You can buy virtually anything on Amazon. But, did you know you can get free stuff on Amazon too? Even without a Prime membership. From making use of free trials to getting freebies from writing honest product reviews, there are so many ways to get free stuff on Amazon. Or, at the very least, earn some credits off your purchase. If you’re curious about how to save big and score some freebies, read on.

Does Amazon Really Offer Free Products?

Yes, you really can get free products on Amazon.

The too long/didn’t read breakdown is by using various free trial programs, and programs that give you points and reimbursements, you’ll get free stuff.

PRO TIP: FREE STUFF VIA AMAZON RETURNS

Have you ever tried to return a product to Amazon but they tell you to keep it and STILL give you your money back? It’s a strange phenomena, which seemed to start during COVID, that I’ve written about before. Turns out the scenarios where Amazon is most likely to do this is when trying to return clothing, cheap electronics, bulky items, as well as health-related products like vitamins and supplements.

So…What Are These Free Products?

You can score quite a few freebies on Amazon.

Here’s a handy list of free stuff (or at the very least credits/discounts) you can get on Amazon.

1. Two Free Audiobooks: If you sign up for Amazon’s free 30-day trial on Audible, you get 2 free audiobooks. Just be sure to cancel your membership subscriptions in time before the 30-day trial is up.

2. Use Facebooks Groups and 3rd Party Review Sites: In some Facebook groups and other 3rd party review sites, you can find vouchers or gift cards for certain items on Amazon, usually in exchange for a review on a certain Amazon product.

3. Amazon Music Unlimited: Amazon’s music streaming service also has a free 30-day trial for new customers to use the platform for ad-free music and podcasts.

4. Free Kindle eBooks: If you have a Kindle, you can download all sorts of free e-books.

5. Free Baby Box Samples: When you sign up and create an Amazon registry, you can get a bunch of coupons for various baby items. You’ll also get a free baby box filled with different samples of baby products inside.

6. Free Amazon Prime Trial: The most obvious freebie on my list is a free Amazon prime trial membership for 30 days. Just be sure to cancel your subscription in time if you don’t want to continue your Prime membership.

See Also: Amazon Unclaimed Packages: Here’s How You Buy Them and Save BIG

PRO TIP: AMAZON WILL LET YOU KEEP STUFF SENT BY MISTAKE

Have you ever had an Amazon product show up on your door step that you didn’t order? A couple years ago, I had a $339 comforter set show up at my house and amazingly Amazon let me keep it. I originally thought it was a one off, but after writing about it, I got over 140 comments from shoppers who also got stuff from Amazon delivered to their residence that they were told to keep. I was told that since the order wasn’t actually in Amazon’s system, they had no way to process a return. The Amazon chat rep told me I was free to use it, sell it, or donate it. I ended up selling it on eBay for about $250 if I remember correctly.

Do Any of Them Require a Purchase?

Yes, some programs do require you to purchase a product, complete program requirements, and then receive reimbursement for your purchase.

Here are a couple Amazon programs that require a purchase upfront, but then provide reimbursement:

1. Amazon Vine Program: The Vine program invites trusted reviewers to write reviews of new and pre-release products.

This program is a win-win for both Amazon Vine Program members and Amazon as members receive free products in exchange for writing honest reviews which will help inform other Amazon shoppers.

2. RebateKey.com: OK, this one is pretty cool. New sellers on Amazon are trying to spread the word about their products and willing to practically give them away when they first start selling.

That’s when RebateKey.com steps in. Essentially you buy specific products on Amazon at the list price. Then when the seller verifies your purchase, they give you a huge rebate (up to 100%) and RebateKey manages the entire rebate process.

Here’s a screenshot of some of the deals on RebateKey to give you an idea:

It looks pretty darn cool and worth a look. I plan on trying it very soon and will report back my findings.

See Also: 4 Easy Ways to Buy Amazon Returns and Save Money

Ask the Reader: Have you ever scored something for free from Amazon? How did it “go down” and what was the product?

By Kyle James

The ability to make a return is almost a given at virtually any store. Yet, there’s no question that Dollar Tree is NOT like your ordinary store. Because of Dollar Tree’s insanely low prices, this presents the question of what exactly is Dollar Tree’s return policy. With nearly everything at $1.25, are returns even allowed? In this article, you’ll learn everything about the return policy at Dollar Tree so you can make the most out of your shopping experience.

Does Dollar Tree Even Allow In-Store Returns?

The answer is maybe as it’s left up to the individual store manager.

Their website says you CAN do an in-store return and get your money back, but most store employees say “NO, an exchange only”.

It’s kind of messy folks, but I guess we should expect that from a dollar store. More on this below…

PRO TIP: DOLLAR TREE WEBSITE IS WRONG

The Dollar Tree website currently says that “a refund will be issued in the original form of payment”. This is not the policy at every store. I called a dozen Dollar Tree stores and 10 of them told me “exchange only”. After telling them about what their website says, several of the managers told me that they would give me my money back if that’s what their website said. So if you really need your money back, bring this information to their attention and you stand a good chance of them complying.

What If I Lost My Receipt?

Unfortunately, you cannot make a return without a receipt.

But…see my “Pro Tip” below as you still stand a good chance of being able to do an exchange if you don’t have your receipt.

PRO TIP: RECEIPT-LESS RETURNS

I was recently in my local Dollar Tree and the person in front of me was trying to get an exchange without a receipt. She was very polite about it and the manager on shift granted the exchange. When I got to the front of the line, I asked if that was standard policy and the manager told me they’ll usually do it if the items being exchanged is still in-stock and it’s a reasonable amount of items. Use this information to your advantage if you find yourself in a similar situation.

So How Do I Make an Exchange?

You can make an exchange for ANY unopened item at Dollar Tree.

Just bring the item back, with your original receipt in-hand, to any Dollar Tree location.

I cannot find any official time restriction on the exchange, but you stand a much better chance of the exchange going smoothly if it’s been less than 30 days as they’ll typically still be able to sell the item you’re exchanging.

PRO TIP: EXACT EXCHANGE NOT REQUIRED

Since everything is the same price at Dollar Tree, you can exchange an item for ALMOST ANYTHING else in the store. I spoke with a manager about this and she told me that the exchange can be for anything with the same price that is NOT a food item.

See Also: Dollar Tree Raising Prices: Why?…PLUS Some Hacks to Save

Is There a Time Limit on Exchanges or Returns?

Surprisingly, no.

There website does NOT mention any time limit on doing an exchange or a “possible” return.

Also, you are not limited to making just one exchange per visit. So if you bought 3 toys and have your original receipt, you can exchange all 3 of them if you wish.

Many shoppers online claim that Dollar Tree has a 30-day exchange policy but I cannot find this information posted anywhere on the Dollar Tree website.

See Also: The Walmart Return Policy Explained So YOU Can Understand It

What If the Item I Bought Ends up Being Defective?

If for whatever reason you buy a product and then it ends up being broken or defective, you can still exchange that item at Dollar Tree.

But you cannot get a straight refund for the item.

Just remember to keep the item within its original packaging, bring your original receipt, and exchange the item within 30 days of purchase.

How Do I Return an Online Purchase?

For online purchases, you CANNOT make a return and all sales are FINAL unless item arrives damaged.

If this happens to you, call them at 1-877-530-TREE and speak to a representative about getting a return authorization and they’ll also send out a replacement product.

Can I Exchange Items Bought With a Coupon?

Technically, YES, you can exchange a Dollar Tree item even if you bought it using a coupon.

However, this can be considered coupon fraud against the manufacturer.

Therefore, try not to get into the habit of using coupons and then exchanging the item.

See Also: 20 Slick Ways to Save Money at Dollar Tree

Do All “Dollar Stores” Have the Same Return Policy?

No.

All Dollar stores do not hold the same return policy as Dollar Tree.

So, if you absolutely hate the idea of only being able to exchange items, you’re in luck.

Family Dollar and Dollar General have arguably far better return policies than Dollar Tree.

The Family Dollar return policy allows you to make exchanges or refunds for up to 30 days with your original receipt on hand.

And, at Dollar General, it’s even better.

You can make a return on most of their items within a 90-day return window.

So, if you think that Dollar Tree’s return policy is absolutely terrible you can always shop at these other Dollar stores.

Plus, it’s worth noting there may be even some slight variation among certain Dollar Tree locations when it comes to their return policy that you should be aware of.

Specifically, when it comes to exchanging seasonal items.

For example, while most Dollar Tree stores have that same exchange-only rule, there may be some restrictions when it comes to exchanging seasonal items.

When in doubt, consider calling your Dollar Tree beforehand and ask if they’ll let you exchange seasonal items.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the Dollar Tree return policy? Good, bad or indifferent?

By Kyle James

Many companies today offer some sort of employee discount as a way to incentivize their employees to stay. Kroger is no exception. Employee benefits and discounts not only motivate employees to stay working within the company, but they can offer some significant savings. The Kroger employee discount can save you big on groceries, especially if you shop their own in-house brand. So if you’re considering working at Kroger and want to learn more about their employee discount, keep reading.

What Exactly is the Kroger Employee Discount?

Kroger offers these discounts for all eligible staff members:

• 10% discount off Groceries
• 15% off Kroger brand’s home goods
• 10% off your Starbucks order located within Kroger.

This means that any part-time or full-time eligible employee that works at Kroger has the chance to use this 10% off discount.

See Also: Does Kroger Take Apple Pay? No…But Check Out This Workaround

How Do Employees Use the Discount?

When you get hired, you’ll be given your own Kroger Plus card during the on-boarding process.

This card has your employee discount loaded onto it and will be scanned by the cashier when checking out.

Can Part-Time Employees Get the Discount?

Yes.

Part-time employees can also use the Kroger employee discount.

Can Family Members Use the Discount?

Yes.

The “official” policy at Kroger is that the employee discount can be used by anyone living in the some household as the employee.

I’ve been told that the cashier will scan your Kroger Plus Card for any family member and typically won’t ask any questions.

This means family members don’t need to live in the same house as the employee to get the discount.

Please correct me in the comments section if your understanding is different than my information.

How Long Do You Have to Work at Kroger to Be Eligible?

Employees must work at Kroger for at least 1 paycheck to be eligible for the employee discount.

See Also: 11 Simply Smart Ways to Save Money at Kroger

Can You Still Get the Discount After You Quit?

Sometimes.

It really depends on the Kroger store, but many will let you use your discount for up to 2 weeks after you give notice and quit.

Is the Discount Only Good on Kroger Branded Items?

No.

While the Kroger discount is split, the Kroger employee discount is not exclusive to just Kroger branded items.

The Kroger employee discount includes multiple discounts: 10% off groceries, 15% off Kroger branded home goods, and 10% off at Starbucks located within Kroger.

Any Items Excluded From the Discount, ie- Alcohol, cigarettes?

While the Kroger employee discount is valid on most grocery store items, it does NOT cover ALL items.

For example, exclusions for the Kroger employee discount include things like alcohol, tobacco, and fuel.

Can Employees Use the Discount at Kroger Gas Stations?

No.

Employees cannot use their Kroger employee discount to save money on gas at Kroger gas stations.

However, an employee can sign up for the Kroger loyalty program to save some money at Kroger gas stations.

Where Else Can Employees Use Their Kroger Employee Discount?

You can use the Kroger employee discount at ALL Kroger company stores.

Here’s a list of various Kroger stores you can use your employee discount at:

– Ralphs

– King Soopers

– City Market

– Smith’s

– Baker’s

– Owen’s

– Jay C Food Stores

– Pay Less Super Markets

– Food 4 Less

How Do Employees Use Their Kroger Employee Discount?

To use the Kroger employee discount, you’ll need your work ID card.

Then, when you go to the checkout aisle, your cashier will simply swipe your Kroger card to apply your employee discount to your purchase.

See Also: The Trader Joe’s Employee Discount is Better Than Kroger’s

What Other Benefits and Discounts Do Employees Get?

The Kroger employee discount of up to 10%-15% off is just one example of the many discounts and perks you can get working at Kroger.

There are several other discounted services and offers you can save big on– not just while shopping at Kroger.

Some more ways to save by working at Kroger include discounts on:

– Cell phone services

– Hotel rooms

– Car rentals

– Theme park tickets

– Movie tickets

– Dental Plans

– Sick leaves

– Paid vacation

Simply ask a manager or HR rep about these other ways to save.

Ask the Reader: Do you work at Kroger and regularly use the employee discount? How much money has it saved you?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Phillip Pessar.