StartSampling.com
Written: May 26 '01 (Updated May 27 '01)
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The Bottom Line
Click on, see the pretty red lights and move along.
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| Full Review |
One of my good friends introduced me to StartSampling.com several months ago and at first I was thrilled. You could get stuff for free, who wouldn't be? Well, that was before I became a regular user of the site. As I became acclimated with StartSampling.com, I realized quickly that it can be very frustrating to check every single day for samples and only yield 3 or 4 per month for your efforts.
You will have to register with the site, which is par for any Internet course, pick out an ID and a password. When you are logged in, you will see a list of all samples available to you. These will be followed by a red, yellow or green light, meaning none available, going fast and plenty available, respectively. On first glance it appears that there is a good amount to choose from, but take a closer look. You've been duped.
In my batch today I have been offered a Quick Question. What this means is that I have to answer a short 2 question survey before being offered my sample. No biggie, a few clicks and I'm done. Another favorite is how I get $10 free from Discover Card. Well, what this means is that I am invited to apply for the card and I get $10 if I am approved, in the form of a credit on my card. Well, I want ten bucks, but not a Discover card, so I go to the next selection. My last sample is called OuterSpace Earl. This is an audio book that I get a "free listen" to and then I can buy it. Gee, thanks.
I can't say it's been all bad; I have received some samples. Nothing I could use much, mind you, but samples nonetheless. For instance, I received an inch long beef jerky snack. Ummm, good. Next, I received a bag of Fit Vegetable Wash. I can't comment on this one as it is still unused in my junk drawer. I've also gotten a half a packet of ranch dressing mix, which I just mixed with sour cream for dip. That's about the best thing that's come my way.
You will also be offered a chance to get into certain contests and special offers, most of which I've found unexciting. I did partake of a Scratchex coupon, but certainly there is nothing here I can't live without.
Another way to get free stuff is to earn Tryer Miles. You get them when you log onto the site, for referring others and for feedback of the products you have samples. Here's a small breakdown:
Visit Start Sampling: 10 points (after 10 visits in a month, you get 15 bonus points)
Visit a manufacturer's website: 15 points
Provide Feedback on a sample: 25 points
Sending in UPC symbols off of purchased products you've sampled: 20 points
Referring a friend: 25 points
Taking a Sample Survey: 10 points
Sounds easy, right? Well, here's the kicker: You have to get 1500 points to get the cheesiest prize. That's right, the crappiest prize they have takes a bundle of points! After 6 months I'm still not there! I can't wait for the day I get my Start Sampling T-shirt! I can also report that most of the "prizes" to redeem your Tryer Miles on are all selected as well, a message you will become very familiar with as you use the site.
The site is easy to navigate, and fun to use and hey, who can argue with getting something for nothing? But let's face it. Forget about trying to earn the Tryer Miles. The prizes are pretty bad even if they are there at all. If you use this site to briefly check on the availability of samples and then go on to your next site, you will benefit here. If you spend too much time on StartSampling.com, you will see that it is mostly fluff, and most assuredly not worth your time.
Recommended:
No
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About the Author
Member: Suzanne
Location: North Carolina
Reviews written: 207
Trusted by: 236 members
About Me: Real Estate Rock Star
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