Deal Snitch

You’ve seen the offers that seem too good to be true- Free IPOD, Free Gift Certificates, Free Cell Phones, PDA’s, computers… the list goes on and on. And as the old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Right?

Well, maybe. If you’re organized, determined, and know what you’re getting into BEFORE you begin filling out the “survey” then you can score some great goodies.

How the system works

The first thing you need to understand is, of course, that these companies are not charities just dying to give away free big-ticket electronics. They’re in business to make a profit, and here’s how they do it:

• The sell your information.
• They make commissions on leads- when you sign up for partner programs.
• They make commissions on conversions- when you end up paying for those partner programs.

Knowing this, then, it’s logical that they will want you to sign up for these partner programs and surrendeder your information before sending you that big-ticket item. But if you follow the guidelines, they WILL send it.

How to make the system work for you

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Have an “alternate” email address
• Have an answering machine so you can screen your calls
• Have an ORGANIZED system of recording the offers you’ve signed up for, how and when you’ll need to cancel before being charged.
• Have a Credit Card handy.
• A hot cup of coffee always helps.

Once you’ve got that, you’re ready to go to work getting your free stuff. Within a couple months, you could be enjoying tons of new freebies!

Here’s what to expect

Once you know how these offers work, getting through them isn’t so bad. If you dive in unsuspecting, you might be a bit shocked and/or annoyed. So here’s a primer on what to expect.

• When you enter the program, typically, the first thing you’ll be asked for is your email address and possibly phone number or ZIP code. Once they have it, they have it. So be sure you’re committed to getting the promised goodies.
• Next, you’ll be asked for some more information- home address, a phone number, and if you haven’t given it up already, email address. It is recommended that you use your real address and a real phone number (not your cell phone for goodness sake!!!!), otherwise you may be disqualified for the program (it will say so in the fine print). Besides, if they do send your goody and it’s to the wrong address, well, that would suck!
• Next, you’ll probably get offer after offer. Look closely for an option to skip these “extra” offers somewhere on the page.
• Finally, you’ll get to the real offers, the ones you have to participate in. Typically there will be a few pages of offers and you’ll be required to select one or two from each page. When you select an offer, you’ll be taken to that partner’s page to fill in your information.
• Once you’ve filled in the offers, and surrendered your information, you should be goof to go!
• You may once again get more “extra” offers that, if you look closely, you have the option to skip.

What happens next?

If you’re organized, you should record all of the offers you signed up for and the date you signed up for them. Check this record daily. Many of the offers are “free trials” - you’ll need to cancel these before the trial period expires or you’ll be charged.

These free trials will begin coming in, as will the phone calls and emails. Enjoy the free trials. Screen the phone calls. Make sure the emails go to your “alternate” email address.

About a month or so later, you’ll be contacted by the company to verify your information and they’ll send you that shiny new goody!

It’s up to you now.

Now that you know what’s involved, and what you’re signing up for, whether or not this method of getting free stuff is right for you is your decision. Try it once, see how it goes- just remember the tips above. Stay organized, cancel on time, and you can really make out like a bandit!

Where to get started?

Here are some of the many offers you’ll find online:

• Get Your Complimentary Condom Samples
• Free Apple(R) iPod(R) Video Offer!
• Chanel(R) sunglasses offer
• Free Samsung(R) Mobile PC Offer
• Laptop Computer Promotion!
• $250 Amazon Gift Certificate
• Free $250 Armani Gift Card
• Free NBA Jersey
• Free Palm Treo
• $100 Gift Card Promotion!
• Apple® iPod® nano Offer!
• Nintendo® Revolution Offer!
• Get a FREE* $100 DVD Gift Card – yours to keep!