Freestuff.eu is a website that offers users opportunities to participate in prize draws and receive communications about promotional offers. This article examines user experiences and company responses based on publicly available review data. It focuses on the nature of the offers, the sign-up process, communication methods, and user concerns, particularly regarding spam, data privacy, and the redemption of prizes. The information is drawn exclusively from customer reviews and the official responses provided by Freestuff.eu on review platforms.
Nature of Offers and User Expectations
Freestuff.eu appears to operate primarily as a platform for prize draws and promotional competitions. According to company responses, these competitions are free to enter. One user review mentions winning a MAC lipstick through a prize draw, and the company's reply congratulates the winner and encourages further participation in other prize draws, noting that "our competitions are free to enter." This aligns with the user's experience, where the prize was received within a specified timescale after providing details.
However, some user reviews express confusion or disappointment with the nature of the communications received after signing up. One review states, "I thought on subscribing that it was the sort of site that would tell you about offers and vouchers and the like." The company's response does not directly address this expectation but reiterates that all communication channels are explicitly stated on the site. This suggests a potential discrepancy between user expectations and the actual service provided, which may include communications from third-party partners.
Sign-Up Process and Data Collection Concerns
Several user reports highlight concerns about the sign-up process and subsequent data handling. A recurring theme is the perception of excessive data collection. One user described a multi-page form that repeatedly asked for personal information, stating, "I completed the form pressed the join now button and got another page Completed that and got another page - nearly there it says 15 completed How many more pages." The user expressed concern that their information was registered before the forms were finished, despite attempts to go back and delete the entered data.
Another review alleges that the company "sells all your details on," citing a sudden increase in spam calls after signing up. The user also mentioned being charged for opting out of text messages, with a cost of 15p. The company's response to similar complaints generally states that they are GDPR compliant and that all communication channels are explicitly stated on the site. They also mention that users may have opted in to hearing from third-party partners, which could explain unsolicited calls. In one instance, the company asked for more information to investigate a user's complaint about receiving unsolicited texts, suggesting that such communications are not part of their standard practice if proper consent was not obtained.
Communication Methods and Spam Allegations
A significant portion of the negative reviews centre on unsolicited communications, including text messages and phone calls, which users describe as spam. Some users report receiving messages with spam links or phishing calls. One user stated they were "inundated with text messages" and that attempting to stop them by texting "stop" to 66777 failed because the number was not recognised. Another user reported being charged 30p for receiving a message and 15p to opt out.
The company's responses to these allegations are consistent. They state that they do not call members unless a prize has been won, and that prize winners are contacted via email first. They attribute unsolicited calls to users having "opted in to hearing from our third party partners via telephone." Regarding text messages, they direct users to their helpdesk for resolution. In one case, the company acknowledged an issue with a user's unsubscribe request and stated they had reached out via email to investigate further.
Users also report difficulties in unsubscribing or deleting their data. One user claimed they had contacted support three times and texted a cancellation number three times without success, and that money was taken from their SIM card for the texts. Another user stated that after unsubscribing, they continued to receive calls and text messages, and that some numbers were impossible to block. The company's standard response is to ask users to contact their helpdesk or to check their email for a follow-up.
Prize Redemption and Customer Service
While many reviews are negative, there are positive reports from users who successfully won and received prizes. These users describe the prize redemption process as straightforward. One winner of a MAC lipstick reported receiving an email from a company representative, arranging a phone call at a convenient time, and receiving a colour guide to select their shade. The prize arrived within the stated timeframe. The winner described the staff as friendly and the customer service as great.
Another winner reported a similar experience, noting that the emails from Freestuff.eu were "always polite and very prompt replies if I had any issues." These positive experiences suggest that for users who successfully win a prize, the process can be efficient and satisfactory. The company's replies to these positive reviews thank the winners and encourage them to enter further prize draws.
Company's Stated Policies and Compliance
In their responses to negative reviews, Freestuff.eu repeatedly emphasises their adherence to data protection regulations. They state that they are "completely GDPR compliant" and that "all of our first and third party communication channels are explicitly stated on the site, so that users are clear on what they are consenting to." They also mention that they "ensure that our advertisers also comply with these rules."
The company distinguishes between its own communications and those of third-party partners. They clarify that they do not call members unless a prize has been won, and that prize winners are contacted primarily via email. Unsolicited calls are attributed to third-party partners, for which the user may have given consent during the sign-up process. This distinction is a key part of their defence against allegations of spam.
Conclusion
The available user reviews for Freestuff.eu present a polarised picture. On one hand, there are verified reports of users successfully winning and receiving prizes through free-to-enter competitions, with positive experiences of customer service during the redemption process. On the other hand, a substantial number of users report negative experiences, primarily related to unsolicited communications (spam), difficulties in unsubscribing, and concerns about data privacy and excessive data collection.
The company's official responses consistently attribute unsolicited communications to third-party partners and emphasise their compliance with GDPR, stating that all communication channels are clearly disclosed. However, user reports suggest that the sign-up process may be complex and that the extent of third-party communications may not be fully anticipated by all users.
For UK consumers considering using Freestuff.eu, the key takeaways are: the site offers free-to-enter prize draws; users may be agreeing to communications from both Freestuff.eu and third-party partners; and unsubscribing or deleting data may present challenges, as reported by some users. As with any online service involving personal data, consumers should carefully review all terms and consent statements before signing up.