There are many methods through which you could get totally free stuff online. You could volunteer to review a product for a company. You could take part in a company's promotional campaign. You could download free software and other computer products from websites which offer them for free just for the heck of it (open source enthusiasts and such). You could also get totally free stuff by offering to take online surveys on certain products.
The mentality behind this is simple. Companies need third party surveys for product improvements, for publishing statistics on the product quality etc (it is called quantitative research, but that is tech talk). But the trouble is getting people to take a survey or answer a questionnaire. Even if all it takes is a few minutes' effort, people are still reluctant to take such surveys. Hence companies who are badly in need of these surveys provide incentives. The totally free stuff you get by taking online (and at times offline) surveys is a result of this.
This is similar to the questionnaires that come through mail or the telephone surveys that you get except that you get totally free stuff for taking these. And the companies get what they want, your opinion in tangible form. By these methods companies can get better publicity. They could publish this in magazines against competitors' products thus making for promotional material. Since people tend to believe statistics, this would be very strong promotional material too.
The companies could also use the surveys for market research. That is, based on the analysis of a number of survey questionnaire results experienced teams will be able to determine how to improve their product. They would understand what they are doing wrong and what right. They would also be able to get ideas for new products. Remember the famous adage "Consumer is King?" Well they will be able to know their king's mind through these surveys and act accordingly in their future endeavors. Thus the totally free stuff is totally worth their price for the companies too.
With the economy being so bad these days, we would all be happy to find something for nothing. Luckily, there are plenty of places online where anyone can do exactly that. Sure, it does take a little, time, but you would probably be surfing the net anyway. Instead of aimlessly clicking away, why not do something that actually leads to some free stuff arriving at your doorstep?
Companies these days are always looking to get consumers to buy and talk about their stuff. Some may require an actual mailing address, but that is about all you will ever need to give them. In return, you will win a free entry into their prize drawing. In all, it will take about one or two minutes and now you have a chance at some really great merchandise.
When you sit back and think about it, it is quite amazing how much stuff companies give away these days. It is as though the economy has made no difference whatsoever to their bottom lines. The tactic is obviously working though, as companies are giving away more free stuff than ever these days. By going online and entering contests, you have a very good chance of having your hand out at just the right moment.
Free Stuff Online,
