Get Freebies from Local Businesses using the Paypal Mobile App

Every once in a while there's a deal that just seems too good to be true. When a friend excitedly told me he had gotten free breakfast for a week using the PayPal App, I was skeptical. But never one to pass up a chance for a freebie, I downloaded the app to see what the hype was all about. Here's the skinny:

What is Paypal? An international e-commerce business allowing payments and money transfers to be made through the Internet (Thanks Wikipedia!) Or in other words, it's a way to pay for items without cash or a physical credit card

How does it work? Once you've downloaded the app onto your phone (it's free and compatible for iOS, Android and Windows Phones), you link your account to an existing credit or debit card. You'll be asked to take a photo so that when you make a purchase, participating retailers can verify your identity. The app uses your location to display restaurants and retailers that accept Paypal in the area. Then you can select a restaurant and in some cases order ahead.

How can I get free stuff? The app's "Offer" section is where you'll find freebies and discounts. Businesses that are doing promotions are displayed in this section. The Bean, Pomme Frites, Viva Crepe, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream are among the business that currently have offers which range from $3 to $10 off any purchase. What's great is that unlike a lot of couponing apps, there's no minimum purchase. In fact, you can redeem the offer for less than the promotional price and save the rest for another visit. For example, I used the $3 off offer at The Bean for an ice coffee and still have 50 cents I can use the next time I order there.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a free cone or coffee or muffin- you deserve it for being so frugal! 

Get Free Stuff with Wrapp Mobile App

Before I launch into how amazing Wrapp is, I would like to point out that they did not paid me to write this glowing review. They should have, considering how much I'm going to rave about them but, as Tech Nine would say, "they ain't payin' me for it, at least not yet." (Caribou Lou, anyone?). So when I say Wrapp is amazing, you can trust that it's coming from the most sincere of places.

Currently in my Wrapp wallet

So what is Wrapp? It's a gift giving service that allows members to give and recieve free (or paid if you choose) gift cards to their Facebook friends. You can access the service through their website or download the free app. I recommend getting the app since some of the gifts can only be redeemed in-store via a mobile device. Gifts are stored in your "wallet" and can be used either in-store or online depending on the vendor.  The first gift I received was for Fab.com which I used to buy a cute cat print which is now on my wall. I paid only for shipping. And the $5 H&M gift I received for my birthday got me a pair of sandals from the fast-fashion retailer for close to nothing. Some of the free gifts I've given to my Facebook friends include $10 to H&M, $5 to American Apparel, and $10 to PACT.  Gifts are sent either via Facebook or email. All your friends have to do is download the app as well, and they'll be able to redeem their gifts. It's literally like giving away free money! And there is no limit (or at least I haven't encountered any) for the number of gifts you give. So feel free to go hog wild!

Wrapp is really a great resource. Many of the vendors sell items for amounts comparable to the gift amount so you can potentially get free stuff. Or you can use the gifts towards bigger purchases. If you're lucky enough to be my Facebook firiend, let me know if you want me to send you a free gift, I'd be happy to do so :)

Get Deals with the 7-Eleven Mobile App

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post. Between starting a new internship, moving to Brooklyn, re-registering for school, and oh yeah...enjoying every moment of spending my first summer in NYC, it seems like I barely have a free moment to spare. But of course I want to keep you all updated on the free, fun stuff happening...so expect lots more posts in the coming weeks.

For today, I want to share a quick, easy way I've been scoring freebies and coupons on a regular basis. Let me introduce you to the 7-Eleven Mobile App. 7-Elevens are popping up around the city at an alarming rate. It seems like there's a new one every few blocks. I downloaded their mobile app a few months ago (which is free, of course) and have been getting deals ever since. Coupons appear every few days and all you have to do is have the cashier scan the barcode on your phone to redeem them. The freebies I've gotten have included slurpees, ice cream bars, snacks, and gum. It's nothing gourmet, but I can't turn down a cold Snapple or Ice Cream Twix bar when it's 101 degrees in New York. Especially if I don't have to pay for it!

And just a heads up- they'll be offering free hot dog coupons on Tuesday, July 23rd in celebration of National Hot Dog Day! So download the app before then and stop by one of their locations.

Side note- There's a big push in my neighborhood to boycott 7-Elevens in support of local, family owned convenience stores. I totally understand the sentiment but just want to point out that a lot of the 7-Elevens we're seeing pop up are franchises opened by hard-working people who have busted their butts to save up the money to own a business. Maybe that's just me justifying my shopping habits but I wanted to put it out there. Food for thought!