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Post by wendifful on Aug 19, 2017 23:44:40 GMT
In a bit of an s/o from a thread on the stamping board, how do you feel about freebies that come with orders?
For example, anytime I order something from Ellen Hutson, I get a little bag with a few feet of ribbon and a thanks card. I appreciate the thanks card, but to be honest, I get kind of annoyed with the ribbon, because then I just have another thing to add to my donate pile. I'm sure there's a story behind it but I don't know it and plain satin ribbon seems like such a random freebie.
I've also gotten free buttons and/or rhinestones from Hero Arts that of course have come in colors that I don't care for.
What about you? Do you feel like these freebies that come with an order are worth it, or just something to add to your donate pile?
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Deleted
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May 12, 2024 21:08:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2017 23:47:18 GMT
I appreciate them because the store owner had to a) pay for it and b) decided to brighten my day with a little extra surprise. I also like to share about it to others because those little touches are what's called "good customer service".
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Post by streetscrapper on Aug 20, 2017 0:14:25 GMT
I'd rather have a discount code for free shipping or a dollar amount off my order.
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JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,826 
Location: Indianapolis
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Post by JustTricia on Aug 20, 2017 0:35:12 GMT
It depends. I think the places that offer a free x with a certain amount spent where you know what x is, I like those.
The free surprise gift where it turns out to be ribbon, etc, not so much, but mostly because I'm a simple card maker. I only use paper, so embellishments aren't my thing. Also, depending on what it is sometimes it feels like "we couldn't sell this, so it's a freebie so we can get rid of it".
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luckylady
Junior Member
My life is far from perfect but everyday I have many reasons to feel blessed!
Posts: 66
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Post by luckylady on Aug 20, 2017 0:46:09 GMT
I love freebies. Free is free, right? If you don't like it or think you will use it pass it on to someone else. No skin off my nose and certainly not something I would complain about. I got two free small dies with my order that I received from Paper Smooches today. Totally unexpected but really appreciated.
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Post by wendifful on Aug 20, 2017 1:57:58 GMT
I agree that free is free and I appreciate the sentiment behind the freebies, for sure. Maybe it would feel different to me if it was something unique every time. With the ribbon every time, I know to expect it so it's not a surprise. I also don't really use ribbon so that's another thing. I agree with streetscrapper that I'd rather have a code to save money so I can choose my own items. Just thought it would be interesting to see what other people thought. I think Ellen Hutson is a lovely company with very generous sales so it's not like I feel like I don't get my money's worth. I guess maybe I just feel bad wasting it since it's of no use to me. And then I get too lazy to take care of my donate pile of course, lol! |
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Post by anniefb on Aug 20, 2017 2:03:16 GMT
I agree about the ribbon from EH (usually just goes straight in the bin) but at least they also offer the 'frequent shopper' code for a discount. Rather than a freebie gift, I'd rather have a discount or cash code - at least that way I can get something that I like.
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,475
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Aug 20, 2017 2:17:18 GMT
Also, depending on what it is sometimes it feels like "we couldn't sell this, so it's a freebie so we can get rid of it". I've definitely felt this way about freebies I've received. I love the thought behind it but usually find the item is not a great match to my taste or style. I have one online store I order from who usually include a Freddo frog or other small edible treat in with their orders (as well as beautifully tissue wrapped packages) and I love receiving those! |
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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 20, 2017 3:49:48 GMT
I'm with you, OP. While I appreciate the thought behind the freebie I do sort of groan inwardly at it because I feel like I'm constantly purging supplies already. The freebies, so far, have never been anything to my taste and they are just one more unused thing hanging around in my way until they make their way to a donate pile.
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kate
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Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Aug 20, 2017 4:17:03 GMT
I love freebies!
Years ago, I got a freebie that I really didn't like (it was an embroidered page title, much too big to put on a card!), and it's STILL taking up space in my cabinet. LOL Generally, though, I am like a little kid about getting "free presents."
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Post by elegantsufficiency on Aug 20, 2017 8:53:36 GMT
One UK store I purchase from usually includes a small pack of Haribo sweets or an interesting tea bag in the order. I think it's cute and like the little surprise, but wouldn't say it affects my choice to order from them at all. Just makes opening the package more fun.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 20, 2017 12:46:33 GMT
I love freebies. Free is free, right? If you don't like it or think you will use it pass it on to someone else. No skin off my nose and certainly not something I would complain about. I got two free small dies with my order that I received from Paper Smooches today. Totally unexpected but really appreciated. I agree. It's a nice gesture. I just donate or give to a friend, if it's something I won't use. |
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Post by myboysnme on Aug 20, 2017 15:58:46 GMT
I think I appreciate the little extras just because it kind of say to me, "I'm happy you chose o buy from me." I appreciate if it is carefully, packaged, if it comes with a little note or even, like Scrap Your Trip, someone writes on the receipt thanking me for my order. One time they wrote they appreciate that I am ordering again, letting me know that they know I am a repeat customer.
I can see where getting unwanted stuff is a burden, especially if you are trying to purge and stop bringing in more stuff. You know there is no shame in throwing away something you just don't want and have no one to give it to. If it's tiny, maybe offer it as a RAK if you can throw it in an envelope. Ribbon I would use to tie on a gift or gift tag.
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Deleted
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May 12, 2024 21:08:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2017 16:18:32 GMT
I'm always happy to receive freebies. It's a little surprise! I'm grateful when others are thoughtful. (Not to say the OP isn't. I'm just saying how I FEEL.) Harney & Sons usually throws in a couple freebies with my tea orders and I absolutely love it.
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Post by karensay on Aug 20, 2017 16:59:05 GMT
I'd rather have a discount code for free shipping or a dollar amount off my order. I agree. Similar - I won several items at a recent crop that I am sure were samples sent to the store owner, or things that did not sell in the store. I gave most of them back so she could give them to someone who could use them. I didn't want to offend, but I would rather the items go to someone who will appreciate them. |
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chendra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,860
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Jun 27, 2014 16:58:50 GMT
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Post by chendra on Aug 20, 2017 19:11:51 GMT
I think the places that offer a free x with a certain amount spent where you know what x is, I like those. On a recent order, I was aware that I would receive a free gelato if I spent a certain amount. I don't have any so I thought it would be fun to try and the colors I've seen people use are so pretty. Guess what color I got? Black!  I actually do use a lot of black in my scrapping and I wear it frequently, so I'm sure I'll figure out a suitably moody way to use it. |
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Post by artisticscrapper on Aug 20, 2017 19:45:49 GMT
I think it's a nice touch when a freebie is included. Admittedly it's usually something I wouldn't use but I'm sure there are many people who incorporate it into their layout or card. It's just that after purging a few times I've gotten picky about what I keep and just because something is free doesn't mean it's going into my stash.
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Post by thracian on Aug 20, 2017 20:03:53 GMT
Oh, good question! OK, thinking back on things, I would say that in most cases I don't use the freebies. There are exceptions. I got some flair and put that to use. I appreciate any freebie I get, but I appreciate them more when I get more of something I ordered. For instance, I got the flair when I bought some patterned paper and some flair.
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Post by thracian on Aug 20, 2017 20:09:37 GMT
On a recent order, I was aware that I would receive a free gelato if I spent a certain amount. I don't have any so I thought it would be fun to try and the colors I've seen people use are so pretty. Guess what color I got? Black! I actually do use a lot of black in my scrapping and I wear it frequently, so I'm sure I'll figure out a suitably moody way to use it. That's funny. I wouldn't have expected to get black. |
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Post by katiekaty on Aug 20, 2017 21:05:57 GMT
A zillion years ago, when I used to order from Hero Arts, sometimes they would include a small freebie stamp. It's how I wound up with two of my little favorites, a "to/from" and a "handmade by" stamp. Nowadays, I never see freebies, unless its a piece of candy or piece of ribbon. They are freebies, I enjoy them if I get. I don't expect them, so I never really think about them, just whether the order is complete and correct.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 20, 2017 21:20:35 GMT
I don't mind; I think it is thoughtful. However, most of the time I feel like it is something the business has too much of or is trying to get rid of. I have a donation pile that I goes every three months, so it isn't a big deal.
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Post by KikiPea on Aug 20, 2017 21:59:46 GMT
In the last order I received, I got 1 4x6 PL card. Just 1, and not something I would use.
Yes, the store/owner has paid for it, but I feel like they just have a pile of random stuff they couldn't sell on clearance, and they just grab something from that pile.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 20, 2017 22:30:28 GMT
It's not expected, but it's generally something I won't use like the package of ocean critter stickers that had googly eyes.  |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 20, 2017 22:48:13 GMT
It's not expected, but it's generally something I won't use like the package of ocean critter stickers that had googly eyes. Dang, I just used those! We had lots of fun times in the ocean in Punta Cana. My favorite was finding a large crab in the pool. He was pissed. I got him out and he kind of shook his claw at me like the creatures do in Sponge Bob when they form a mob. He was so cute he got his own 5 x 7 (and layout). |
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Post by auroraborealis on Aug 21, 2017 20:07:47 GMT
I tend to like them! I was quite happy with what I recent received from Emma's Paperie--I felt like they put time and care to put it together. There were many different items, but they all went together--little flowers, tickets, a few small pieces of printed paper, a few enamel dots, even a little stamp. It was definitely a day brightener and I will be able to use many of the little items. Certainly does make you feel like a valuable customer and not just an order to fill.
Other times it does just feel like leftovers, but even if they pack it with care and thoughtfulness, with a little candy piece, thank you, or coupon for reordering, I do appreciate it.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 21, 2017 20:20:05 GMT
Dang, I just used those! We had lots of fun times in the ocean in Punta Cana. My favorite was finding a large crab in the pool. He was pissed. I got him out and he kind of shook his claw at me like the creatures do in Sponge Bob when they form a mob. He was so cute he got his own 5 x 7 (and layout). I'll send them to you if you want. I don't live near an ocean and haven't gone anywhere tropical in a very long time. They are Sassa Frass Lass or however you spell that brand! So they are old. The entire website is older product, but I was still surprised to see that as a freebie! |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 21, 2017 20:23:47 GMT
Dang, I just used those! We had lots of fun times in the ocean in Punta Cana. My favorite was finding a large crab in the pool. He was pissed. I got him out and he kind of shook his claw at me like the creatures do in Sponge Bob when they form a mob. He was so cute he got his own 5 x 7 (and layout). I'll send them to you if you want. I don't live near an ocean and haven't gone anywhere tropical in a very long time. They are Sassa Frass Lass or however you spell that brand! So they are old. The entire website is older product, but I was still surprised to see that as a freebie! Thanks, but I have purchased about three times as many things as I need for my vacation albums. I always figure since we will go on one the next year I can use them for the next album. |
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Post by deekaye on Aug 21, 2017 20:45:16 GMT
I'm a sucker for freebies and if they aren't my taste/style, in to my donate basket they go. Someone will love on 'em!  |
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Post by auroraborealis on Aug 21, 2017 21:55:01 GMT
Dang, I just used those! We had lots of fun times in the ocean in Punta Cana. My favorite was finding a large crab in the pool. He was pissed. I got him out and he kind of shook his claw at me like the creatures do in Sponge Bob when they form a mob. He was so cute he got his own 5 x 7 (and layout). I'll send them to you if you want. I don't live near an ocean and haven't gone anywhere tropical in a very long time. They are Sassa Frass Lass or however you spell that brand! So they are old. The entire website is older product, but I was still surprised to see that as a freebie! Ooo, I would love to know the name of the oldie lines website with the Sassafras Lass! I am buying older stuff now to extend my stash (there just is not enough new stuff either) and Sassafras is a huge fave of mine! |
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 23, 2017 1:18:40 GMT
Ooo, I would love to know the name of the oldie lines website with the Sassafras Lass! I am buying older stuff now to extend my stash (there just is not enough new stuff either) and Sassafras is a huge fave of mine! I don't see any of that brand on their website, but they have great pricing! |
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I actually do use a lot of black in my scrapping and I wear it frequently, so I'm sure I'll figure out a suitably moody way to use it.
