Who doesn’t like getting free product samples? Learning how to get free samples in Canada, testing those samples, and basing your buying decisions on these experiences is an effective way to ensure you’re not wasting your time and hard-earned funds on things you don’t want or need.
But how and where do people find these samples? That’s the million dollar question.
Lucky for you, we’ve scoured the internet for product sample opportunities and compiled them all here for you to take a look at.
Want to easily compare all your options for free samples in Canada?Get your free list right here .
From pet food and board games, to Diaper Genies and even cell phones, there are plenty of companies out there willing to provide you with premium sample products. Some will request a review from you, but others won’t.
Take a look at what we’ve found.
How to get free samples in Canada: Write reviews
One truly simple method for how to get free samples in Canada is to provide a company or website reviews of the products they provide to you. Some might ask you to share your reviews on your own social media accounts, but others will just keep the information and use it internally.
And don’t worry about giving away personal information. When companies ask you to “sign up,” most offer assurance that your contact details won’t be shared – a promise they’ll have to uphold.
Knowing all of this, here are a few sites offering free samples to those who sign up and are willing to provide reviews.
SampleSource
- Website: www.samplesource.com
- Types of samples: Various
Sample Source may ask you to give an online review so the sample providers can get valuable feedback to improve the quality of their products. But the only thing you need to do to receive samples is fill out a survey answering a few questions so they know which types of products to send you.
They send out samples in the spring, summer, and fall – not winter, though, as they’re worried about products freezing as they go through the mail. Also, keep in mind that these samples are only available while supplies last.
This website offers a wide range of free samples, including:
- makeup,
- household cleaning products,
- food items, and
- pet care products.
If you stay on the Sample Source mailing list, they’ll automatically email you whenever samples that match your profile become available.
The Kit
- Website: www.thekit.ca/bonus/contest-samples-deals-canada/
- Types of samples: Health and beauty
An online magazine for women (also available in print), The Kit refers to itself as Canada’s beauty and fashion destination. It has a “Shop Smart” section where writers try out and write about their experiences with various health and beauty products, advising readers whether or not the items are worth purchasing.
Browsing their website, you’ll find:
- the latest beauty product reviews,
- fashion advice,
- celebrity news,
- wedding planning tips,
- home design features and advice,
- travel tips, and more.
The Kit partners with many well-known beauty brands to send you health and beauty products. After you fill out a questionnaire regarding your product preferences and shopping habits, they’ll contact you if and when they have samples that match your profile.
Butterly
- Website: www.butterly.com
- Types of samples: Health, beauty, and more
If you’re someone who likes to review products and you’re active on social media, this might be right up your alley.
Sign up for a free Butterly account and connect it to your social media accounts, and you’ll be given opportunities to sample and review various products. Most of the time, you’ll be required to share your reviews and opinions on social media for better publicity.
Butterly offers a few different ways to score free products, including brand ambassador opportunities as well as the typical free product trials.
Here are a few examples of products that have been sampled and reviewed by Butterly members:
- Ultraclear Dry Spray Antiperspirant,
- Simply Ageless Lash Plumping Mascara from CoverGirl,
- Canada Dry Triple Berry Club Soda, and
- Dessert Butter Tart ice cream.
Home Tester Club
- Website: www.hometesterclub.com/ca/en
- Types of samples: Various
Much like Butterly, the Home Tester Club is an online community of shoppers who share their experiences with new products. Upon signup, you’ll fill out a quick questionnaire regarding your preferences and shopping habits, then you’ll be given access to various products available for review.
The products Home Tester Club features range from hair and beauty products to small kitchen appliances – and you thought Costco had good deals on appliances!
Here are a few examples of items currently available for review:
- Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee,
- Blackweb Ergonomic Wireless Mouse,
- InfinitiPRO by Conair Cool Air Styler, and
- Haribo Goldbears Gummy Candy.
This site used to also hold monthly contests for members who answer short surveys, complete with impressive prizes, but we’re unable to confirm whether this still happens.
BzzAgent
- Website: www.bzzagent.com/go/pg-everyday-ca
- Types of samples: Various
Procter and Gamble has partnered with BzzAgent to send subscribers samples of new products to try. If you’re interested, you’ll supply your name and contact information, answer a few questions about your household and personal interests, and then you’ll be sent email invitations to survey opportunities.
After taking the quick surveys, you’ll be matched accordingly with various samples and be asked to try them out and submit a review. The more you participate in surveys and reviews, the more products you’ll get to try.
They don’t list specific examples of previously-reviewed products on the BzzAgent site, but their Instagram account gives us an idea of what’s been offered so far:
- high end makeup products,
- useful baby items and products,
- men’s fragrances, and
- pet food and treats.
Newsletters: How to get free samples in Canada just by signing up
There are also many businesses that reward newsletter subscribers with exclusive deals and freebies. But be sure to sign up for the Canadian versions of your favourite newsletters if you live here, since the American equivalents likely aren’t applicable outside of the U.S.
But if you do plan on visiting the U.S., join the American newsletter to bring along coupons for your travels. Also, be sure to look at the expiration dates and terms and conditions for the freebies and coupons.
Keep in mind, too, that it’s pretty easy to unsubscribe from most company newsletters whenever you like. So if you’re getting overwhelmed with junk mail from a specific source, you can unsubscribe with just a few clicks.
Milestones
- Website: www.milestonesrestaurants.com/sign_up.php
- Types of samples: Free appetizer or dessert and promos
Originally based on the west coast of Canada, Milestones now has restaurant locations all across the country. They offer a variety of tasty foods, often using local ingredients. Milestones is great for a business lunch, family meal, or date night.
If you sign up for their newsletter, they’ll give you a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree. You can also receive a free dessert on your birthday.
Red Lobster
- Website: www.redlobster.ca/fresh-catch-news#/sign-up
- Types of samples: Free appetizer or dessert and promos
If you’re a seafood fan, or simply love a good cheese biscuit, you’ll want to subscribe to Red Lobster’s newsletter.
You’ll receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of entrees, as well as an exclusive offer on your birthday. There are also special savings and event reminders sent out in their newsletters.
Aveda
- Website: www.aveda.com/exclusive-offers
- Types of samples: Free appetizer or dessert and promos
If you appreciate natural, salon-quality beauty products, you’ll want to sign up for Aveda’s newsletter. Not only do they offer 1 free sample for every $20 spent, they also have several different ways for you to save on your purchases.
These include:
- 15% off your first purchase after you subscribe to the newsletter,
- 20% off for students,
- 15% referral discount,
- free shipping and 10% off when you use their auto-replenish system, and
- free shipping for Aveda Plus Rewards members.
The Aveda Plus Rewards allows you to accrue points from every purchase and redeem them for products. The program requires a one-time $10 enrollment fee, and as a member you’ll receive free shipping on all online orders, plus a free gift on your birthday.
David’s Tea
- Website: www.davidstea.com/ca_en/frequent-steeper
- Types of samples: Free tea
Who doesn’t love a good cup of tea? When you create an online profile at David’s Tea, you can earn a variety of treats and perks, including a free 50g sample of loose tea and branded swag.
You’ll also enjoy:
- earning points to redeem for free tea and/or products,
- extra points on your birthday, and
- early heads-up on product launches and events.
Although David’s Tea did close quite a few Canadian store locations recently, there are still plenty for you to visit in person, and there’s always an abundance of tea choices on their website.
Tips on how to get free samples in Canada with coupons and rebates
Sometimes collecting coupons and using them strategically can result in getting a product for free.
For instance, if you find an online coupon for laundry detergent on save.ca, plus a cashback rebate for the same detergent on a handy app like Checkout 51, use them both at the same time for the maximum savings possible. If the laundry detergent already happens to be on sale, there’s a chance you’ll get it entirely free with all the savings combined.
This type of savings move won’t work every time, but it’s worth a try if you think you can swing it.
Make sure to download the appropriate coupon apps, check for coupons regularly, and use them before they expire.
Pro tip: Organize coupons digitally by setting up a calendar reminder and inputting expiration dates there. Copy and paste the coupons or link them into a Google doc or an email for easy access.
You can also check out cash back sites to get discounts on hundreds of stores. Here are some examples:
What freebies have you received?
Most of us would never say no to a free product sample, and many of us are actively seeking them out.
So now that you know our tips for getting free samples in Canada, what about you? Got a better way to earn freebies?
Let us know in the comments!
FAQ
Can you tell me how to get free samples in Canada?
There are plenty of ways for Canadians to get free product samples. You can try signing up for newsletters and shopper’s rewards programs, or consider signing up for a service that provides samples to those willing to write reviews on social media. And there’s always Costco, the king of free samples!
What about how to get free makeup samples in Canada?
The same guidelines apply if you’re looking specifically for free makeup or beauty product samples. For these, though, you’ll get the best results by signing up with Butterly, Home Testers Club, or a similar platform that provides free samples in return for written reviews. You can find more information on these services here.
How can I get free baby samples in Canada?
There are lots of Canadian companies that offer free baby samples for new parents and parents-to-be. From Huggies to Nestle, many companies will send you samples just by visiting their website and providing your mailing address. You can also try a service that offers free samples in return for written reviews.
Are there free perfume samples in Canada?
Yes, you can often get free perfume samples simply by visiting the cosmetics counter at a Canadian department store or drug store. You can also get these as a gift with purchase from various retailers, or by joining a store’s rewards or loyalty program.
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