FitSugar

Say No to That Free Sample! The Rule of Reciprocity

LearnVest — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:30:56 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!
There are little tricks businesses use to get us to buy.

Some are pretty obvious, like sales and coupons.

Others are more subtle and nefarious, and may prey on the very good spirit of our human nature. A tad dramatic? Maybe not.

Recall those free address labels from the Disabled American Veterans? In the 1970s, they decided to send potential donors personalized labels in the mail, while soliciting donations. Their generous approach? They told people to keep the labels even if they didn't make a donation. After they did this, the number of people who made contributions nearly doubled - jumping from 18 to 35 percent.

Why was this marketing tactic so successful? Because of a little phenomenon called the rule of reciprocity.

It's not the end of the world if you end up donating to a great cause, but chances are you've been suckered into buying some random stuff you don't need because of this really powerful psychological phenomenon.

The Rule of Reciprocity: The Law of Give and Take

Made popular by Robert Cialdini's book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, the rule of reciprocity is the deeply ingrained human instinct to repay a debt.

According to Steve J. Martin, who coauthored the book Yes! 50 Secrets From the Science of Persuasion with Cialdini, the rule of reciprocity is fundamental to human nature. Every culture and ethnicity trains its children to abide by the rule of give and take. If someone gives something to us, we feel obligated to repay that debt. This rule operates not only with people you know, but also with strangers

Read on for more on free samples and reciprocity.

Free Sample Alert: Align Probiotic Supplement

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:51:08 PDT

This sample offer ended June 30, 2011.

Align is a paid advertiser on FitSugar. Align is offering free samples to FitSugar readers as part of their campaign with us.

It’s a win-win kind of day! Align is giving away free samples of its probiotic supplement, so not only will you get an amazing freebie, you’ll be able to maintain great digestion, too!

If you're into trying new things, be sure to email freesamples@sugarinc.com with your name and address to get your sample (within four to six weeks) while supplies last. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is sure to help you feel on top of your game, so let Align help you out - after all, you have nothing to lose!

Link Time - Check Out the First Poster For Thor

BuzzSugar — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:30:40 PST

Does the Thor poster look familiar? - Vulture
Guess who's the biggest breakout star of 2010 - Moviefone
Spoilers from the set of The Vampire Diaries - TV Squad
Will Tron: Legacy be off the grid? - Rotten Tomatoes
Five good actors who are trapped in the wrong TV roles - TV.com
Jillian Michaels is leaving The Biggest Loser - Zap2it
Jesse Eisenberg lines up a role in indie comedy Free Samples - The Wrap
Could NBC's new show about playboy bunnies be the new Mad Men? - PopWatch
Johnny Depp talks to Letterman about his petsitting woes - PetSugar

Healthy Eating Tip: Free Samples Aren't Free of Calories

FitSugar — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:00:00 PST

If you like to grocery shop on the weekends because of the free samples scattered throughout the store take heed from my experience yesterday.

The barista who cut up samples at my preferred coffee shop yesterday morning must have been feeling generous. A sample platter of baked goodies greeted me at the register, and the tray was a tempting arrangement of bigger than usual portions (about four bites each) of various treats. As I gave my order and paid for my coffee, it took this one thought for me to back away from the sample tray: Just because it doesn't cost anything, doesn't mean there aren't any calories.

I'd rather not waste calories on something forgettable, like the over-sized corner of a baked good that I have to pop in my mouth in a hurry. I prefer to hold out for the treats I truly enjoy, like dark chocolate, and give myself time to savor them.

Before reaching for something just because it's there, ask yourself if those calories would be better used elsewhere. As for the fruit samples at the farmers market - I always say yes!

Source

Free Kashi GoLean Crunch Cereal

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:45:00 PDT

It's FREE sample time again here at FitSugar. This time, it's a good one! I would like to thank Sugar user xxbrittney for telling me about this giveaway.

Kashi, one of my all-time favorite brands, is giving free samples of their GoLean Crunch Cereal! Yipee! All you have to do is visit Kashi.com and fill out the form (I think there are also two quick survey questions that you have to answer). Now you'll have at least one healthy breakfast taken care of for you.

Enjoy!

FREE Sample Alert: Dove Ultimate Clear Deodorant

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:23:00 PDT

You know I love a FREE sample every once in a while, and I know you guys love them too!

This is why you should know that Dove is giving away free samples of their Ultimate Clear Deodorant on their website, Dove.com. All you have to do is go to the site, click on Free Sample link and fill out the information form along with a totally short survey (it literally takes about 30 secs) and voila, you're done.

You know why I especially love this? Samples of deodorant are fabulous to throw in your gym bag or keep in your desk drawer for emergencies.

FREE Viactiv Flavor Glide Samples

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 03:30:00 PST

Are you getting enough calcium to keep your bones strong? Most women aren't, but you can.

New Viactiv Flavor Glides dietary supplements are a new easy to swallow caplet from the company that brought us the popular calcium chews. Currently there are two flavors, the Vanilla-flavored Calcium Flavor Glides that contain 500mg of calcium plus vitamins D and K. The Berry Breeze flavored Multi-Vitamin Flavor Glides are a women's formula with 24 vitamins and minerals. Most supplements seem to be like horse pills to me, but these are supposed to be small enough that those of us who have a hard time swallowing things on command should be able to take a flavor glide with ease. In fact it is easy to swallow guaranteed so if you can't, you get your money back.

With new products come free samples (yay!), so get yours by filling out a super short (3 questions) survey.

FREE Samples: True Lemon & True Lime

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 11:00:00 PST

In the days where you are pushed to drink more and more water, sometimes it can get a little boring. Personally I love the addition of lemon in my water, especially on warm spring days. Problem is I don't always have a lemon slice with me every where I go.

True Lemon (and True Lime) has created a fresh squeezed lemon or lime taste in a simple packet or a shaker bottle. The crystallized lemon and lime substitutes are made from 100% all natural ingredients including fresh lemon or lime juices and oils. Plus, they contain no calories, carbohydrates, artificial, natural sweeteners, preservatives or sodium. One serving also offers 25% of an adult’s daily Vitamin C requirements. You can bring them camping, to the gym, on a picnic, walk or hike, to work... really anywhere you'd be drinking water.

To get your free sample, visit the True Lemon site and fill out the super quick survey.

Fit's Tip: Are you drinking enough water? Check out the Fit Calculator to find out.

Free Yogi Tea

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 08:30:00 PST

As you guys know already, I am really into tea. One of my favorite brands, Yogi Tea, just happens to be giving away FREE samples right now. What's more? You even get to pick out your desired tea experience (A World of Flavor, Fragrant and Uplifting, Seasonal Support, Wellness from Within and Especially for Women).

Don't worry, you don't have to take a long survey or anything -- Just fill out the informational form so they know where to send your free samples. Visit YogiTea.com to get your free tea.

It doesn't get any better than that!

You May Want to Sit Down for This: FREE Metamucil

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 08:30:00 PST

The National Institute of Health suggests that we get 21 to 38 grams of fiber per day. However, the average American consumes only 10 to 15 grams of fiber per day. Not getting enough fiber?

Metamucil wants to help, seriously. They are giving away free samples of their Fiber Starter Kit, which contains a sample of Wafers, Powder, and Capsules Plus Calcium. Also included is the informational booklet Your Guide to a High Fiber Diet. Why should you care about fiber? Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol but high in fiber (as found in Metamucil), may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

To get your free sample, visit Metamucil.com.