Are you looking for a few ways to either earn some extra cash or receive free products just for trying them out? With a small investment of time, there are plenty of opportunities to earn some cash and products on the side. For free.
Why would companies spend the money to provide free products and rewards? First, it builds trust and loyalty, keeping their customers returning. And secondly, in 2010 McKinsey and Company released a statistic that 92 percent of consumers trust word of mouth more than any other marketing on products, catapulting the social marketing and word of mouth companies. This creates a win-win situation for companies looking to spread the word about their product, while allowing consumers to try products free of charge.
Six tried and true ways to earn some extra cash, free gifts and other prizes:
Social marketing companies. Also known as “word of mouth” companies, these are a fantastic way to get free goods for your family. Companies like House Party and BzzAgent rely on marketing through word of mouth. So, in exchange for your word of mouth via social marketing platforms, these companies send you full-size sample products to try and tell your friends about.
Online surveys. Take surveys online, share your opinion, and you earn cash and gift cards. Ipsos-I Say (i-say.com) is a great option for anyone who enjoys taking surveys and giving her opinion on products. There are many survey sites out there, but this is my favorite. The surveys cover a wide variety of topics and products. Sometimes you may even review fun products like new movie previews. The surveys can range from five minutes to 30 minutes, and the reward points reflect the time spent on the survey. You trade your points for rewards including Amazon gift cards, PayPal cash, Visa cards, and more.
Cash for shopping online. It’s really that easy. Shop online at the stores you already shop and earn cash. Here are two of many options:
• Ebates is a must if you do a lot of your shopping online. It is free to join, and when you make your first purchase, you will get a $10 gift card to your choice of a selection of major department stores. The concept is easy. If you’re already shopping online at Macy’s, Kohl’s, the Gap, Amazon, Living Social, and many more stores, you simply log onto ebates and shop via the ebates website. As you shop, you earn a percentage back in cash. You can also receive cash for referring friends and family.
• Sign up and shop through the UPromise site for a percentage back of your purchases. You can also apply for a credit card and receive an additional percentage when you shop with that or use it at one of the participating restaurants or grocery stores. UPromise also offers an online tool — the Turbo Saver, which will prompt you if you are on a website of one of its stores to ensure you get your bonus on your purchase.
Coupons for cash programs. These are easy and user-friendly programs. Create your free account and link your grocery store loyalty cards. Earn cash.
• Saving Star is one of my favorite ways to earn cash. The concept is simple. You log onto your account and “activate” any of the savings deals you want. For example, save $3 when you buy $10 of Classico sauces before Dec. 31. Your grocery rewards cards are linked, and the website keeps track of your purchases. Once you’ve purchased the $10 of Classico sauces, $3 is added into your account. At $5 or more in your account, you receive a payout. The Saving Star coupons usually align with the current local coupons as well, so you get double coupons and cash in your account. Win-win. It has recently also begun a “Cashback Mall,” which operates like Ebates.
• With Cellfire.com, simply select your coupons and they are automatically loaded to the loyalty card of your choice. It’s an easy way to save money with coupons without having to keep up with any paper coupons.
Rewards programs. Earn cash, gift cards, coupons, free promo codes, and more by saving your rewards codes. You may have noticed the codes for beverage program rewards and diaper rewards on different consumable items. Set up your free account for any of these products online, log in your codes, and exchange the points for coupons, free products, or charitable donations.
Consignment. Do your spring cleaning a little early and get rid of unnecessary items around your house by consigning them. If you are cleaning out children’s clothing and toys, check to see if you have a “Once Upon A Child” consignment store. This store gives you cash upon acceptance of your items. Traditional consignment stores give a percentage of sale price, but it can still be a great way to get rid of unused items and earn some cash.
These are six of many ways to earn or save some money with little to no effort. You may be amazed at what you can get for “free” by investing a little bit of time.
Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three. She spends her “free time” finding ways to stretch the budget and earn things for free. Alexa also enjoys writing, shopping, and saving money.
