How do you get freebies?

**Mohammad** · 08-21-2011, 05:10 PM

So, I have snagged a free dessert, a free drink, and 20% off my tab for life, with three separate waiters/waitresses/managers. I also got priority check-ins at the hotel I visited every week during my times of travel.

I like to think its because I can 'dance' the conversation enough to make the other person feel good. Mind you, none of this is flirting or PUA stuff. It is usually polite, direct and sincere conversation.

So, have you received any freebies yourselves, ladies and gentlemen?

**Zsych** · 08-21-2011, 05:14 PM

I get free drinks and food from bartenders from time to time. But then, I'm only moderately friendly.

**Warrior** · 08-21-2011, 05:19 PM

	Originally Posted by Mohammad To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	It is usually polite, direct and sincere conversation.

Usually it is just that and asking if there is any discount available or something like that. A week ago, I was buying drinks at Starbucks for some coworkers. I just had some polite conversation and then asked if there was any discount available. My total cost for three Frappachinos, two cups of coffee, and a cup of tea was about $7.00.

**Mohammad** · 08-21-2011, 05:25 PM

	Originally Posted by Warrior To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	... My total cost for three Frappachinos, two cups of coffee, and a cup of tea was about $7.00.

Fantastic. I ought to try that myself next time.
I personally like to talk to the servers, if they are interesting enough.

**ShadowCat** · 08-21-2011, 05:32 PM

Besides my apparent luck in bar dice, which usually allows me to drink for free almost all night. If I want something for free I first present a problem for the person. Also giving them a solution as a free refill of popcorn. I'm not the best at getting items for free so I don't usually bother.

**Anima Mundi** · 08-21-2011, 06:25 PM

Being a loyal regular in an establishment helps immensely. If they know who you are and that you're a good customer who doesn't nag or nitpick unnecessarily, you can get all sorts of perks right out of the blue!

I like to go to specific stores regularly, and I get in on sale events earlier than others. Some places where I order items online often will send me gifts and other nice extras with my shipment.

**mllebrie** · 08-21-2011, 06:52 PM

When I was about 18, I used to get sent out to buy the crickets for my sister's lizard. This weirdo guy with dreds at the pet store gave them to me for free. Told me the paper they use to print the receipt was more expensive than the crickets themselves.... I think it was the shorts and tank top I was wearing at the time. I may be a little quiet around people I don't know, but I'd decent looking, I'd say.

This other time, I got waved through a toll booth, saving me about 2 bucks. Middle aged guy, that time. No dreds. I got a free flag (like, for a house) at a mall kiosk years and years ago. I guess I'm just cute.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

**Mohammad** · 08-21-2011, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by mllebrie
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

When I was about 18, I used to get sent out to buy the crickets for my sister's lizard. This weirdo guy with dreds at the pet store gave them to me for free. Told me the paper they use to print the receipt was more expensive than the crickets themselves.... I think it was the shorts and tank top I was wearing at the time. I may be a little quiet around people I don't know, but I'd decent looking, I'd say.

This other time, I got waved through a toll booth, saving me about 2 bucks. Middle aged guy, that time. No dreds. I got a free flag (like, for a house) at a mall kiosk years and years ago. I guess I'm just cute.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Heh. You certainly would have to be very cute to get away with all that.
I am not so - I have to make do with manners and perhaps good dress sense.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

---------- Post added 08-21-2011 at 09:08 PM ----------

	Originally Posted by Anima Mundi To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Being a loyal regular in an establishment helps immensely. If they know who you are and that you're a good customer who doesn't nag or nitpick unnecessarily, you can get all sorts of perks right out of the blue...

Loyalty does indeed help tremendously. In fact, I usually get seated at my table of preference (already pre-defined, since I visit there so often), at my regular place of dining.
And such fawning over you also impresses your date, I must add.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

**sevans** · 08-21-2011, 07:14 PM

I get glasses at dealer cost because my friends own an optical shop. I also get anything else the glasses companies make at dealer cost and that's a ton of shit. Other than that, nothing, if I networked more, I could get a ton more shit at cost but I don't really like people.

**mllebrie** · 08-21-2011, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by Mohammad
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Heh. You certainly would have to be very cute to get away with all that.
I am not so - I have to make do with manners and perhaps good dress sense.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

---------- Post added 08-21-2011 at 09:08 PM ----------

Loyalty does indeed help tremendously. In fact, I usually get seated at my table of preference (already pre-defined, since I visit there so often), at my regular place of dining.
And such fawning over you also impresses your date, I must add.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Yeah, if anyone ever needs any crickets, I know a guy...

**Distance** · 08-21-2011, 08:29 PM

At cost purchases through friends who own businesses.
B2B reciprocation of goods and services.
Some policemen are very sweet so they won't give you a ticket or give you a lesser ticket, if you treat them with courtesy and respect.
Free dessert from a few restaurants for just being there and looking like we were enjoying ourselves.
Free drinks or dinner for delayed service from restaurant management and wait staff (did not complain).
Complained about customer service delays which did get me assorted kick backs which were deserved.
Have gotten in free and jumped lineups to nightclubs in the past.
Free coupons for discounts or even free items from assorted businesses for being a good client.

So the majority of freebies were received for treating people with courtesy and respect, being a loyal customer, etc.

**sevans** · 08-21-2011, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by Distance
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

At cost purchases through friends who own businesses.

B2B reciprocation of goods and services.

Some policemen are very sweet so they won't give you a ticket or give you a lesser ticket, if you treat them with courtesy and respect.

Free dessert from a few restaurants for just being there and looking like we were enjoying ourselves.

Free drinks or dinner for delayed service from restaurant management and wait staff (did not complain).

Complained about customer service delays which did get me assorted kick backs which were deserved.

Have gotten in free and jumped lineups to nightclubs in the past.

Free coupons for discounts or even free items from assorted businesses for being a good client.

So the majority of freebies were received for treating people with courtesy and respect, being a loyal customer, etc.

Cops are suckers, you just wave at them, it doesn't matter if you're going 20 over or not, they won't pull you over. I also get discounts on companies for loyalty, guess I never think about that. And I was a ski instructor so I get super discounted ski gear.

**Chameleon** · 08-21-2011, 10:17 PM

I work hard and cannot stand freebies when offered, nor seek them out. I do not know if it was the way I was raised (with 'blinding' pride that does not need favors from anybody), or my not wanting to feel obligated to give them special treatment in return (which may lead to being over used, or a relationship based purely on favors; empty). I guess the way I have it, imprinted, in my mind is when I receive a freebie I 'must' pay them back or I will carry the debt on my conscience. Though, I will say, I do not judge others on the matter; and I am aware of people that find my thought (as any action of dual opinion) foolish, yet I stand 'on'.

**Elena** · 08-21-2011, 10:26 PM

Only freebie I have gotten recently is when a farmer down the road from me shoots wild rabbit on his land. Every 3 weeks or so I find 2 or 3 bodies sitting on my door step. I just mounted some deer heads for him last year so he returns the favour. So if you want free rabbit. . .

**sircockburn** · 08-21-2011, 10:28 PM

Always getting freebies and off the hook with tickets. I remember working in retail during my freshmen year of college, customers would actually buy me things (books, chocolates, etc etc).

I'm just friendly and chill is all. (and female)

**UnrulyR3d** · 08-21-2011, 10:29 PM

I've lived in the same area a long time. I eat out almost every meal. A lot of times by myself. Most of the restaurant owners know me by sight. So when I stop by they always give me something extra, like dessert or appetizers. They are very kind.

**WindUp** · 08-21-2011, 10:36 PM

I mostly get free stuff through friends knowing friends or because people find me attractive. I never really put in any effort.

When I get free stuff because someone finds me attractive it's kind of a double-edged sword. I hate being forced to deal with someone I'm not interested in just because they're going to hook it up with something. I try to limit it from happening more than a couple of times if at all.

**CaelestisPeste** · 08-21-2011, 10:42 PM

I used get free food and drinks from my parent's restaurant. I get free pastries and coffee from the food bank I volunteer at. I get free food from my friend's restaurant. I get discounts with my Smart & Final card. I get discounts at places my friends' work at.

**ppu6502** · 08-21-2011, 11:06 PM

Yep, you'll definitely get freebies when you frequent a place. That's just good business. I mean, just reading your post you can feel the warm special feeling it gives you, so you'll keep coming back =) .. and even more importantly, you'll leave good reviews on the internet, which drums up business.

For some reason, restaurants do this even more to an extreme. They'll just throw in a bunch of extra food or randomly give the entire meal for free. Maybe it's when there's a rat infestation or something...

**Stitch** · 08-22-2011, 03:59 PM

I got my wife a free dentist check up.. my job screwed up my dental insureance, to where i was paying for it, but wasn't actually getting it. So when my wife's wisdom tooth got infected, i was thinking, eh no big deal. Well I didn't have any insureance. So we talked to my dentist, politely, and told them our situation. I was expecting a $75 charge at least. And they said, "na, don't worry about it". So i was pretty stoked.

Other than that... can't really think of anything. I get lots of tips at my job for being polite, understanding and explain a lot (automotive).

**mllebrie** · 08-22-2011, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by ppu6502
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Yep, you'll definitely get freebies when you frequent a place. That's just good business. I mean, just reading your post you can feel the warm special feeling it gives you, so you'll keep coming back =) .. and even more importantly, you'll leave good reviews on the internet, which drums up business.

For some reason, restaurants do this even more to an extreme. They'll just throw in a bunch of extra food or randomly give the entire meal for free. Maybe it's when there's a rat infestation or something...

Actually, this one time I ordered a sandwich and got something totally different, but since I had never had either, I didn't realize this until after I had eaten the whole thing. Really, I swear. I gladly would have paid for it, but the manager just gave it to me for free and I was pretty pleased with myself.

**searcheagle** · 08-22-2011, 07:00 PM

	Originally Posted by ppu6502 To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	For some reason, restaurants do this even more to an extreme. They'll just throw in a bunch of extra food or randomly give the entire meal for free. Maybe it's when there's a rat infestation or something...

I used to go to a pizza place and knew that if I ordered 3 slices of pizza, they would give me a free extra one. (If ordered 7, I would get a free 8th one.) I was always chalked it up to it being easier to serve 4 slices than 3, because the pizza was cut in squares. They never said why I got the extra one nor did I ask. Service was good and I went there somewhat regularly.

**elTee13** · 08-23-2011, 11:07 AM

When I traveled frequently it was trivially easy to get free airline vouchers by 1) volunteering for the "bump" list, and, 2) being polite and flexible, especially if the previous person in queue had been loudly demanding. It's amazing how such little effort gets huge rewards. Often the airline would also pay for a hotel room to boot.

**Sethis** · 08-23-2011, 04:47 PM

Is this a serious question? This is the INTJforum. We are a bunch of arrogant, annoying pricks. We don't get no freebies.

Gosh, you people. I hate you. *death stare*

Seriously, I very rarely get freebies. And it's usually because the salesman wants to get more customers not because I "earn" it with my attitude. I am a male too. Women don't buy me things. :'(

**mllebrie** · 08-24-2011, 08:52 PM

I can't believe I forgot to mention this, but it wasn't technically free, so I guess I forgot about it--I got a 12 pack of Sierra Mist a few months ago for donating blood. I saw the sign a few days before and thought, "now who would donate blood in exchange for soda?" But then I remembered I had that coming Saturday off and ended up doing it. It wasn't free, I did have to donate a body part (heh heh) and it involved needles, but, hey. "Free" soda. I'm always up for free food!

08-21-2011, 05:10 PM	#1
Mohammad Veteran Member [59%] MBTI: INxJ Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 2,371	So, I have snagged a free dessert, a free drink, and 20% off my tab for life, with three separate waiters/waitresses/managers. I also got priority check-ins at the hotel I visited every week during my times of travel. I like to think its because I can 'dance' the conversation enough to make the other person feel good. Mind you, none of this is flirting or PUA stuff. It is usually polite, direct and sincere conversation. So, have you received any freebies yourselves, ladies and gentlemen?
Mohammad is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 05:14 PM	#2
Zsych Core Member [309%] MBTI: XNTX Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 12,372	I get free drinks and food from bartenders from time to time. But then, I'm only moderately friendly.
Zsych is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 05:32 PM	#5
ShadowCat Member [06%] MBTI: xxxx Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 254	Besides my apparent luck in bar dice, which usually allows me to drink for free almost all night. If I want something for free I first present a problem for the person. Also giving them a solution as a free refill of popcorn. I'm not the best at getting items for free so I don't usually bother.
ShadowCat is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 06:25 PM	#6
Anima Mundi Member [18%] MBTI: INXX Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 742	Being a loyal regular in an establishment helps immensely. If they know who you are and that you're a good customer who doesn't nag or nitpick unnecessarily, you can get all sorts of perks right out of the blue! I like to go to specific stores regularly, and I get in on sale events earlier than others. Some places where I order items online often will send me gifts and other nice extras with my shipment.
Anima Mundi is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 06:52 PM	#7
mllebrie Member [37%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,510	When I was about 18, I used to get sent out to buy the crickets for my sister's lizard. This weirdo guy with dreds at the pet store gave them to me for free. Told me the paper they use to print the receipt was more expensive than the crickets themselves.... I think it was the shorts and tank top I was wearing at the time. I may be a little quiet around people I don't know, but I'd decent looking, I'd say. This other time, I got waved through a toll booth, saving me about 2 bucks. Middle aged guy, that time. No dreds. I got a free flag (like, for a house) at a mall kiosk years and years ago. I guess I'm just cute. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
mllebrie is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 07:14 PM	#9
sevans Member [48%] MBTI: INtJ Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,949	I get glasses at dealer cost because my friends own an optical shop. I also get anything else the glasses companies make at dealer cost and that's a ton of shit. Other than that, nothing, if I networked more, I could get a ton more shit at cost but I don't really like people.
sevans is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 08:29 PM	#11
Distance Core Member [411%] MBTI: eNTj Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 16,468	At cost purchases through friends who own businesses. B2B reciprocation of goods and services. Some policemen are very sweet so they won't give you a ticket or give you a lesser ticket, if you treat them with courtesy and respect. Free dessert from a few restaurants for just being there and looking like we were enjoying ourselves. Free drinks or dinner for delayed service from restaurant management and wait staff (did not complain). Complained about customer service delays which did get me assorted kick backs which were deserved. Have gotten in free and jumped lineups to nightclubs in the past. Free coupons for discounts or even free items from assorted businesses for being a good client. So the majority of freebies were received for treating people with courtesy and respect, being a loyal customer, etc.
Distance is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 10:17 PM	#13
Chameleon Veteran Member [92%] MBTI: INTP Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 3,701	I work hard and cannot stand freebies when offered, nor seek them out. I do not know if it was the way I was raised (with 'blinding' pride that does not need favors from anybody), or my not wanting to feel obligated to give them special treatment in return (which may lead to being over used, or a relationship based purely on favors; empty). I guess the way I have it, imprinted, in my mind is when I receive a freebie I 'must' pay them back or I will carry the debt on my conscience. Though, I will say, I do not judge others on the matter; and I am aware of people that find my thought (as any action of dual opinion) foolish, yet I stand 'on'.
Chameleon is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 10:26 PM	#14
Elena Core Member [140%] MBTI: INTX Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5,631	Only freebie I have gotten recently is when a farmer down the road from me shoots wild rabbit on his land. Every 3 weeks or so I find 2 or 3 bodies sitting on my door step. I just mounted some deer heads for him last year so he returns the favour. So if you want free rabbit. . .
Elena is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 10:28 PM	#15
sircockburn Veteran Member [79%] MBTI: ENTP Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 3,171	Always getting freebies and off the hook with tickets. I remember working in retail during my freshmen year of college, customers would actually buy me things (books, chocolates, etc etc). I'm just friendly and chill is all. (and female)
sircockburn is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 10:29 PM	#16
UnrulyR3d Veteran Member [58%] MBTI: entj Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 2,339	I've lived in the same area a long time. I eat out almost every meal. A lot of times by myself. Most of the restaurant owners know me by sight. So when I stop by they always give me something extra, like dessert or appetizers. They are very kind.
UnrulyR3d is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 10:36 PM	#17
WindUp Member [22%] MBTI: INfJ Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 903	I mostly get free stuff through friends knowing friends or because people find me attractive. I never really put in any effort. When I get free stuff because someone finds me attractive it's kind of a double-edged sword. I hate being forced to deal with someone I'm not interested in just because they're going to hook it up with something. I try to limit it from happening more than a couple of times if at all.
WindUp is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 10:42 PM	#18
CaelestisPeste Core Member [143%] MBTI: INXP Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 5,735	I used get free food and drinks from my parent's restaurant. I get free pastries and coffee from the food bank I volunteer at. I get free food from my friend's restaurant. I get discounts with my Smart & Final card. I get discounts at places my friends' work at.
CaelestisPeste is offline post a comment

08-21-2011, 11:06 PM	#19
ppu6502 Special Snowflake MBTI: INTj Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 11,531	Yep, you'll definitely get freebies when you frequent a place. That's just good business. I mean, just reading your post you can feel the warm special feeling it gives you, so you'll keep coming back =) .. and even more importantly, you'll leave good reviews on the internet, which drums up business. For some reason, restaurants do this even more to an extreme. They'll just throw in a bunch of extra food or randomly give the entire meal for free. Maybe it's when there's a rat infestation or something...
ppu6502 is online post a comment

08-22-2011, 03:59 PM	#20
Stitch New Member [01%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 77	I got my wife a free dentist check up.. my job screwed up my dental insureance, to where i was paying for it, but wasn't actually getting it. So when my wife's wisdom tooth got infected, i was thinking, eh no big deal. Well I didn't have any insureance. So we talked to my dentist, politely, and told them our situation. I was expecting a $75 charge at least. And they said, "na, don't worry about it". So i was pretty stoked. Other than that... can't really think of anything. I get lots of tips at my job for being polite, understanding and explain a lot (automotive).
Stitch is offline post a comment

08-23-2011, 11:07 AM	#23
elTee13 Member [46%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,841	When I traveled frequently it was trivially easy to get free airline vouchers by 1) volunteering for the "bump" list, and, 2) being polite and flexible, especially if the previous person in queue had been loudly demanding. It's amazing how such little effort gets huge rewards. Often the airline would also pay for a hotel room to boot.
elTee13 is offline post a comment

08-23-2011, 04:47 PM	#24
Sethis Member [23%] MBTI: iNTj Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 954	Is this a serious question? This is the INTJforum. We are a bunch of arrogant, annoying pricks. We don't get no freebies. Gosh, you people. I hate you. death stare Seriously, I very rarely get freebies. And it's usually because the salesman wants to get more customers not because I "earn" it with my attitude. I am a male too. Women don't buy me things. :'(
Sethis is offline post a comment

08-24-2011, 08:52 PM	#25
mllebrie Member [37%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,510	I can't believe I forgot to mention this, but it wasn't technically free, so I guess I forgot about it--I got a 12 pack of Sierra Mist a few months ago for donating blood. I saw the sign a few days before and thought, "now who would donate blood in exchange for soda?" But then I remembered I had that coming Saturday off and ended up doing it. It wasn't free, I did have to donate a body part (heh heh) and it involved needles, but, hey. "Free" soda. I'm always up for free food!
mllebrie is offline post a comment