Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Paper
- Envelopes
- Stamps
- Marker
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Step 1
by charlie.brown at flickr.comFinish eating a package of food. Decide if you would like to receive another one for free. If the answer is yes, save the packaging. This food product could be a package of Esskay hot dogs or a box of Wheat Thins crackers or a pound of Land'O'Lakes butter, basically anything.
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Step 2
On a piece of paper or on your computer, record the name of the product, the grocery store where you bought it, the location of that store, the manufacturer's name and address, and feedback to the company about this product. Give this particular item your own identification number to help you track it. I started with #1 for the first product, then went on to #2 for the second product, etc. You could label them A, B, C, etc. Use any system that makes sense to you.
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Step 3
by thegeekfathercanada at flickr.comCut out the UPC codes from the packaging as well as any sorts of manufacturing information such as 'best used by". Write your own identification number on the back of the UPC code.
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Step 4
by vereniki at flickr.comCreate a form letter to a food manufacturer on your computer. Follow the rules of a good business letter. (See Resources.) Tell the manufacturer that how long you've been enjoying their products. Praise their quality. Are the crackers always fresh? Does the cake always turn out just right? Any other sorts of feedback are helpful. Or, instead of praising it you could offer a suggestion or report a bad experience with the product. The point is that you are giving them honest consumer feedback. Ask for a coupon or two as compensation for the postage and time it cost you to write to them with this valuable feedback. Occasionally, they will have new products that they are promoting. You should also ask for a free sample of those promising your honest feedback.
Be sure to incorporate into the letter a place to enter all of the following details:
• name of the product
• retail store where you bought it
• location of the retail store where you bought it
• manufacturer's name and address (if given)
• your feedback about the product
Save the document without filling in the details. -
Step 5
Create a letter to the manufacturer of your first product. Do this by opening the form letter and immediately selecting "SAVE AS". Re-title it with the name of your product or your own product identification number. Then fill in the details. Print a copy.
In this day and age many food manufacturing companies have 1-800 numbers and/or web sites through which you could contact them. However, by sending them an actual letter you increase your chances of receiving vouchers for free food. -
Step 6
by crisfritsch1 at flickr.comAddress the envelope, insert the UPC codes and other information you cut from the packaging. Then mail it out and wait for the vouchers to come!
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Step 7
Once you've written for a particular item you should wait at least six months before writing in for it again. In the mean time, you can try a different brand and write in about that one. If you get it free at CVS or Walgreen's drugstores (see Resources), all the better!
Comments
EconomyMom said
on 5/23/2009 Never thought of doing this. I have done this for cleaning products, they usually give out coupons if you call them.
fargoman said
on 3/20/2009 3*
elyria said
on 3/17/2009 Great article! 5* and gave you a recommendation!
scottmitzi said
on 3/8/2009 We just got home from visiting my in laws, they just had #11 and also homeschool them all. How fun. My sister wrote to all the companies once, just because she was bored and got lots of coupons.
cheapcindy said
on 11/6/2008 Thanks for the tips, I always contacted the companies by email but I think I will have better luck doing it your way.