Tips For Getting Free Things And Services
BOSTON (CBS) - We all love the sound of it, but is anything really free?
"I see more people looking for freebies," said Michelle Ashamalla, consumer advocate.
Ashamalla said it's not hard to find freebies if you know where to look.
"There's a lot of stuff out there that peole don't know about," said Ashamalla.
WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben reports
Have a computer problem and need help? Try protonic.com, where you just submit a question and an answer is delivered via email from a volunteer expert.
How about learning a new language? The BBC offers weekly emails from a teacher with lessons and learning tips.
Give your eyes a break with free glasses from freeshades.com.
Freejewelry.com, meanwhile, offers many items for just the cost of shipping.
Companies offering these goods and services hope these deals will lure customers in and get them to buy other items that are not free.
"There are a lot of things that companies, or organizations, are willing to give away to let you try their product or service," said Ashamalla.
Vistaprint, an online printing company offering 200 business cards you design yourself, is an example of one of these companies.
There are also sites that rely on the old adage that one person's trash is another person's treasure.
"If it's your first apartment and you can't afford to go to Pottery Barn, you can try Freecycle," said Ashamalla.
Freecycle is a place where people in your community post things they don't want or need anymore.
An Arlington-based Freecycle community recently offered a computer printer and an espresso machine. The idea is to keep things out of a landfill, and people are encouraged to give and take.
"And also Craigslist has a free section where there are lots of different things," said Ashamalla.
Whhether you are looking to try something new, or to save a dime, these freebies might help fatten your wallet.
