www.email.com
www.postmaster.com
www.emailaccount.com
This is totally optional, but you could open up a free account with FedEx or DHL online using a debit or credit card. You will then be issued an account number. If you are unfamiliar with the way this service works, think of it as a credit card for shipping. You can include this account number with the emails you send. If the manufacturer requires you to pay for shipping, they can simply enter your account # on the international airwaybill for the package. The shipping costs are then billed to the credit or debit card on your account. You do not want to have these packages shipped overnight or 2 day airmail. As you can imagine a TV sent FedEx overnight from Malaysia to the US is not too frugal. Instead, check with the shipping courier your account is with (FedEx, DHL) by phone to speak with customer service and find out which international shipping method would be the absolute cheapest. DHL in most cases is the cheapest since they offer slower delivery than FedEx. Once you have researched and found which shipping method is cheapest (each courier has names, i.e. “FedEx International Economy Rate) mention in the email you would like the sample shipped using that method. Although paying for shipping is not necessary to receive free products, you should have much better success if you do. The cost of the sample usually isn’t what the manufacturer cares about; it is the cost of shipping.
STEP 2:
Now that you have the two things necessary you can start. You can search out manufacturers directly to contact using search engines. You can type in the product your interested in and add "Manufacturer" after it. The Manufacturers contact information is usually a few results down on the search engine results. Follow the link below for a sample of a product search result.
STEP 3:
Since you are just starting, you should begin with products that have a consumer retail value of $20 or less. Only after you have had some experience and received a few should you start requesting the more costly items such as televisions, DVD players, etc.
There are a couple ways you can contact the companies to receive your samples. Once you are on the page of a single specific product, you will want to locate their contact information (Mailing address or at least one or two email addresses). You can then email them from your email address or send postal mail.
When you email the companies, you should introduce yourself, mention you are interested in their product(s) and you would like them to send you more information regarding the product(s) as well as a sample unit. Be sure to include your mailing address. What you write in your letter is up to you, it does not have to be long; a paragraph or so may do. The information contained in my letter is true, I do not advocate or support you writing any type of fictional information in your correspondences. Include your DHL or FedEx account number as well as the shipping method you would like if you opened an account.
STEP 4:
You may have to communicate by email with the companies a couple times back and fourth after your initial request. One thing I cannot stress enough is to be patient. In the United States, we do everything fast with a gotta be done now, can't wait attitude and adhere to a strict schedule. Many other parts of the world including much of Asia are not like this. You may not receive a reply to your email for a few weeks. This does not mean they are ignoring you, that is just the way business is conducted there and they reply just as slowly to large corporations usually also.
When you do receive your free products, they will usually be shipped as a commercial sample, no value so you do not pay any tariffs on them. This is a very good thing, tariffs can be almost 40% of the product's value!
TIPS AND TRICKS:
(1) Remember there is no limit to how many different manufactures you can request samples from; the more you contact, the more free products you will receive.
(2) Start out small by requesting low valued items (products with a retail value of <$20) this allows you to gain the experience you need. It is very important you follow this step.
(3) Contact companies and have them forward you their product brochures first.
(4) If you pay shipping costs you will have greater success.
(5) Be patient.
(6) If there is a specific model you must have, and the company does not give out free samples, you can always purchase one or more of that model from the manufacturer directly at true wholesale cost.
(7) Stock up on free knickknacks, these are ideal to begin with to get some experience. Some of my favorites include;
A. premium pens and stylish desktop clocks
B. health & exercise supplies (electronic abs belts, etc.)
C. golf accessories
D. novelties
E. things for the house, from extension cords to doorknobs
(8) Remember if you receive a product you don't particularly like you can always sell them.
(9) Take your time and do not rush the process.
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!
So there you have it. Don't wate your money if you have this page.
