lioness - 10:36 pm on Dec 1, 2002 (gmt 0)

I've heard the freebie horror stories before. Some will actually create fake company names if the freebie is only offered to another company, and not to individuals.

I've heard of some folks getting burned when they offered contests on their websites (w/ the idea that folks would be exposed to the site and actually purchase something). Just like the freebies, the contest were listed on a 'contests' directory, and virtually all of the people who registered had no intention of even cruising the site, much less buying anything.

If you want to offer samples, a better strategy is to offer a sample at the usual price, but include a $$ off coupon on your next order, which equals the price of the sample. That way, only the return customers actually get their sample for 'free'.

Some folks will just email out of the blue and ask for a free sample. Others will ask for a donation to a charity event. I always double check that the charity is for real before sending anything off.