Using snail mail will get you noticed because fewer people use it today to talk to companies. [2] X Research source
“Hello! I really enjoy your cookies. When I was a kid, my parents would bring them with us when we went camping. We’d eat them under the stars, and eating one now brings back those good memories! I don’t suppose you’d be willing to send me a sample or coupon? Thanks either way! Best, Robert. "
Be patient. It can take several weeks to get a response, if you get one at all. Consider adding an email address or phone number to the letter. This might get you a quicker reply.
Usually, there’s a link at the bottom of the website that says something like “Contact” or “Contact Us. "
“Hi, I love your cleaning products. They smell so great, and they don’t have all those nasty chemicals. I know you see a lot of complaints, so I thought I’d send you a happy note! Given how much I love what you do, I don’t suppose you have any samples or coupons to send? Thanks, Rachel. " Close your email with a professional salutation like “Best,” “Sincerely,” or “Many thanks. ”
Be sure to check your email’s spam folder. Sometimes emails end up there by mistake.
Check for birthday offers, as many companies will offer freebies around your birthday.
If you don’t receive any newsletters, check your spam folder. If they end up there, be sure to make them as “not spam. "
Newsletters typically have a link towards the bottom that says “unsubscribe. " If you click on that, you’ll be taken to a separate page where you can begin the process.
You should only complain when you actually have a problem. It’s the ethical thing to do, and you’ll be alerting the company to problems with the product. Don’t tamper with the product in order to make it look defective. Most companies will be able to tell if you do this, and it won’t score you any freebies.
If you want a freebie out of the deal, make that clear: “I noticed an issue with your product recently. It had a funky taste, like it was old. I was wondering if you’d be able to send me a replacement or a coupon for a new product. "
Don’t say use rude or expletive language, no matter how angry you are. While you might still get a response, you’ll likely only get the bare minimum. Customer service representatives are more willing to help and go the extra-mile for nice customers than for rude customers.