A Question About "Frequent Tryer Miles" Prizes.

[ChewyStockings]

Well, I was wondering, how often are the prizes (besides the chance at a $25 gift card) "restocked", as it were? I've been eyeballing that magazine prize for quite a while now, and I haven't seen it available!

I do realize that there is somewhat of an answer in the FAQ on the main website, but it says here, "Prizes will be released almost daily, Monday through Friday, 6:30AM to 7:00PM CST" (quoted from: http://www.startsampling.com/faqs.iphtml#prizes7), but this has not been the case--that I've seen--besides the two gift card prizes.

Can anyone give me an answer to this one?

Thanks! :]

P.S. I'm not sure if this is in the correct forum or not, but I didn't see any other forums that had anything to do with Start Sampling itself, so... xD;

[Cpogie]

This has been asked quite a few times before, I don't think anyone has an answer to that question, I have been checking the gifts at least a couple times a week and have not seen the choices for prizes change in months! to me is a worthless program, if you are going to offer this to members, keep the gifts current....all of the choices! either that or discontinue this worthless program........I am sure they have received numerous emails about this but I have never seen it addressed with an answer.

[mood4amelody]

Has anyone emailed about it??? I had just assumed that whoever was in charge of the Home Page had lived a quiet and obscure life without any close relatives or friends, and that they had passed away in their little hermit cave, and no one has happened across the skeleton yet. And that was why we don't get new samples and tryer miles. :o

[Cpogie]

Has anyone emailed about it??? I had just assumed that whoever was in charge of the Home Page had lived a quiet and obscure life without any close relatives or friends, and that they had passed away in their little hermit cave, and no one has happened across the skeleton yet. And that was why we don't get new samples and tryer miles. :o

Well that is the best excuse for what happened to those tryer miles gifts...and who said they have no skeletons in the closet? Where is Wanda...she needs to bury those bones.....

[mom2fussbudgets]

Has anyone emailed about it??? I had just assumed that whoever was in charge of the Home Page had lived a quiet and obscure life without any close relatives or friends, and that they had passed away in their little hermit cave, and no one has happened across the skeleton yet. And that was why we don't get new samples and tryer miles. :o

Not too long ago, the director of member services asked me for some feedback regarding this site. When I e-mailed her back, I mentioned our dissatisfaction with the Tryer Miles program. Other Mods have mentioned it to TPTB too. The response I got was that change was definitely coming, but that change takes time. I recommended they just do away with it, but maybe they'll revamp it. Who knows? The director of member services is a really nice lady, and I do feel like she cares. We just need to be patient, I guess.

[mom363546]

I wonder why they didn't ask all the mods for some feedback?

[mood4amelody]

Not too long ago, the director of member services asked me for some feedback regarding this site. When I e-mailed her back, I mentioned our dissatisfaction with the Tryer Miles program. Other Mods have mentioned it to TPTB too. The response I got was that change was definitely coming, but that change takes time. I recommended they just do away with it, but maybe they'll revamp it. Who knows? The director of member services is a really nice lady, and I do feel like she cares. We just need to be patient, I guess.

Change takes time? Good thing we're not all poopie babies!! :eek:

[Cpogie]

I wonder why they didn't ask all the mods for some feedback?

Good Question!

Change takes time? Good thing we're not all poopie babies!! :eek:

I know there is a hidden meaning in this....lol Yeah if it were diapers, and they were full, we would all have a huge rash!

[mood4amelody]

Good Question!



I know there is a hidden meaning in this....lol Yeah if it were diapers, and they were full, we would all have a huge rash!

More like, we'd be in the custody of child protection!! :rolleyes:

[Cpogie]

More like, we'd be in the custody of child protection!! :rolleyes:

AMEN!............

[mom2fussbudgets]

I wonder why they didn't ask all the mods for some feedback?

I was in contact with her due to some problems we were having on the forum at the time. She did not single me out, it was more of a, "While I have you, can you tell me what you think" kind of a thing. If you, Carol, or Liz had been the one to e-mail her at the time, I'm sure she would have asked you rather than me.

[mood4amelody]

I was in contact with her due to some problems we were having on the forum at the time. She did not single me out, it was more of a, "While I have you, can you tell me what you think" kind of a thing. If you, Carol, or Liz had been the one to e-mail her at the time, I'm sure she would have asked you rather than me.

Maybe someone could suggest to them that they inquire of the mods like every 4-6 months to find out these kinds of things?? Sounds reasonable to me.

[mom2fussbudgets]

That is a good idea, Lynne. I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable suggesting it though. Just call me chicken, LOL!

[mood4amelody]

That is a good idea, Lynne. I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable suggesting it though. Just call me chicken, LOL!

If none of you guys want to PM them, but think it's a good idea, I'll PM and suggest it. We regular folk (lol) are always telling you guys our suggestions, this way, you guys can mull over all the crap we think, make your own crap, and then leave it with Admin to deal with later. lol Oh wait, insert either "suggestions" or "ideas" everywhere I just said "crap". :eek: :rolleyes:

[caryn]

Change takes time? Good thing we're not all poopie babies!! :eek:

Hey, speak for yourself! I just might be one of those poopie babies!:eek:

[mood4amelody]

Hey, speak for yourself! I just might be one of those poopie babies!:eek:

I believe you may be looking for the fetish site. We get that all the time. Same number but 3 blocks south! :p

[mom2fussbudgets]

If none of you guys want to PM them, but think it's a good idea, I'll PM and suggest it. We regular folk (lol) are always telling you guys our suggestions, this way, you guys can mull over all the crap we think, make your own crap, and then leave it with Admin to deal with later. lol Oh wait, insert either "suggestions" or "ideas" everywhere I just said "crap". :eek: :rolleyes:

Lynne, I just now noticed this--sorry! If you want to PM them, then do! Maybe it'll help. Certainly can't hurt!

[Nannette29]

Over the years, the only item I have ever been able to get is the SS Clip!!! It would be wonderful to be able to get something with the SS logo on it like a tshirt!!! They could place a point value of 10,000 points on it or something!!! Of course I would need to save up more points as I've wasted them away on those silly gift certificate drawings as nothing else has been available but at least there would be something to shoot for (it if were actually available)! I've also referred 4 people over the years and have SS set as my home page! I'm sure other devoted members would love this idea!! :) It would give SS the exposure which would be great for their advertising!!!

[LORITHECHICK]

Does anyone know of anyone who actually won one of the gift certificates?

T-Shirts are a great idea...

[mom363546]

T-shirts sound like a great idea I'd promote the site for them!!

[lizmolik]

T-shirts sound like a great idea I'd promote the site for them!!

I would love to have a shirt too! :) Sounds Great! :D

[dali_]

I got an umbrella from them YEARS ago, that's still around. Seems like I got a couple other things too, but then both samples and prizes seemed to pretty much go away and I stayed away from SS for ages, just popping in occasionally... I discovered the forums one of those times and eventually started visiting more and more. But I'm still bummed that they've pretty much let the main site go, and now just mostly leave it to the users here to give them purpose.

I LOOOOOVE free t-shirts too ;)

[mspete]

I finally gave up on ANY real reward being available and used most of my points on the chance to win a gift card. Of course, I did NOT win a gift card. Earlier this week there was a gift of 2008 pocket planner. Since I had lots of points I ordered one - better than nothing. Hope it comes. A better job of offering rewards should be done to encourage members to stay with the program. Wishful thinking?:confused:

[NDArmyGrrl]

So does anyone actually know if anyone has ever won the GC? How many get in a pool before they draw?

I only have like 600 points and but maybe by the time I get enough something good will be on. I am thinking a coupon book of free coupons with longer expiration dates would be awesome!!

[Disane]

I redeemed 1000 Frequent Tryer Miles for a prize on January 31, 2008 and have heard absolutely nothing concerning this. I emailed someone today and am still waiting for a response. Shucks.......I can't remember what I was using those FTM's for (I think it was a $25 gift card) the only item available considering the FTM's I had accumulated.

Has anyone ever had a similar problem? HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND THIS PLEASE! :confused:

Diane
Columbus, Ohio :(

[Disane]

Well that is the best excuse for what happened to those tryer miles gifts...and who said they have no skeletons in the closet? Where is Wanda...she needs to bury those bones.....

I am wondering what happened to my 1000 tryer miles that were used to obtain a gift. I've email (SOMEONE) early this morning and have as yet gotten a response. The 1000 tryer miles were redeemed January 31, 2008.
Was this all a SHAM? Was my frequency to this site to gain those miles to no avail?

SOMEONE......ANYONE......PLEASE HELP!

[Disane]

I used 1000 frequent tryer miles and got nothing.........HELP!:eek:

[bvanpeltsw]

I used 1000 frequent tryer miles and got nothing.........HELP!:eek:

I am sorry!:(

What did you use your miles on?

[VanillaBean]

Maybe for the chance at a $25 gift card??!!! I have done that twice and won't do it again. Heck- I do not even pay attention to my miles anymore because they do not offer any "good" gifts for tham.

[mom363546]

I read your other post and I'm pretty sure the $25 gc is for a chance in a drawing. I will have to go look I don't go in there much anymore but if memory serves me correct it was spend a 1000 points for a chance at a card.

[bvanpeltsw]

I did the same thing for a chance at a giftcard. It was a drawing and SS never did post who won. Sometimes I think it is a scam.:mad:

And I spent 5,000 miles on that stupid drawing! Never, ever again!

[bvanpeltsw]

I am wondering what happened to my 1000 tryer miles that were used to obtain a gift. I've email (SOMEONE) early this morning and have as yet gotten a response. The 1000 tryer miles were redeemed January 31, 2008.
Was this all a SHAM? Was my frequency to this site to gain those miles to no avail?

SOMEONE......ANYONE......PLEASE HELP!

It was a CHANCE for a giftcard through a drawing. You did not purchase a gift card with your miles.

[mom363546]

ok I did go look and it is only for a chance to win a card. They also offer a chance for a $50 gf for 5,000 points. Right now that says there are only six chances left. I honestly can not tell you if there are actual winners but I believe they have a winners list available.

[Disane]

I read your other post and I'm pretty sure the $25 gc is for a chance in a drawing. I will have to go look I don't go in there much anymore but if memory serves me correct it was spend a 1000 points for a chance at a card.

Thanks for your feedback. You are no doubt correct. I am through with this Start Sampling site and will abso-jumpin'-lutely not recommend this to anyone. I intend to convey this information to all the forums in which I am involved to show how I, as well as others have been scammed by such a perpatrating site. This is really ridiculous and yes.........it's quite obvious, I've been duped. Thanks every so much for bursting my bubble and allowing me to remember once again "that shocked :eek: and appalled :( feeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mom2fussbudgets]

I am sorry you are upset, but no one scammed you. I just went and looked at the available prizes, and it clearly says "chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate" or "chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate." I'm sorry you misunderstood what you were spending your tryer miles on, but I disagree that Start Sampling was trying to scam you.

If you wish to formally complain, please try to contact Admin again. I'm going to forward your complaint on as well.

[lunarbeamdancer]

see ya! bye bye!

[Cpogie]

Thanks for your feedback. You are no doubt correct. I am through with this Start Sampling site and will abso-jumpin'-lutely not recommend this to anyone. I intend to convey this information to all the forums in which I am involved to show how I, as well as others have been scammed by such a perpatrating site. This is really ridiculous and yes.........it's quite obvious, I've been duped. Thanks every so much for bursting my bubble and allowing me to remember once again "that shocked :eek: and appalled :( feeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diane, please do not give up on us here in the forum, the members in this forum have nothing to do with the home page, we do not moderate it at all! We are just as clueless about the tryer miles program as you are, I agree it is a poorly run program that they should just drop as they never have any gainful prizes, prizes are so few and far in between that it is something I never even think about anymore, I get more samples and freebies in here then I ever did on that home page, so please reconsider!

[mood4amelody]

When I firsted signed up at SS I thought the tryer miles program would be cool. Then I was disappointed because the samples rarely changed, and I couldn't really get anywhere with the frequent tryer miles. I would still come back once in a while to see if there was anything new as far as freebies went. Then one day, set out there like bait, was the link to "forums". I took it, and have been hooked since. I get boo coo amounts of freebies in the mail, fun, chat, discussion, friendships here and there, and I could care less about some stupid miles program. I hope you reconsider your decision based on that dumb program. This site has a lot to offer, and I wouldn't dump a friend because I found out their "beauty mark" was really just a cyst or something.

[Disane]

When I firsted signed up at SS I thought the tryer miles program would be cool. Then I was disappointed because the samples rarely changed, and I couldn't really get anywhere with the frequent tryer miles. I would still come back once in a while to see if there was anything new as far as freebies went. Then one day, set out there like bait, was the link to "forums". I took it, and have been hooked since. I get boo coo amounts of freebies in the mail, fun, chat, discussion, friendships here and there, and I could care less about some stupid miles program. I hope you reconsider your decision based on that dumb program. This site has a lot to offer, and I wouldn't dump a friend because I found out their "beauty mark" was really just a cyst or something.


Thanks, and I agree with what you so understandably wrote. (I wouldn't dump a friend because I found out their "beauty mark" was really just a cyst or something.) [great comparison, luv it, it touched my heart]Please forgive me if I upset anyone, for I truly meant no harm. Using my stupid/frequent miles are no longer an issue. Yes, it is abso-jumpin'-lutely a dumb program that I wish I'd never paid attention! :rolleyes:

I am feeling quite relieved. Again, I say thanks! :)

[Disane]

Diane, please do not give up on us here in the forum, the members in this forum have nothing to do with the home page, we do not moderate it at all! We are just as clueless about the tryer miles program as you are, I agree it is a poorly run program that they should just drop as they never have any gainful prizes, prizes are so few and far in between that it is something I never even think about anymore, I get more samples and freebies in here then I ever did on that home page, so please reconsider!

Thanks Cpogie for your concern. I'm here and "bunk" the FTM program! :)

[Cpogie]

Thanks Cpogie for your concern. I'm here and "bunk" the FTM program! :)

Great!! thanks for not leaving!!! now go get your sample fix!! HUGS!!

[mood4amelody]

Thanks, and I agree with what you so understandably wrote. (I wouldn't dump a friend because I found out their "beauty mark" was really just a cyst or something.) [great comparison, luv it, it touched my heart]Please forgive me if I upset anyone, for I truly meant no harm. Using my stupid/frequent miles are no longer an issue. Yes, it is abso-jumpin'-lutely a dumb program that I wish I'd never paid attention! :rolleyes:

I am feeling quite relieved. Again, I say thanks! :)

Well, sometimes you just have to get stuff off your chest! It's a stupid program (not in theory, just in execution), and if they knew how disappointing and upsetting it is, maybe they'd just get rid of it or revamp it so that it actually was worthwhile. Then again, maybe not! lol

[Nannette29]

I redeemed 1000 Frequent Tryer Miles for a prize on January 31, 2008 and have heard absolutely nothing concerning this. I emailed someone today and am still waiting for a response. Shucks.......I can't remember what I was using those FTM's for (I think it was a $25 gift card) the only item available considering the FTM's I had accumulated.

Has anyone ever had a similar problem? HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND THIS PLEASE! :confused:
:(
Been there, done that!!! Save the rest of your miles for something good in case they ever come up with something in the future (like a T-Shirt)! :D In the meantime, enjoy yourself getting your freebies & chatting w/us hun!

[mom363546]

Disane I'm glad you decided to stay! You'll find so many freebies great conversation and just good people in this forum.I personally don't worry about the point thing anymore I just let them accumulate and who knows maybe someday they'll offer us all t-shirts or something. If not its no biggie the people in this forum make it a great place to visit!!

[bvanpeltsw]

I am glad you decided to stay Diane. I am also frustrated by the FTM program and I no longer participate.:(

[ERicap3]

I have over 10000 points and have never got a prize because nothing is ever available so last week I took the chance on the $25 amazon gift card and I WON I got an email saying I won and would hear directly from amazon with the code to use online, but so far I have not received anything from amazon. It's been a few days since i heard I won from ss.

[Cpogie]

I have over 10000 points and have never got a prize because nothing is ever available so last week I took the chance on the $25 amazon gift card and I WON I got an email saying I won and would hear directly from amazon with the code to use online, but so far I have not received anything from amazon. It's been a few days since i heard I won from ss.

Hold on to that email just in case something happens, so you have proof. Congrats on your win!

[rebate queen]

I have over 10000 points and have never got a prize because nothing is ever available so last week I took the chance on the $25 amazon gift card and I WON I got an email saying I won and would hear directly from amazon with the code to use online, but so far I have not received anything from amazon. It's been a few days since i heard I won from ss.

Wow!! Miracles really do happen!! Congrats!!

[ilove2sample]

I have over 10000 points and have never got a prize because nothing is ever available so last week I took the chance on the $25 amazon gift card and I WON I got an email saying I won and would hear directly from amazon with the code to use online, but so far I have not received anything from amazon. It's been a few days since i heard I won from ss.

Congrats Eric!!!

[MandMnmbr3]

I have over 10000 points and have never got a prize because nothing is ever available so last week I took the chance on the $25 amazon gift card and I WON I got an email saying I won and would hear directly from amazon with the code to use online, but so far I have not received anything from amazon. It's been a few days since i heard I won from ss.


CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
1038

[mood4amelody]

Someone was REALLY unhappy about the frequent tryer miles program back in August apparently--the website name with their anonymous complaint has a not-so-good word in it, so in order to link to it you will need to take out the stars between the letters of the not-so-good word. Actually, I rarely even bother with the points program. I did check for the first time in several months and redeemed some points a couple of weeks ago for a pocket planner or similar token prize, but to me the points program is just gravy--the real meat of the website remains the samples on the home page and the samples posted in the forums.

http://www.p*i*s*s*edconsumer.com/consumer-reviews/other/beware!!!!%2c-free-samples-informative-%11-startsampling.com-2004080712858.html


LOL! Someone should send the link to that to Admin!!! :p

[lizmolik]

It said it was posted on Aug 7, 2004!

[bvanpeltsw]

Shows you how long some folks have been frustrated with the program! Obviously not a new frustration to some :D Personally, it wouldn't bother me if they ended the frequent tryer miles program entirely--it just hasn't been and isn't earth-shattering stuff to worry about earning at this point in time.

I completely agree with you!

[Cpogie]

I redeemed points a few weeks ago, and, sure enough, I did receive one of the pocket planners last week--pretty nice for just visiting a website regularly.

I signed up for the same offer a couple of weeks ago also, haven't received mine yet.

[newme36]

I redeemed 1000 for a pocket calendar on Dec. 10, 2007 and have not received anything, not even a substitute. I have e-mailed them with no response. Looks like my tryer miles flew the coop.

[indybuggy]

I received a sample I ordered 3-18, today being 4-29, yet it will not let me leave any feedback, saying it has not been 20 days or I have left feedback already? How I am supposed to get points if i can't leave feedback?:confused: :mad:

[mvs8420]

Someone was REALLY unhappy about the frequent tryer miles program back in August apparently--the website name with their anonymous complaint has a not-so-good word in it, so in order to link to it you will need to take out the stars between the letters of the not-so-good word. Actually, I rarely even bother with the points program. I did check for the first time in several months and redeemed some points a couple of weeks ago for a pocket planner or similar token prize, but to me the points program is just gravy--the real meat of the website remains the samples on the home page and the samples posted in the forums.

http://www.p*i*s*s*edconsumer.com/consumer-reviews/other/beware!!!!%2c-free-samples-informative-%11-startsampling.com-2004080712858.html

Wow, they must have been ****ed. I just left some positive feedback on there because I don't feel this was accurate at all. Granted they don't have new prizes very often but just yesterday I requested the magnetic clip and pen. Hope they come. I do love the rest of the site and the forums rock!!!

[Cpogie]

Wow, they must have been ****ed. I just left some positive feedback on there because I don't feel this was accurate at all. Granted they don't have new prizes very often but just yesterday I requested the magnetic clip and pen. Hope they come. I do love the rest of the site and the forums rock!!!

Your lucky they had a gift for you to choose....and, you left feedback for something you haven't received yet?

[bunny]

I received a sample I ordered 3-18, today being 4-29, yet it will not let me leave any feedback, saying it has not been 20 days or I have left feedback already? How I am supposed to get points if i can't leave feedback?:confused: :mad:

I have had that happen alot also.

[mvs8420]

Your lucky they had a gift for you to choose....and, you left feedback for something you haven't received yet?

I know, I was suprised to see it as well. :D

Sorry, my previous post reads a little funny now that I looks at it. When I went to the website that was referenced I didn't leave feedback on the items I requested, I left feedback on the Startsampling site in general, which this person gave a very negative review of. I, personally, have only had positive experiences with the site so far, so that is what I mentioned in reply to that person's post.
I mean, let's face it: can't beat the samples that are posted on the site and especially the forum! :D

[mvs8420]

I received a sample I ordered 3-18, today being 4-29, yet it will not let me leave any feedback, saying it has not been 20 days or I have left feedback already? How I am supposed to get points if i can't leave feedback?:confused: :mad:

I have had this happen as well, but I believe that it also says that sometimes they are waiting to hear from the company that issued the sample to see what they want to ask for, feedback wise. Maybe that is why it doesn't show yet?

[Cpogie]

I know, I was suprised to see it as well. :D

Sorry, my previous post reads a little funny now that I looks at it. When I went to the website that was referenced I didn't leave feedback on the items I requested, I left feedback on the Startsampling site in general, which this person gave a very negative review of. I, personally, have only had positive experiences with the site so far, so that is what I mentioned in reply to that person's post.
I mean, let's face it: can't beat the samples that are posted on the site and especially the forum! :D

She wasn't talking about this site as a whole, she was talking about the tryer miles gifts and the lack of them. She does almost all of our product recalls/news.

Oh we do have the best samples in here, no doubt about that. Welcome to the forum!

[bubblepower27]

I've never redeemed any of my points yet, but whenever I check, there are more points, and there's the same list of things, but there are different colored dots next to them each time.

[cath_31]

She wasn't talking about this site as a whole, she was talking about the tryer miles gifts and the lack of them. She does almost all of our product recalls/news.

Oh we do have the best samples in here, no doubt about that. Welcome to the forum!

Judith didn't write that bad review. I think she was just mentioning that it was out there. I agree with mvs8420 that the original poster at that other site was really trashing startsampling in general. Another poster said that they had to pay for samples, which isn't true. I don't think the whole point of startsampling was to get those prizes, it was the samples that they offer. Yes, it is disappointing that they don't improve the tryer miles program, but the whole site is not a total fraud like it says on that other site. The forum more than makes up for the flaws of this site.

I just added a favorable comment at that site too. I think if someone saw that first post on there, they would think that Startsampling was really bad and they would definitely avoid it. Even though the tryer mile program needs work, this is still a very worthwhile site.

[Cpogie]

Judith didn't write that bad review. I think she was just mentioning that it was out there. I agree with mvs8420 that the original poster at that other site was really trashing startsampling in general. Another poster said that they had to pay for samples, which isn't true. I don't think the whole point of startsampling was to get those prizes, it was the samples that they offer. Yes, it is disappointing that they don't improve the tryer miles program, but the whole site is not a total fraud like it says on that other site. The forum more than makes up for the flaws of this site.

I just added a favorable comment at that site too. I think if someone saw that first post on there, they would think that Startsampling was really bad and they would definitely avoid it. Even though the tryer mile program needs work, this is still a very worthwhile site.

Your so right, my appologies!!

[Cpogie]

Oh goodness, I have NEVER said anything bad about StartSampling, unless you want to include grousing with several other members about the sitewide photo posting problems a couple of months back! In fact, I said that I didn't care about the frequent tryer miles, StartSampling could continue or discontinue them--I'm here for the samples, but that it was really nice to get a pocket planner for just visiting a website! I only constructively criticized that it wasn't fair to the person who posted that they had redeemed frequent tryer miles for an item, hadn't received the item, and couldn't get any response after e-mailing StartSampling. :( ANY company that offers redemption prizes and doesn't fulfill them is being unfair to their customers--a promise is a promise, a broken promise is no good for business! Obviously the person who posted their crabby review on that consumer website was not happy about their free prize offerings--I only quoted the post after some folks on here were unhappy about their frequent tryer miles. I did not say that I agreed with their review! I was just quoting it to illustrate what mutual unhappiness can be lurking out there with a points redemption program if it doesn't live up to its promises, or it drops in perceived quality from before. I personally am very happy with my frequent tryer miles planner--you can't go wrong with free for just visiting a website.

Jude, I had my remarks totally wrong, see the post above yours, I was the one who made the mistake, the response I read wasn't even yours, so sorry for the confusion.