A variety of businesses across the United States offer free products, services, and discounts to consumers, particularly through loyalty programs, mobile applications, and email newsletters. These promotional offers range from free food items on a consumer's birthday to exclusive rewards for frequent users of specific services. The availability and specifics of these offers are managed directly by the brands and participating locations.
Birthday Rewards and Loyalty Programs
Many food and beverage companies provide free items to customers who sign up for their rewards programs or email clubs. These offers are typically activated on the user's birthday after registration is completed.
- Applebee's: Consumers can sign up for the Applebee's email list to receive a birthday coupon for a free appetizer.
- Arby's: Signing up for Arby's Rewards provides a 25% discount on an order, along with other monthly offers and a preview of new menu items.
- Auntie Annie's: Users of the "My Pretzel Perks" mobile app can receive a free pretzel after their first $1 purchase and another free pretzel on their birthday if they have spent $10 or more annually.
- Baskin Robbins: Members of the Baskin Robbins Birthday Club receive coupons automatically added to their account in the BR App and sent via email on their birthday.
- Chick-fil-A: All members of the Chick-fil-A One program are eligible for a free birthday reward.
- Chili's: Joining the "My Chili's Rewards" program makes customers eligible for a free birthday dessert.
- Great American Cookie: Signing up for the email club provides a printable coupon for a free cookie slice with a soda purchase.
- Grimaldi's: Customers who sign up for the email rewards program receive a coupon for a free 16-inch, one-topping pizza, valid for one week after their birthday.
- Jamba Juice: Registration for the rewards program results in an email coupon for a free smoothie valid for the entire birthday month.
- Krispy Kreme: Downloading the app and joining the rewards program provides a free doughnut and coffee valid for the entire birthday month.
- Melting Pot: Signing up for the email club yields an email coupon for a free chocolate-covered strawberry dessert, valid until the end of the month after the birthday.
- Moe's Burritos: Registering on the mobile app provides a free burrito reward valid for one week after the birthday.
- Rita’s Ice: Offers a free birthday treat, though participation and specific offers vary by location.
- Rodizio Grill: Provides a gift for joining and an additional gift on the customer's birthday.
- Ruby Tuesday: Offers a free dessert for birthdays.
- Sbarro: Sbarro Rewards members can get a free slice with a $5 or more purchase on their birthday.
- Slim Chickens: Provides a free birthday treat to members.
- Smashburger: Offers a free reward on the customer's birthday.
- Smoothie King: Healthy Rewards members receive a free smoothie deal on their birthday.
- Sonic: Users must download the Sonic app to receive exclusive promos and birthday offers. The specific offer changes annually but has previously included free corn dogs, shakes, and sides.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Offers a free Big Deal combo on the customer's birthday.
- Spaghetti Warehouse: Provides a free special birthday meal, though this may vary by location.
- Sprinkles Cupcakes: Offers a free cupcake on the customer's birthday.
- Starbucks: A free drink is offered on the birthday. To qualify for the Birthday Reward, a member must have made at least one Star-earning transaction prior to their birthday.
- Steak ‘n Shake: Provides a free birthday offer, which has previously included free shakes.
- Subway: Members receive a free present on their birthday.
- Taco Bell: Taco Bell Rewards members receive a free gift for their birthday. The reward may differ by location or change over time.
- Taco Cabana: Offers a free birthday surprise to members.
- TCBY: Provides free frozen yogurt on the customer's birthday.
- Texas Roadhouse: Offers a free appetizer, entrée, or dessert on the customer's birthday.
Mobile Application-Based Offers and Services
Mobile applications serve as a primary channel for consumers to access exclusive deals, manage rewards, and receive services from various providers.
U Mobile (Malaysian Telecommunications)
The MyUMobile app is the official application for the Malaysian telephone operator U Mobile. It provides customers with comprehensive account management features.
- Account Management: Users can check balances, review bills and account statements, and analyze top-up and usage history in real time.
- Payments: The app allows for cash-free top-ups and bill payments through various preferred payment methods, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. Users can also set payment reminders.
- Purchases: Customers can purchase additional data packages, minutes, or SMS messages directly through the app, often with access to specific discounts and offers.
- Rewards Program: The app provides access to an exclusive rewards program where users can consult and redeem points accumulated through company services. Benefits may include discounts on products, event access, free top-ups, or exclusive gifts. The rewards section is updated weekly.
- Support: A support section allows users to report faults, send queries, or request technical assistance. Users can attach relevant information and track the status of their requests. An FAQ section is also available for self-troubleshooting.
- Requirements: The latest version of the MyUMobile app requires Android 8.0 or higher.
Ohio University Athletics
Ohio University provides a mobile-based ticket system for students to access athletic events.
- Ticket Delivery: Free student tickets for athletic events are delivered directly to the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet apps on students' mobile devices. Physical student IDs are not used for access.
- Access Process: At event gates (such as Peden Stadium), students must open the ticket from their wallet app for scanning and validation.
- Activation: Full-time, active students can activate their ticket account through the OHIO online ticket office using their student email or Canvas/Blackboard login credentials. After logging in, they can select "My Account/Tickets" to download tickets for specific games.
- New Students: Incoming students are assigned a ticket office account using their ohio.edu email address at the start of the semester. They are advised to wait for their account to become active before attempting to download tickets.
General Types of Free Offers
Beyond specific brand programs, consumers can find various types of free offers available through local and online businesses. These are often categorized by the type of product or service provided.
- Food and Beverage: This is a common category for birthday freebies, including free meals, discounts (such as buy-one-get-one-free), free snacks, desserts, treats, and free drinks from bars or coffee shops.
- Experiences and Attractions: Some museums or other attractions may offer free admission passes. Gyms and membership-based businesses might provide a free month of membership or a free workout class.
- Beauty and Personal Care: Local salons or spas may offer free beauty treatments on a customer's birthday.
- Retail and Online Services: Online retailers frequently offer deals and discounts. Subscription-based online services may also have birthday deals available.
Conclusion
The availability of free samples, promotional offers, and birthday freebies is widespread among U.S. businesses, particularly within the food service and retail sectors. Participation typically requires consumers to join brand-specific loyalty programs, download mobile applications, or sign up for email newsletters. The specifics of each offer, including eligibility requirements, redemption processes, and expiration dates, are determined by the individual brands and may vary by location or change over time. Consumers interested in these offers should consult the official websites or apps of their preferred brands for the most current information.