As a former extreme couponer, back before it ever became popular, I know my way around a coupon or two.
Did you know that companies are usually very willing to give people coupons that are often high-valued just for requesting them? You can also get your hands on coupons that are exclusively intended for those that love the company as well.
Here is how to request coupons directly from companies and save even more on your favorite products.
How to Request Coupons Directly from Companies
Compliment them
Remember that you’ll catch more fly’s with honey than vinegar. As long as you genuinely do love their products, tell them. There are companies that send coupons for compliments. You can mention a little bit about how you use them or why you stand by them. Let them know that you would love to continue using their products. Sometimes they will send you a surprise coupon or two in the mail.
Get involved with survey companies
Being involved with survey companies is a great way to snag a bunch of coupons. Often times, they’ll want you to try a product (on them) and pay you for your time in trying it and taking the survey.
Other times you can get accepted into focus groups. I remember a focus group I did for a well known yogurt company years ago that was the most fun experience ever and they paid well too. Not only was it engaging and I was being paid for it, but they just LOVED sending us coupons.
I’ve done surveys for well over a decade! My top 5 favorites at this time are:
The trick to making good money with survey companies is to join many of them. Here’s a list of my top favorite (LEGITIMATE) survey companies: Top 25 Best Survey Companies.
Join a few sites
Join sites that are known for giving consumers free products and coupons. Bzzagent is a great one to join. You can get free product coupons simply for letting manufacturers know what you think of their products and spreading word about them online through your social media channels.
Follow on social media
Many companies are giving away free coupons for their fans to simply request by following them on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Sometimes, just “liking” them and entering your address is all you need to do.
Lodge a complaint
This is an easy way to get coupons, but don’t do it unless you have an actual complaint. Companies are getting more and more closed off to the idea of sending coupons for free products because people are making untrue complaints.
If you truly do have a complaint, don’t just let it go. Let the manufacturer know. It not only gets you a replacement (and possibly more coupons) but it helps the company know what they can improve on.
Make sure you are polite and have the information they will likely request before you call. This is usually found on the packaging of the product. Never be rude or mean. Just let them know why you don’t like the product and ask them to replace it or give your money back.
Most companies stand behind their products. If you still aren’t satisfied, you can file a complaint with BBB if the price is worth your time to do so.
Don’t get too impatient
If you email a company with a complaint or praise, give them time to respond. Sometimes, especially with praise, if you are too impatient, they won’t send you anything as they may think you are only flattering them for something for free.
The point is to be genuine in your trying to acquire coupons. Know that sometimes, companies do not have time to respond to everyone and may just send you a coupon with no response. Typically, even if they do make contact back, you might be waiting 4-6 weeks for your coupon.
Tweet them
Sometimes, if you tweet a company on Twitter and simply ask about coupons, they may be willing to send you some. Don’t ask for high value coupons; just simply say you want to know where you can find their coupons.
Wait until a favorite brand releases a new product
This is a great time to ask for a coupon as they probably have some for the new items. Let the company know you are a fan and are excited to try the new product. They may send you some trial-size free samples or coupons so you can try it.
Offer a suggestion
Companies love to hear from their customers on suggestions you have for new products or how to improve old ones. They may even send you a coupon for their products if they like your idea.
