Freebie Update (re: 39dollarexperiment)

Two additional packets have arrived since my first blog about this project. Colgate-Palmolive’s missive is puzzling: They sent apologies for not having a coupon/free sample program but enclosed 13 coupons for various brand-name items. On a personal note, I spotted only two coupons fit for immediate use: Colgate toothpaste ($1.00)and toothbrush (.75). These were stacked with store coupons in a recent CVS BOGO purchase.    

I also heard from Shick–makers of the best razor for women–who sent me, a female with a very unambiguously feminine name, $4.00 in coupons for the men’s Quattro razor and disposables. Hmm. Hopefully, the blade design and loading mechanism is interchangeable for both types of razors, because I do intend to use these coupons. To me, certain types of sharp objects need not be gender-specific.    

When It Pays to Ask

If the concept of the 39 dollar experiment is new to you, go have a look see. I was pretty amazed at all of the freebies and coupons that companies will supply just for the asking. Since a) it is hard to believe and b) I use many of the same products on a daily basis, I decided to attempt a copycat of sorts. But since I had neither the time nor desire to spend $39 worth of stamps and write 100 letters, the target list was trimmed down considerably…

On Wednesday, December 12th, I mailed letters to seven companies whose products I use regularly, enclosing compliments (in earnest) for their quality items along with my request for coupons and samples.

Total cost:

7 x .41 first class stamps = $2.87
7 envelopes x a few pennies each (let’s say 5 cents) = .35
7 letters printed on 8.5 x 11 paper x a few more pennies for printer ink (make it 10 cents) = .70

TOTAL = $3.92

A few days ago the replies starting rolling in. As of today, I have received the following:

1. Stash Tea: 11 free tea samples and a catalog (approx $ = 2.20)
2. S.C. Johnson: One free Skintimate coupon (approx $ = 3.00) and $14.00 worth of coupons for various products (approx $ = 14.00)
3. Johnson & Johnston/McNeil PPC: Coupons for feminine hygiene products (approx $ = 3.00)

TOTAL (as of 12/23/07): $22.20

The truly surprising element (well, almost as much as the dollar value itself) about this venture has been the letters accompanying each response. Two out of three were personalized, expressing appreciation for my comments/compliments. Both included genuine pen-and-ink signatures from customer service managers. Some of these are major corporations with a national reach; I anticipated canned replies all around.

The originator of the $39 experiment waited about four months for replies before calling it quits. Since barely 2 weeks have elapsed, I’m still on the alert for sweet deals arriving by mail.

If anyone is reading, have a Merry Christmas!