Free Things

This is a photo I took of my daughter, wearing a swimsuit I got from a fellow crafter, in a trade!
Click here to buy one for yourself!

You read that right! Free Stuff, and how to get it!

I've decided to open up myself for those looking to get free products of mine or others, and answer all the FAQs that go with that.

I've been in the crafting business for 11 years, now, and I've gotten my fair share of people asking to take home one of my creations in exchange for exposure, photos, or trades. I've also been asked to put some of my creations in giveaways, or as donations.

Please read the following to understand how to receive any product for free, and how to find others that might be willing to send you a goodie or two.

FAQ

How do I get free stuff?

Nothing in life is truly free, but sometimes you can be given things at no cost to you, in exchange for exposure, photos or other items. Ask yourself what do you have to offer, and proceed below!

How do I get free stuff with exposure, or promotion?

Do you have a large audience that will be interested in the things you want to get? Then exposure, or "promotion" may be what you need to offer, to get what you want.

Come to whomever you are interested in working with, professionally. No sob stories, and understand that you may get turned down, and even ghosted. No one owes you anything. Exposure doesn't pay the bills, so unless you have over a hundred thousand, to a million or more followers, you may get turned away, every time. But don't be discouraged, having a few thousand followers will also work, and will be better odds, than if you only have a few hundred. Real, engaged followers, too. Not bots.

Also, it makes no sense to give baby clothes to someone who's main demographic is children and teens. If your audience isn't interested in what you want to promote, then the promotion will be a big miss, for both you and the individual/business you're working with.

You will need to know what terms you're going to offer, to get the item(s) you want to shout out. Be realistic, don't guarantee the world, and don't under offer. A story post is going to get a lot less exposure than a post on your main feed. Also, don't forget your #ad!



How do I get free stuff with photos?

This is a lot different than exposure or promotion. This will require professional photography knowledge or access to a professional photographer.

I personally trade with photographers for my creations, all the time. I also I trade with crafters for my photos, too.

I have 9 years experience in the photography world, and 11 in the crafting world. I know what I'm doing, and point and click will not do it. Neither will that "nice camera" you bought and used twice, you need a photographer's eye, and skill to do product shots. Especially, product shots done on real people! Your photo needs to sell the object in it, and not distract from the object.

I hear you saying, "I'm a pro, or an upcoming pro!" In that case, there are groups designed for photo exchanges, to meet new photographers and crafters. But you can still reach out to the shops, companies, and businesses you want to shoot for.

You'll also have to be prompt, if you leave your partner hanging for weeks or months, you will sour the relationship, and word will spread quickly. Don't make a name for yourself as someone that doesn't deliver. You may be asked to sign a contract, this is normal, keep your end of the deal!

Reach out, and show examples of your work, and ask for their product in exchange for professional images. Make sure you watermark your work! (A small transparent watermark will do, don't be obnoxious with it's placement and size.) [See above photo for an example of a tasteful watermark]

No sob stories, and understand that you may get turned down, and even ghosted. No one owes you their creations, time, or even a response.



How do I get free stuff with my own stuff? (AKA Trades)

So you're also a crafter, artist, or creator of some sort? Awesome!

This is actually pretty simple. You can join "trade" groups, to find a direct line to others willing to sell you their creation(s), at the price of your creation(s).

But you can also go around and ask others on social media, in private messages, if they would be up to trade. You will need to have something they are interested in, of course. So make sure you have good, clear images of your items. You'll be in charge of shipping the item to them, make sure you get tracking, and arrange a day that you both ship.

No sob stories, and understand that you may get turned down, and even ghosted. No one owes you their creations, time, or even a response.



If they turn me down, when should I ask again?
You shouldn't ask again. If they say no, it's a no. Let them come to you, if they change their minds.



Is there an easier way to get them to say yes?
Yes, but it's not guaranteed. No one is entitled to give you anything for free. But a better way to offer your exposure, photography, or trade and get an agreement in return is by first supporting the artist.

Paying for their work at full price, don't ask for discounts, is a great way to build a relationship. Small businesses rely on their customers, to pay the bills. If you are a loyal and returning customer, and have something to offer back, odds are you will get a yes for an exchange.

Another great way, is buying from them, full price, not asking for discounts, and sending them in use photos, and/or giving them exposure, unprompted! I cannot tell you how many photographer customers of mine, became photographer partners by doing just that!



I'm hosting a giveaway, how do I get people to contribute?

If you want people to add to your giveaway, go ask! You'll need a HUGE following, for this to be successful, and the giveaway items won't be given to you. The people that add their time, shop credits, or freebies will send all of that to the winner.

You'll also need to offer those that contribute compensation, too. In example, the people that want to win will need to follow everyone's social medias, join their mailing list, or whatever is best for them.



Is there any way to get things for free, without putting in so much work?

Not really. I only donate to local, reputable places. If you are in dire need of necessities, please seek out resources in your area.




How do I get free stuff from you?

If you read the above, you will now know how to get freebies from me!

So, now you know what to do, for your situation, please message me on my Instagram! We might be able to work out a deal! I'm always looking for new partners to work with, and I'm open to trades! Please make sure you know what you want to offer!

I always try to respond if I'm interested or not!