer or legal help. Specific guidance is available for complaints about online purchases, where consumers can learn how to resolve issues with the seller or website, or get additional help from a federal or state agency.

Specialized Complaint Categories

Government resources provide specific pathways for various complaint types: * Automotive: Consumers can file complaints about their car if they cannot resolve the issue with the dealer, auto loan company, or manufacturer. * Telecommunications: Resources are available to complain about home phone or cell phone companies, as well as cable or satellite television service providers. * Telemarketing and Scams: Consumers can file complaints about unwanted calls and texts from telemarketers and scammers or register with the Do Not Call Registry.

State Attorney General Offices

State Attorney General offices are a primary resource for consumer protection. Each state maintains a Consumer Protection Page with a dedicated phone number for filing complaints. The following is a list of contact numbers for various states and territories: * Oregon: 877-877-9392 * Pennsylvania: 800-441-2555 * Puerto Rico: 787-721-2900 * Rhode Island: 401-274-4400 * South Carolina: 800-922-1594 * South Dakota: 800-300-1986 * Tennessee: 615-741-1671 * Texas: 800-621-0508 * US Virgin Islands: 340-774-5666 * Utah: 801-530-6601 * Vermont: 800-649-2424 * Virginia: 800-552-9963 * Washington: 800-551-4636 * West Virginia: 800-368-8808 * Wisconsin: 608-266-1221 * Wyoming: 800-438-5799

Conclusion

Consumers have multiple avenues for obtaining free products or resolving disputes with companies. Direct, constructive communication with manufacturers often results in freebies or coupons. When direct contact is insufficient, third-party platforms such as the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, and various review sites offer public forums for complaints. Finally, government agencies at both the state and federal levels provide official channels for filing complaints regarding specific industries and business practices.

Sources

1. Companies That Will Send You the Best Free Stuff If You Just Complain a Little
2. The 6 Best Complaint Sites for Pissed Off Consumers
3. NAAG Consumer File a Complaint
4. USA.gov Consumer Complaints