For many families that struggle every day to make ends meet, getting some free or discounted items every now and then can be an immense help. But while people typically won’t want to publicize their needs and seek help openly, there are many ways that can help them reach out and fulfil their requirements at no cost to their pride. It is all about knowing where to look and be willing to make arrangements and compromises.
If you’re in this position, you may rightfully think that there is no free lunch. Yes, much of the stuff that retailers and their marketing specialists offer comes at some cost. But this is not necessarily money. Some are just trying to get feedback, draw conclusions regarding market trends or seeking people to try new products.
With that in mind, if you’re not picky, you may be able to save a bunch by just getting to try new products that are offered in sample sizes at discounted prices or totally free. Although that is not optimal and typically random, keeping an eye out for these offers can help you make savings that add up quickly to a good amount every month.
Where would you start? Here are a few places to look for help.
Trials and studies
In addition to samples of new products, many organizations seek volunteers for field studies and trials, which are not necessarily medical. In fact, many studies may be for marketing purposes, and answering a few questions or volunteering your time to test some products may bring you back some cash or free items.
Check out local organisations as well as schools and institutes that provide free products and/or reduced services. For example, are you looking for a new look? Check out beauty and hair-styling schools, these typically are looking for customers who are willing to take a risk of having someone who is still in training get some hands-on experience, while they get their desired services met in the process.
Classifieds and garage sales
Have you checked the free stuff in newspaper classifieds? Many people overlook the fact that with the nature of the UAE as a transit destination for many families, people who are on the move may be trying to offload their belongings at a fraction of their original prices. If you’re active you may be able to land great deals just by frequenting garage sales and searching the classified for free or used items.
Community help
Are you looking for legal advice, translation services or even a van to move from one house to another? Before you shell out substantial amounts of money that can dent your budget, ask around. Many people can be kind enough to lend you a helping hand for free. Today’s connections on social media make such requests less personal and directed, which simply means none of your friends will feel pressured to accept or decline. But it may surprise you how much help you may be able to get at no cost from all the fantastic people in your life.
That is not the only way you can get some free help. In fact, you may be able to get help from your wider community if you’re able to find the right resource. In the United States, there are movements such as the Buy Nothing Project that began as an experimental local gift economy in Washington state and quickly turned into a social movement, growing to more than 25,000 members in 150 groups, in four countries, according to the project’s website. Groups like Buy Nothing encourages community help through exchanging items – from clothes to food and electronics – among the community members. Be proactive in finding similar initiatives or start one, after all the kindness of paying it forward means people can get their needs met, which leads to overall better living standards for all.
Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.