Membership Perks

I love getting free stuff in the mail. There is something about opening a free sample that is like getting a mini-present. There is that moment of anticipation, that moment when you imagine all the possibilities. Will it be a new shampoo, the latest toilet bowl cleaner? A chocolate cake? (Yes! That has happened!)It is like that scene in Christmas Story when the father thinks about all the things his "major award" could be.

This is why I am a member of several marketing groups. Basically these groups send you samples of products which they want you to use and then write up an honest appraisal. They hope that you will like the products and buy them and that you will tell friends so they can do the same. I do not belong to any group that charges any sort of fee to participate. I have three groups that I really enjoy.

The first is Vocalpoint. This is a Proctor and Gamble deal. So you will be trying assorted P&G brand items. I have found them to be very generous. They typically send full size products along with very high dollar coupons. If you are interested you can learn more here.

The second group is Bzzagent. This is more of an independent group which is contacted by various manufacturers to spread the word about various new items. I have tried everything from cold medicine to cleaning products to make up. Learn more here.

The last company I like is Pinecone research. This is a bit different. This company is mostly survey based. They pay you $3 for every survey you complete. They pay promptly. You won't get rich but it is easy money. Often when you finish a survey they ask if you would be willing to try the product you just answered questions about. I have gotten to try new flavored coffee, sports water, skin care items, dairy products, and others. Since they ask a follow up survey after you try the item you are being paid $6 to try a new product. It is a fun way to try before you buy. Plus you may get asked to participate in further "focus groups" which can pay up to $50 per time. I think of this as my manicure money. You can find out if they are accepting new members here.

There are plenty of scam companies out there but I have found these to be honest and reliable, and they don't send unsolicited junk mail or sell your info to other companies. Again, they NEVER charge a fee to try anything, nor do they make you pay anything to join. I would be highly suspicious of any company that did require money from you. You are doing them a service--not vice versa.