Seventeen.com has historically offered freebies and sweepstakes through a specific entry process that involves code words published in its print magazine. Consumers seeking these promotional offers would typically need to obtain a code word from a specific issue of Seventeen magazine and enter it on the website’s freebie page. The available source data indicates that these promotions are often time-sensitive, sometimes lasting only 24 hours, and may offer prizes ranging from beauty products to fashion gift cards. The primary method of entry involves visiting seventeen.com/freebies, although alternative entry methods such as scanning QR codes or texting short codes have been associated with specific campaigns.
The freebies generally fall into categories such as beauty, fashion, and lifestyle products. Brands associated with these promotions have included TIGI Bed Head, L'Oreal, Vans, and Kmart. While the source material suggests that a purchase of the magazine is the intended method for obtaining the code word, the official rules for at least one associated sweepstakes explicitly state that no purchase is necessary to enter or win. The specific entry requirements and eligibility criteria vary by promotion, but the consistent theme across the data is the requirement of a code word to unlock the opportunity to win.
Understanding the Seventeen.com Freebie Entry Process
The core mechanism for accessing freebies on Seventeen.com relies on a code word found within the pages of the magazine. This system is designed to drive engagement between the print and digital platforms.
The Code Word System According to the source data, specific freebies are tied to the June/July and September issues of Seventeen magazine. For example, to enter the TIGI Bed Head giveaway, users were instructed to use the code word from the June/July issue. Similarly, entries for L'Oreal and Vans prizes required the code word from the June/July issue. The availability of these offers is strictly limited by time. The TIGI Bed Head freebie, for instance, was described as going live at 12:00 a.m. and remaining available for only 24 hours.
Official Entry Channels The primary entry point is the URL seventeen.com/freebies. However, the source material identifies other methods for specific campaigns, particularly those associated with the "Shopping Insider Sweepstakes." For the Journeys "Promotion," entries were accepted via three methods: 1. Scanning the Journeys brand ad page from the September 2013 issue using the Seventeen Shopping Insider App. 2. Texting a specific short code to 467467. 3. Visiting seventeen.com/checkitout and completing an entry form.
It is important to note that while these specific entry methods (scanning and texting) are detailed in the context regarding the Journeys promotion, the general freebies (TIGI, L'Oreal, Vans, Kmart) rely primarily on the code word entry system at seventeen.com/freebies.
Categories of Freebies and Prizes
The freebies offered through Seventeen.com span several consumer categories, with a heavy emphasis on beauty and fashion.
Beauty and Hair Care Beauty products are a prominent feature of the freebies. The TIGI Bed Head promotion offered a prize package valued at $1,000, consisting of tools, brushes, and accessories intended to repair hair damage from chlorine, humidity, and sun. The L'Oreal promotion, part of the July Freebies, offered $1,000 worth of hair, skin, and beauty products. Specific products mentioned included Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel.
Fashion and Apparel Fashion freebies include footwear and accessories. Vans offered a $1,000 gift card to the winner, allowing them to purchase items from the brand's line, which includes slip-on sneakers and clothing, such as a Hello Kitty line. Additionally, Kmart offered a $1,000 gift card as part of the July Freebies, specifically for use on items featured in the "Style Sip" section, which highlights trendy clothing available at Kmart.
Other Promotions The data also references a swimwear-related sweepstakes for a "Vix halter bikini from Everything But Water," requiring the code word "nautical" to be entered at seventeen.com/freebies.
Eligibility and Rules
While the source data provides limited information on general eligibility requirements (such as age or residency), it does provide specific details regarding the necessity of purchase and winner selection for associated sweepstakes.
No Purchase Necessary For the Shopping Insider Sweepstakes: Journeys "Promotion," the official rules state clearly: "NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING." This rule applies to that specific sweepstakes, though the context does not explicitly confirm if this rule applies to all Seventeen.com freebies. However, the existence of this rule in the official documentation suggests that purchase-free entry methods are legally valid for these types of promotions.
Winner Selection and Odds Winners are typically selected via random drawing. For the Journeys promotion, one winner was selected on or about October 16, 2013, from among eligible entries received. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. The decisions of the sweepstakes administrators (Seventeen) are considered final.
Entry Limitations and Costs For promotions involving texting, entrants should be aware of potential costs. The Journeys promotion rules note that mobile phone entrants are "charged standard text messaging rates for text messages sent and received." Users receive confirmation texts and a notification if they win. Users can text "STOP" to quit and "HELP" for information.
Brand Partnerships and Specific Promotions
The freebies are often the result of partnerships between Seventeen and various brands. The context highlights several specific collaborations.
TIGI Bed Head Partnered for a June/July freebie focusing on hair repair after summer activities. The prize was a collection of tools and accessories valued at $1,000.
L'Oreal Partnered for a July freebie, highlighting the brand's long history in the beauty industry (since 1909). The prize included hair, skin, and beauty products, specifically mentioning self-tanning gel.
Vans Partnered for a June freebie. The brand is noted for its slip-on sneakers and celebrity endorsements. The prize was a $1,000 gift card.
Kmart Partnered for a July freebie associated with the "Style Sip" trend blog. The prize was a $1,000 gift card to purchase featured clothing items.
Journeys Partnered for the "Shopping Insider Sweepstakes" in September. Entry required scanning an ad page or using the checkitout URL.
Everything But Water Partnered for a swimwear promotion, offering a Vix halter bikini. The code word "nautical" was required.
Potential Risks and Considerations
When participating in online freebies and sweepstakes, consumers should exercise caution. The source data mentions a "no-spam guarantee" associated with the ShopText service used for the Journeys promotion. However, general vigilance is recommended. Consumers should ensure they are on the official seventeen.com domains and not spoofed sites. The context does not provide information regarding privacy policies or data usage for the general freebie entry, though the Journeys rules mention that entrants will receive confirmation texts.
Conclusion
The Seventeen.com freebies program utilizes a code word system derived from the magazine's print issues to drive traffic to its digital platform. The promotions offer high-value prizes, typically $1,000 gift cards or product bundles, in categories such as beauty and fashion. While the source material indicates that a magazine purchase is the primary method for obtaining code words, the official rules for associated sweepstakes confirm that no purchase is necessary to enter. Consumers interested in these offers should monitor the specific entry windows, as many are available for only 24 hours, and utilize the official entry forms at seventeen.com/freebies or associated URLs.