Good Morning America's "Freebie Friday" segments have historically provided U.S. consumers with opportunities to acquire merchandise and dining rewards at no cost. These weekly features, often highlighted on the "GMA" broadcast and accompanying website, aggregate a variety of promotional offers ranging from jewelry and electronics to food and services. The concept centers on the premise of obtaining goods without a purchase, though specific redemption methods and eligibility criteria vary by sponsor. While some offers are truly free, others may require minimal expenditures such as shipping fees or the commitment to join a rewards program. The following guide details specific freebies and discounts featured in past GMA segments, focusing on the verification process, value, and terms associated with each.
Historical Freebie Offerings
GMA's Friday Freebies have included a wide array of merchandise, often totaling significant retail value. For instance, one segment highlighted $168.50 worth of free goods, while another featured over $230 in value. These offers are typically time-sensitive and require specific actions to redeem, such as visiting a website, joining a social media group, or signing up for a newsletter.
Jewelry and Shopping Credits
A recurring type of offer involves fashion accessories paired with shopping credits. In one notable example, the shopping website Sneakpeeq.com offered a pair of classic pearl earrings with a retail value of $59. Additionally, new members received a $10 credit toward future purchases on the site. * Eligibility: The offer was restricted to new members of the Sneakpeeq platform. * Redemption Process: To claim the freebie, participants were instructed to "like" the company on Facebook and subsequently join the Sneakpeeq website. * Terms: This specific offer was valid until March 28, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time. As with all GMA featured deals, consumers were advised to consult the company website for the most current rules and restrictions.
Restaurant Rewards and Dining Deals
Dining establishments frequently participate in these segments by offering complimentary appetizers or entrees in exchange for loyalty program enrollment.
- PF Chang's China Bistro: The chain offered a free lettuce wrap appetizer, valued between $7.75 and $8.95, to individuals who joined the "Warrior Rewards" club. A significant benefit of this offer was that no purchase was necessary to redeem the appetizer. Enrollment in the rewards program also made members eligible for subsequent deals from the restaurant. This offer was noted as available at any time.
- Carl's Jr. & Hardee's: These fast-food chains introduced a new rewards program allowing customers to choose a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Famous Star, or Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich solely for signing up.
- Auntie Anne's: During the "Dough Days of Summer," Auntie Anne's offered a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel to customers who downloaded the "Pretzel Perks" app. The offer specifically required downloading the app on a Wednesday in August to qualify.
Eyewear and Optical Products
High-value optical products have also been featured, though these often come with specific cost requirements.
- Coastal.com: The website offered a pair of glasses as a freebie. However, it is important to note that while the glasses themselves were free, the recipient was required to pay for shipping. The source material indicates that the value of the freebie was considered high enough to justify this shipping cost. Specific expiration dates for this offer were not detailed in the provided segments.
Entertainment and Digital Content
Offers for entertainment and digital media are common, requiring digital redemption rather than physical shipping.
- The Wiggles: The Australian children's music group provided a 5-song sampler MP3 download, valued at $5, as a free thank-you to fans. This required a simple digital download process.
- Movie Screenings: Consumers can access advance movie screenings through Gofobo.com. Users must create a free account and search for screenings by zip code. These screenings typically occur anywhere from a month to a day before a film's official release.
Home Goods and Services
Seasonal services and novelty items appear frequently in the freebie lineup.
- Office Depot: A web-exclusive freebie offered 5 pounds of document shredding and 25 free copies, with a combined retail value of $7.50. This offer was available until April 16, 2012, specifically targeting tax season needs.
- Disney Store: To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Disney Store offered the first 250 customers at each location a free pair of silver Mickey Mouse ears on March 28, 2012. This was an in-store, limited-quantity offer.
Contemporary Discount Opportunities
In addition to strictly "free" items, GMA frequently highlights substantial discounts and "buy-one-get-one" deals that function similarly to freebies by significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Fast Food and Quick Service
- Smashburger: Offering a $5 hot crispy chicken sandwich (Scorchin' Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich) through September 30. This discount is available for orders placed online or in-store.
- Domino's Pizza: The chain features an ongoing Mix & Match Deal allowing customers to order any two or more menu items for $5.99 each when carrying out. Eligible items include medium two-topping pizzas, breads, chicken, salads, and sandwiches.
- Sonic Drive-In: Sonic offers half-price drinks and slushies during "Happy Hour" from 2-4 p.m. daily. Additionally, they offer half-priced drinks all day when ordered via the app or online. The Grilled Cheese Double Burger is also available at half-price through the app or online.
- Steak n' Shake: Provides half-off drinks and shakes during Happy Hour, running from 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Shake Shack: During Milkshake Happy Hour (weekdays from 2-5 p.m. until August 31), customers can earn a free milkshake with the purchase of any shake, valid for online or app orders.
Local Community Events
While not a product sample, local events often provide free entertainment and value. The City of Gadsden, Alabama, hosts a "Summer Concert Series" at the Mort Glosser Amphitheatre. These concerts are free to the public, running from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. following First Friday celebrations. The series includes tribute bands such as Southern Accents (Tom Petty), High Voltage (AC/DC), Masterpiece (variety dance band), and Chicago Rewired. Coolers and cushions are permitted, and food is available for purchase from Local Joe’s.
Conclusion
The "GMA Friday Freebies" concept provides a curated selection of promotional offers that allow consumers to obtain merchandise, food, and services without cost or at a significant discount. Redemption typically requires specific actions, such as joining rewards programs, creating online accounts, or following social media pages. While many offers are genuinely free, consumers should be aware of potential shipping fees or the requirement to join a mailing list. As offers are frequently updated, interested consumers are encouraged to monitor GMA broadcasts and their official website for the latest available deals.