The worst they can say is no....

As a general rule, I do not buy the newspaper for a few reasons:

• Most everything in there depresses me
• Anything worth knowing is on the front page, which I can read while in line for milk
• Anything worth knowing is on the news
• Who has time

But ---  i'll admit, I miss out on quite a few good, high value coupons this way. Most Sundays I steal my moms, because she swears coupons are more trouble then they are worth (GASP: i know, i must have been switched in the hospital, I do not know who this women is)

So anyway, I do this about once every 6 months where I email some of mine and hubby's favorite companies and ask for either samples or coupons.  Some are great about it, some arent. Here is a list of some I contacted recently and updates:

• Birdseye vegetable 
• Idaho potatos
• Hawaiian Bread - Emailed me a nice personalized letter, told me to look for the two free products coupons in the mail.
• Idaho Potatos - Emailed, told me they are happy to have me as a customer and put a free product coupon in the mail
• Zataran 
• Crayola - Emailed saying they put a coupon to enjoy their products in the mail
• Florida's Natural
• Welches - Emailed, told me to sign up for their newsletters to get coupons
• Bustello 
• Hillshire Farms - Emailed, thanking me for writing, are sending me a "cents" off coupon in the mail
• Michelines 
• Coca Cola - $4.00 off any coke products- this is essentially a free 12 pack, and if you use it properly, like a b1g1, you could spend around 50 cents on two 12 packs
• Huggies- Emailed me telling me where to look for good coupons and told me they put a coupon for free wipes in the mail. 
• Edward's  

You can do a search for how to ask for samples or coupons and there will be a million different ideas; however, Most will say "Do not ask for anything, just give compliments" - I find it has always been better to ask then not to. The times I have asked I had great success. The times I have not asked, and just praised the company, I get a thank you email, nothing else really. It is really up to you what your comfortable saying or asking. Truth is, the worst they can say is no.