Free Samples: Ultimate Guide to ALL the Stores That Hand Out FREE Stuff
These days, stores are throwing out free samples left and right to get you in the door and keep you coming back. We’re talking everything — snacks, makeup, cleaning supplies, even baby stuff — and honestly, it’s a pretty sweet way to save a few bucks and try new things without blowing your budget. I pulled together a full list of places where you can score freebies and maybe even find some new favorites — without spending a dime.
1. Costco
Membership Required: Yes
What They Offer: Costco’s basically the king of free samples — you can’t walk 10 feet without someone handing you something to try.
Snacks, drinks, little mini-meals — whatever they’re pushing that day, you can bet there’s a tray of it somewhere.
Half the time you didn’t even know you needed a 3-pound bag of frozen dumplings until you tried one walking by.
It’s an easy (and delicious) way to try new stuff and find deals on bulk buys without guessing if you’ll actually like it.
How to Get It: Simply walk through the store during peak hours (usually late mornings and afternoons) and visit the sample stations. You can also find free samples at the pharmacy counter for health and wellness products.
COSTCO SAMPLES ETIQUETTE
If the Costco is busy, do NOT plant your cart in the middle of the aisle while you chat with the sample giver for WAY to long.
Grab your sample and move on. Also, only take or touch what is put out in front of you. Do not stick your hand in the bowl or tray and take a sample. They will have to THROW AWAY everything and start over.
See Also: 10 Brilliant Ways to Save Money at Costco
2. Sam’s Club
Membership Required: Yes
What They Offer: Similar to Costco, Sam’s Club offers a variety of food samples throughout their stores.
They also have a program called “Freeosk” where you can get free samples by scanning your membership card at designated kiosks.
How to Get It: Visit the store during sample hours and look for the Freeosk kiosks. Scan your membership card to receive your free samples.
3. Sephora
Membership Required: No, but a Beauty Insider account is beneficial
What They Offer: Sephora is a haven for beauty enthusiasts, offering free samples of skincare, fragrance, and makeup products.
With every purchase you can choose up to two free samples, and they also have special promotions where additional samples are available.
How to Get It: Visit a Sephora store and ask for samples at the counter. If you’re shopping online, select your free samples at checkout. Joining the Beauty Insider program can also give you access to deluxe samples and birthday gifts.
4. Ulta Beauty
Membership Required: No, but signing up for their Ultamate Rewards program is beneficial
What They Offer: Ulta Beauty provides free samples of makeup, skincare, and haircare products with online purchases.
They also have in-store events where free samples and services are offered.
How to Get It: Sign up for the Ultamate Rewards program to receive free samples with online orders. Attend in-store events and promotions for additional freebies.
PRO TIP: ULTA “SAMPLES HACK”
If it doesn’t matter to you, ALWAYS shop on the Ulta website and shop the special Add-Ons section as you’ll end up with a TON of free stuff. Check out this lady’s haul that she recently shared on a Reddit forum.
See Also: 12 REALLY Smart Ways to Save BIG At Ulta
5. Target
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Target often has sample stations in their stores, especially in the grocery and beauty departments.
They also offer free samples through their website on occasion and have a baby registry program that includes a FREE welcome kit filled with samples and coupons.
How to Get It: Visit Target stores and look for sample stations. Sign up for the baby registry to receive the welcome kit. Keep an eye on their website for sample offers.
TARGET WITH AN ULTA WITHIN
If your local Target has an Ulta Beauty within, consider yourself LUCKY.
These Target locations typically have a free sample bin that you’re free to take beauty samples from. No joke. You’ll find the free sample bin in the beauty section of the store, NOT up front by the registers.
6. Walmart
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Walmart offers a variety of free samples, primarily through their website.
They have a dedicated page where you can request free samples of household items, personal care products, and more.
How to Get It: Visit the Walmart sample page online and request the available samples. Be sure to check back regularly as the offerings change frequently.
See Also: 9 Slick Ways to Save Significant Money at Walmart
USE WALMART GROCERY FOR FREE SAMPLES
I’ve used Walmart Grocery delivery 3 items and EVERY time I’ve gotten several free samples added to one of my delivery bags.
Turns out I’m not the only one, so it may be a reason to finally give Walmart Grocery delivery a try.
7. CVS Pharmacy
Membership Required: No, but having an ExtraCare card is beneficial
What They Offer: CVS hands out free samples sometimes — mostly health and beauty stuff like lotions, shampoo, and random wellness products. They also throw in-store events now and then where you can snag samples and a bunch of coupons if you time it right.
How to Get It: Sign up for their ExtraCare program — they’ll send you offers and sometimes surprise you with free samples. And if you see one of those events happening in-store, jump on it — free stuff goes fast.
They also have in-store events where customers can receive free samples and coupons.
8. Walgreens
Membership Required: No, but having a Balance Rewards card is beneficial.
What They Offer: They’ll hand out samples of beauty stuff, vitamins, random health products — basically whatever they’re promoting that week. Sometimes they run little in-store events too where you can snag free samples and coupons if you happen to catch it.
How to Get It: Join the Balance Rewards program and participate in in-store events to receive free samples.
9. Macy’s
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Macy’s offers free samples of beauty products at their counters.
They often have promotions where additional samples are available with purchases.
How to Get It: Visit the beauty counters at Macy’s and ask for samples. Look out for special promotions and events for more freebies.
PRO TIP: FREE MACY’S SAMPLES IN THE MAIL
If you’re on Instagram, Macy’s will mail out a bunch of free beauty samples via Sopost.
Follow Macy’s on Instagram and then keep an eye out for these Sopost offers and jump on one when you see it. It’s a 1-time deal but you can always sign-up again when you see another Sopost offer.
10. Nordstrom
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Nordstrom offers free samples of high-end beauty products with purchases.
They also have events where free samples and deluxe samples are available.
How to Get It: Shop in-store or online and request samples with your purchase. Attend beauty events for more opportunities to receive free products.
11. Whole Foods Market
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Whole Foods Market offers free samples of organic and natural products.
They often have sampling stations throughout the store, especially on weekends.
How to Get It: Visit Whole Foods Market during peak hours and look for sample stations. Participate in special events and promotions for additional samples.
See Also: Here’s Why Costco Checks Your Receipt When Exiting
12. Trader Joe’s
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Trader Joe’s is known for offering free samples of their unique and seasonal products.
They usually have a sample station where customers can try new items OR you can sample almost ANY product by starting a conversation with an employee.
How to Get It: Visit Trader Joe’s and head to the sample station. Engage with the staff for more information about the products being sampled.
See Also: The Best Buys at Trader Joe’s According to Employees
PRO TIP: TRADER JOE’S SAMPLES HACK
If you want the best chance to score a yummy free sample at Trader Joe’s, you gotta brave the weekend crowd as that’s when they bring them out.
It’s a great way to try products that you might not otherwise as TJ’s has so many “eclectic” items to choose from.
In recent weeks, I’ve sampled their Chili & Lime Rolled Tortilla Chips, Horchata ice cream, Fiberful Granola bars, and even their Chocolate & Vanilla Bean Swirl Gelato.
13. Lush Cosmetics
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Lush offers free samples of their handmade cosmetics, including soaps, lotions, and bath products.
They are generous with samples and often provide them upon request.
How to Get It: Visit a Lush store and ask for samples at the counter. The staff is usually happy to provide samples of products you’re interested in.
14. Kiehl’s
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Kiehl’s provides 3 free samples of their skincare products at checkout as well as free samples at any counter.
They are known for their customer service and willingness to let customers try products before purchasing.
How to Get It: Visit a Kiehl’s store and ask for samples of products you’re considering. They often include free samples with purchases as well.
See Also: All The Companies That Happily Send Out Free Samples
15. The Body Shop
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: The Body Shop offers free samples of their skincare and beauty products.
They also have in-store events where additional samples are provided.
How to Get It: Visit The Body Shop and ask for samples at the counter. Participate in in-store events for more free products.
16. Perfumania
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Perfumania offers free samples of various fragrances when you join their Perks Rewards Program.
They often have promotions where additional samples are available with purchases.
How to Get It: Visit a Perfumania store and request samples of fragrances you’re interested in. Look out for promotions and events for more freebies.
17. Meijer
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Meijer offers free samples of grocery items, personal care products, and household goods.
They have a program called “Meijer Freebies” where you can find available samples on their website.
How to Get It: Visit the Meijer Freebies page online and request available samples. Check back regularly for new offerings.
See Also: Score Free Stuff on Amazon…Easy Ways to Make It Happen
18. Grocery Stores (Kroger, Safeway, etc.)
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Many grocery stores offer free sample stations, especially during weekends.
These samples can range from new food products to seasonal items.
How to Get It: Visit your local grocery store during peak hours and look for sample stations. Participate in store events for more sampling opportunities.
See Also: 24 Clever Ways to Save BIG at the Grocery Store
PRO TIP: SCORE FREE SAMPLES AT KROGER
I found a cool website call KrogerKrazy and they have an excellent article on how to score 5 free samples (of your choice) via the mail.
Once you sign-up, your Kroger sample box will arrive in a few weeks according to the gal who runs the site, Katie.
19. Bath & Body Works
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Bath & Body Works offers free samples of their fragrant lotions, soaps, and body sprays.
They also have promotions where customers can receive additional samples with purchases.
How to Get It: Visit a Bath & Body Works store and ask for samples. Keep an eye on their promotions for more freebies.
20. Burt’s Bees
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Burt’s Bees offers free samples of their natural skincare and beauty products.
They often include samples with online orders and have special promotions.
How to Get It: Visit the Burt’s Bees website and look for sample offers. Participate in promotions and events for additional samples.
21. Baby Supply Stores (BuyBuy Baby, Babies “R” Us, etc.)
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Stores that specialize in baby products often provide free samples of baby formula, diapers, wipes, and other essentials.
They also have baby registry programs that include welcome kits with samples and coupons.
How to Get It: Visit the store and ask about free samples. Sign up for a baby registry to receive welcome kits with samples.
See Also: ALL the Companies That Hand Out Free Stickers
22. Pet Stores (PetSmart, Petco, etc.)
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Pet stores often provide free samples of pet food, treats, and other pet products.
They also have events and promotions where additional samples are available.
How to Get It: Visit your local pet store and ask for samples. Participate in store events and promotions for more freebies.
23. Department Stores (Nordstrom, Macy’s, etc.)
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Department stores often provide free samples of beauty products, including fragrances, skincare, and makeup.
They also have special events where customers can receive deluxe samples and gifts with purchases.
How to Get It: Visit the beauty counters at department stores and ask for samples. Attend special events and promotions for additional freebies.
24. Pharmacy Chains (Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, etc.)
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Pharmacy chains often offer free samples of health and beauty products.
They often have in-store promotions and events where customers can receive additional samples and coupons.
How to Get It: Visit the store and look for sample stations. Participate in promotions and events for more free products.
See Also: 14 Cheap Grocery Stores Near You That’ll Save You BIG
25. Online Free Sample Sites
Membership Required: No
What They Offer: Numerous websites specialize in compiling free sample offers from various companies.
Sites like FreeSamples.org, SampleSource, and PinchMe provide a wide range of samples that you can request online.
How to Get It: Visit these websites and sign up for free sample offers. Check back regularly for new samples.
BONUS Tips:
1. Go when it’s busy: Stores are way more likely to have samples out during peak times — weekends, late mornings, when the aisles are packed.
2. Sign up for the loyalty stuff: Get on their lists — most of the best freebie deals and samples come through email or apps these days.
3. Hit up in-store events: If a store’s throwing some kind of event, there’s almost always free samples involved. Watch the calendars so you don’t miss ’em.
4. Stalk their websites: Brands and stores throw up free sample offers online all the time — but they go fast, so check in often.
5. Don’t be a jerk: Seriously — be chill and polite if you’re asking about samples. Staff will absolutely hook you up more if you’re cool about it.
Ask the Reader: How do you score free samples? Let me know if I missed any stores that are known for handing out freebies.
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)