Check the offer before making a trip
An in-store freebie is only useful if you can actually claim it at your local branch. Read the official offer for eligible stores, dates, stock limits and any code or app requirement. Check whether the promotion is for new customers, existing members or selected accounts. Save the details so you can show staff the offer without relying on a social media screenshot.
Look for a genuine welcome reward
Greggs currently advertises a regular hot or iced drink for people downloading its app and registering a new account. Its official promotions page explains the welcome reward. Read the current terms and check the reward in your account before travelling, including any expiry or location restrictions. A welcome gift is different from a loyalty reward that requires earlier purchases.
See the Greggs welcome reward
Check the Greggs promotion terms
Ask about a product you want to try
At a beauty counter, explain which product interests you and ask if a take-home sample is available. You might want to compare a foundation shade or try the texture of a moisturiser. Staff can tell you what that counter can provide. Samples are subject to stock and policy, so there may be none available. Ask before taking anything; a display tester is not automatically a giveaway.
Separate the different types of freebie
A no-purchase sample, a gift with purchase, a loyalty reward and a cashback offer work differently. For cashback, you normally spend money first and must meet the claim conditions. For a gift with purchase, the qualifying spend is a real cost. For loyalty rewards, check what you must buy to earn them. Read the full offer rather than judging it by the word “free”.
Use accounts and apps carefully
Join only services you want to use and read their communication settings. You can decide whether newsletters or notifications are worthwhile for you. Do not create duplicate accounts to repeat a reward intended for one new member. Keep vouchers in the app that issued them and follow its redemption instructions. If a message asks you to pay a fee to unlock a supposed free sample, check directly with the named business.
Make collection straightforward
Have the voucher or app ready before reaching the till. Check the eligible item size or variant and ask staff if you are unsure. For limited events, check the time and participating branch on the organiser’s own page. If an item has run out, accept that the offer may be subject to availability. A separate trip can cost more in travel than a small sample is worth.
Keep finding useful offers
Browse FreeSamples.co.uk for current opportunities, then use each brand’s own conditions to decide whether to claim. Our beauty and haircare guides explain other ways to try products. If you mainly want advice before buying, a conversation with a knowledgeable adviser can be valuable even when there is no take-home sample. Choose offers that fit your plans instead of changing your shopping just to collect a gift.
Browse the latest free samples
Read our makeup and beauty guide
Read our hair products guide
Krispy Kreme: a free welcome doughnut
Krispy Kreme currently advertises a free doughnut for joining Rewards. Its welcome-reward terms specify one Original Glazed Doughnut, valid for 30 calendar days after registration. The terms describe redemption at a Krispy Kreme store through the app, or a Tesco cabinet using the emailed printable coupon, depending on the option selected when registering. Check your issued reward and the current terms before visiting; stock and redemption conditions apply.
Join Krispy Kreme Rewards
Read the current welcome-reward terms
Official provider page checked: 13 October 2026.
IKEA Family: free weekday tea or coffee
IKEA UK currently offers free tea or coffee in participating in-store restaurants from Monday to Friday for IKEA Family members. Scan your membership card at checkout. IKEA Family is free to join. The published exclusions are Brighton, Hammersmith, Oxford Street, Aberdeen Order and Collection Point, and Plan and Order Points. Check the official page and your local store before travelling.
Check IKEA’s free tea and coffee offer
Join IKEA Family
Official provider page checked: 13 October 2026.
Official links & further information
Provider pages consulted for this guide. Recruitment, stock and promotions may change after the research date.