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Click your way to savings

© Erin Huffstetler

Let's face it; Internet service isn't cheap. It is however the perfect tool for being cheap. When used properly, the Internet can yield countless savings for the thrifty at heart. The trick is learning how to research and find free samples and manufacturer's coupons on the web.

The first step to is to recognize the power that the Internet gives you as a consumer. In the past, if you wanted coupons and free sample, you had to wait for the company to come to you. Whether this meant waiting for the coupon insert in the Sunday paper or hoping that a company would send you a free product sample in the mail, you were left waiting.

Not any more The Internet puts the power in your hands. If you want a coupon or a free sample, you don't have to wait around for the company to contact you. A simple search on the Internet can put you in touch with the savings that you want and deserve.

There are essentially two approaches to finding free samples on the Internet: checking free sample sites and doing web searches.

Free sample sites are a great starting point. These sites list lots of free samples that are available on the web, and provide links to the respective sites. The benefit of using these sites is that someone else is doing a lot of the work for you. You won't have to spend a ton of research time to find samples. However, there is a definite downside to this approach. Typically free sample sites contain a lot of pop-up advertisements that can be a real nuisance. Additionally, you often have to weed through a lot of junk offers to find a few worthwhile samples.

By far, the best free sample site on the web is Start Sampling . This website operates on a membership basis. Once you subscribe, you have access to tons of high quality samples.

In recent months offers have included a free full-sized sample of name brand toothpaste, as well a variety of free magazines. Start Sampling also has a point system that rewards members for requesting free samples, and for providing feedback about the samples they have tried. The points, called "Frequent Tryer Miles," can be cashed in for free jewelry, books, movies and lots of other items found in the online catalog.

Start Sampling generates revenue by providing manufacturers with consumer opinions about new products, and therefore it does not have to resort to using annoying advertisements to make money. If you have a minimal amount of time to search for freebies, this website is definitely your best bet.