Top tips thread.
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Can we do a top tips thread for anything from bagging a bargain shop to saving yourself time please
Great idea, I have one that worked for me recently actually: when you are ordering online if you have any difficulties whatsoever with the website (or find any errors etc) contact the company stating what went wrong & then ask if there's any discount Codes available for your order. Ive found this way you are way more likely to be given a voucher or a freebie added to your order than if you just drop them an email asking if they have any vouchers available. I tend to use this for companies that do not have voucher codes publicly available. I had troubles placing an order via an online pet store the other week, dropped them a quick email, and whilst there weren't any codes available for my order she did add a couple of freebies for my cat on there for the difficulties I had experienced. Always worth a try.
Just to add a quick note to this too... if you do ever experience issues on a companies website and you chose to email them you should include what device you are using & what browser (e.g. Computer & internet explorer). I work in customer services and I LOVE people who give those details, means I don't have to ask for them. And hey if you make the customer service reps job Easier they're more likely to add a voucher or freebie on for you!
Thats a great tip. There has been lots of occasions where i have been unable to check out. Then the stuff i wanted went out of stock :(
titchredge eugh that's the worst, or when you are trying to order something on sale but the website isnt letting you checkout, and when you try the next day the items no longer on sale *cries*
That only works if the company responds to you! I have been waiting 2 weeks to hear from a company about an issue I had and I still haven't heard from them, despite me contacting them 3 times! I woouldn't normally mind, but they owe me a refund for an item they didn't deliver! Any tips on how to get them to respond??
KandJblog I meant to contact them on fb the day and just got so busy I forgot! I will definitely try that! The didn't deliver an item that I paid for and there has been no mention or whether I am getting the item or not but at this stage, I just want a refund on it! It isn't a large amount of money, but that isn't the point!
Another is when you are emailing companies asking for free samples keep your emails 'professionally casual', no one wants to receive an email saying aright bruv got any free stuff? But at the same time no one wants to read something overly professional and robotic. I always include sentences like 'thank you for your time' or 'have a lovely day', keep it very polite. I have had so many samples from companies who have replied saying along the lines of 'well it's not something we usually do but on this occasion we will send you a sample' or 'we usually only provide samples for trade customers but have placed a couple in the post for you today'. If you write your email in the right way you will get so much more. I received some sample shower gels earlier in the week, their customer service representitive had replied saying it's not something they usually do as they don't keep much at their head office, but she had gone hunting round for a few samples for me.
Thats great. I prefer trying things before i go out spending hard earned cash. A few times i have bought something expensive and not been happy with it and its just sat in a drawer
alipost today i have emailed a few companys about eczema products and beauty products. Awaiting replies. I would just email companys where theres items you would like to try but dont want to pay a fortune to find out its not all that good lol.
alipost I dont drop names of companies I've had success contacting just because I know they would get bombarded with requests from people. I have had success contacting companies selling the following types of products:
foods-
energy bars
jerky
jam
lemon curd
relish
honey
crisps
sauces (BBQ & sweet chilli)
hot chocolate
energy drinks
truffles
tea
coffee
creams & lotions of all sorts (baby & adult)
Perfumes
Toothpaste
e liquids
essential oils
mouth wash
Fabric
Car air fresheners
cat & dog food and treats- seriously you can get absolutely loads of pet foods for free, I had a few dog food companies send me 4kg bags as a free sample!
cat litter
Deodorant
clothing - I blagged a free pair of bamboo fibre socks (still proud of myself for that one 
)
Cleaning-
laundry detergent & conditioner
pet stain cleaner
bamboo fibre face cloths
printed towels
Feminine products
Lip balm
hair products
bath / shower products (bath salts, shower gels, bubble baths, bath bombs etc)
fishing bait
you want to contact smaller companies as they are more likely to send samples, larger companies I've found aren't worth contacting (anything p&g etc won't sent out samples)
hope this helps!
KandJblog Thankyou for this long list very informative, just need to find some spare time and send a couple of emails 
Top tip - when shopping always look out for products with the try me love me/try me or get your money back. Best way to try a product if you like it bonus if you don't like it at least you can claim your money back.
Another tip is before you shop on eBay or Sainsbury's (or anywhere else connected with nectar card) always check the nectar card app for any offers that you can activate, there's often bonus points available but they need activating first
Top tip - make meals up in bulk and freeze them.
Top tip - want to keep the kids out your chocolates? I stash mine in empty boxes of stuff they don't like. I now leave a limited supply of chocs in bottom tub.
Top tip - NEVER LET INSURANCE RENEW AUTOMATICALLY. Always check comparison sites for car and home insurance. I have gone mental at my mom.. Noticed her home insurance on the side so i had a quick look at it and told her she is paying a crazy amount. Then i find out she has been letting it renew automatically. BIG NO.
So i immediately got to work and within 10 minutes i got it down to less than half of what she is currently paying and she will possibly get cashback aswell.
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