By Chelsea Rachelleโ€ขVerified 2026-05-11

Updated 2026-05-11

How to Get Free Samples

By mail, in-store, and online - the complete guide

The best ways to get free samples: Sign up for sample box programs (PINCHme, Influenster), request samples from brand websites, get in-store samples at Sephora and Costco, join brand loyalty programs, and follow brands on social media. Legitimate samples are always 100% free with no credit card required.

5 Ways to Get Free Samples

1

Sample Box Programs

Sign up for programs that send monthly boxes of free samples. Top options:

  • PINCHme - Monthly sample boxes, wide variety of products
  • Influenster - VoxBoxes based on your profile, includes full-size products
  • SampleSource - Seasonal sample packs (spring, fall, holiday)
  • Home Tester Club - Household and food samples
  • BzzAgent - Test products and share feedback
2

Brand Websites

Many brands offer free samples directly on their websites. Check:

  • P&G Good Everyday - Tide, Pampers, Olay samples
  • Formula companies - Enfamil, Similac give generous samples
  • Pet food brands - Purina, Blue Buffalo, Royal Canin
  • Beauty brands - Many high-end brands offer sample requests
  • Coffee brands - Often have sample/trial offers
3

In-Store Samples

Get samples while shopping:

  • Costco & Sam's Club - Daily food samples
  • Sephora - Free samples with any purchase + ask for samples in-store
  • Ulta - Samples with orders and in-store
  • Department store beauty counters - Just ask for samples
  • Grocery stores - Demo days and product tastings
4

Loyalty Programs

Join rewards programs that offer sample perks:

  • Sephora Beauty Insider - 3 free samples with every order
  • Target Circle - Free samples in Target app
  • Walmart+ - Sample boxes for members
  • Amazon - Sample boxes with Prime
5

Social Media

Follow brands for sample giveaways:

  • Brands post sample offers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
  • Sign up for brand email newsletters
  • Follow freebie accounts that share new sample offers
  • Participate in brand contests and giveaways

Free Samples by Category

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Beauty Samples

Sephora, Ulta, department stores, brand websites, PINCHme beauty category

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Baby Samples

Formula companies, diaper brands, registry welcome boxes

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Pet Samples

Pet food brands, Chewy, pet stores, vet offices

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Food Samples

Costco, grocery demos, brand websites, PINCHme food category

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Household Samples

P&G, cleaning brands, Home Tester Club, SampleSource

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Health Samples

Vitamins, supplements, healthcare brands

Pro Tips for Getting More Samples

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Complete Your Profile

Sample programs match you based on demographics. Fill out every field to get more relevant offers.

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Check Frequently

Popular samples run out fast. Check PINCHme on Sample Tuesday, and brand sites regularly.

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Leave Feedback

Programs send more samples to people who leave reviews. Always complete post-sample surveys.

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Use a Dedicated Email

Create an email just for samples to keep your main inbox clean and track sample signups.

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Avoid Scams

Never pay for samples or give credit card info. Real samples are always 100% free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are free samples really free?

Yes. Legitimate free samples are completely free including shipping. Never pay for samples.

How long do samples take to arrive?

Typically 4-8 weeks. Sample boxes ship monthly. Brand samples vary by company.

How do sample box programs work?

Sign up, fill out your profile, they match you with relevant samples, you receive boxes, and provide feedback.

Where can I get free beauty samples?

Sephora (3 free with any order), Ulta, department stores, brand websites, and PINCHme.

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Chelsea Rachelle Verified Expert

Freebie expert since 1997. Featured in WSJ, NBC, CBS, CNN. Founder of Freemania.

Last verified: 2026-05-11Learn more