there are thousands of listing on ebay to obtain FREE PLASMA TV worth
$6000+ and other items. If this was true, wouldn't this cause
companies to go out of business? Also, what puzzled me is that I
looked up winners of these auctions and they posted positive feedback
being greatful for getting such information. This sounded like this
auction was real and they received free Plasma TV. I cannot offer much
for answer, but perharps someone interested in the same thing can do
this research, perharps the answer is worth $6000?

Hello tomek,

Please see the comment by pinkfreud to get some information on some
scams that are running to receive free items.

I know of two situations where this is possible that do not really
involve scams, at least technically.

It's simple: Get into some beta programs or review hardware for the
media. Either way, there are many companies that will give you free
hardware, software and other perks for helping them out.

I have been a beta tester for some companies including Microsoft,
Linksys and two more companies that I am unable to disclose. I can
tell you that it is not easy to get into these programs because there
are so many people who try. If you send a blank email to
mailto:betareq@microsoft.com you should receive an email in a day or
so that will give you instructions on how to send in an application to
test Microsoft products.

Don't think that this is a free ride though, these companies are not
required to give you anything... it is usually just done to people who
test products and provide valuable feedback (especially larger
hardware where only a few people get a final build for free). For
example Microsoft gave out licenses of Windows XP Home Version and
Windows XP Professional in numbers of 1 to 5 based on how the testers
contributed to the testing, and how much effort was put in.

Now if we are talking about free plasma tv's, sure it might be
possible to get it for free by doing quality testing, but it is highly
unlikely. They point people to jobs that give you perks such as
discounted/free hardware or low/no pay testing that *might* result in
you getting something after doing a lot of work.

The other way to get free hardware/software etc. is to become a member
of the esteemed media and review some stuff. They don't pay members of
the media, but there are often units that are "not requested to be
returned" (basically gift but not technically) and other perks if you
get in good with certain companies. People who review films? The get
to watch em for free. People who review games? They get to play em for
free. People who review $6000 plasma tvs and $3000 computers? Probably
not often, but you can be sure that these units are sometimes given as
gifts from reviewers certain companies like.

Many software and hardware products are available on ebay before they
are available in stores. You can be sure that most of these are
employees or testers selling off the excess hardware that they
received.

From beta testing for a number of years I have received free
keyboards, networking (wireless networking) and numerous software
titles. I have also been sent the occasional gift. But if someone goes
into beta testing just to get free stuff, I don't see how they can
last... it really is like a second job, and you do put in the hours
and get little in return.

As to what the actual ebay auctions sell? Well they sell a listing of
all sorts of ways you can get expensive stuff for free. They list
contact information for beta programs, they list contests, they list
instructions for becoming a freelance or member of the media, they
list schemes that do not work. Many of the people who give positive
ratings do so because it all looks great when they receive the email
with all the instructions, but you can be sure that most of them,
after 5-6 months still have nothing in return.

I hope this is the type of answer that you were looking for. If you
need any clarifications, let me know and I will do my best to further
assist you.

tisme-ga

thanks

There's some interesting information on this subject at these sites:

http://www.cockeyed.com/ebay/scam/scam_information.html

http://www.geocities.com/getfreeebayscam/

People in sales positions also often get freebie, "Not-For-Resale" or
deeply discounted items. The idea being, if you have used and like a
product, you'll be more likely to sell it. In 5 years in computer
retail (not always sales, though. Some of my time was in Customer
Service, and some in Technical Service.) That fact that you're in the
store is what matters.

Some of the stuff I have received, and why:

Games and other software, including Windows XP Pro and ME (most of
these were for attending training sessions, some were door prizes at
the sessions, and most were pre-release.)

Other utilities abd applications. (from the vendors directly for the
above reasons, or from online training companies that are paid by the
vendors.)

A digital camera (redeemed points from online vendor training)

Huge cash rebates towards a digital camera and a DVD-R drive (redeemed
points in exchange for the rebates, fom online training.)

Free merchandise as part of sales contests.

Gift certificates as prizes.

Steep discounts on system boards and processors for attending training
(with the chance to win prizes also)

free meals and movie screenings for attending training.

Countless free logo-ized items, including: keychains, hats, shirts,
pens, binders, a tie, a scarf, a toy car, little action dolls, etc.
(usually as part of training or as a prize.)

A free multi format media card reader (for taking some online
training.)

Huge discounts on software and acessories through the vendors'
"Reseller Employee Purchase Plans"

You get the idea.