Is it wrong to beg for freebies?

There’s a term circulating among influencers and PR professionals: “blagging,” which refers to the art of getting something for free, often with a creative, somewhat cheeky excuse. It's not just about freebies: the line between “trying a product” and “asking for something for nothing” is much more subtle and ambiguous than we think. The question that almost no one asks is: Is it really wrong to ask companies for gifts, or is it just a new form of social negotiation? Most people consider “blagging” an embarrassing practice, something that makes both the person asking and the person receiving the request feel uncomfortable. Yet, in certain circles, especially in the digital world, it has almost become a professional skill. Take, for example, the story of Alice, a PR professional for a cosmetics brand: every day, she receives dozens of emails from micro-influencers asking for “a small giveaway in exchange for a review.” Some write heartwarming stories – “I'm a single mom; it would help me a lot” – while others focus entirely on numbers: “I have 5,000 active followers.” Alice confesses that at least once a day, she feels tempted to reply, “Do you really think that works?” However, she also admits that sometimes, it's precisely those who dare to ask who actually get something. And here comes the surprising fact: according to a 2023 study, 42% of companies budget for “gift requests” – that is, they factor in the fact that some of their products will be given away to those who have the courage to ask. It may seem like a contradiction, but in reality, the system is based on an unspoken agreement: those who ask risk their reputation, those who offer risk a small portion of their budget, and often both sides win in terms of visibility. Some see this as a form of degradation: the idea that the value of something is measured by how many freebies you can snag. But there are also those who argue that it’s just a modern version of the old courtesies between shopkeepers and regular customers, only with a louder voice. The part we usually overlook is the psychological discomfort: many people admit to feeling “dirty” after asking for a freebie, as if they had traded their dignity for a free cream or dinner. However, few people admit that the real problem is not the gift itself, but the sense of indebtedness it creates—that unwritten obligation to speak well of the company and to give something back in some way. Think about it: Would you rather pay and feel free, or receive something for free and feel the burden of gratitude? The perspective that is often missing from this debate is that of the small business: for a major brand, giving away a product is marketing, but for a small artisan, every request for a freebie can feel almost like a theft of their hard work. However, not everything that can be asked for should be asked for. A freebie can open one door, but it also risks closing others. In the end, the difference lies not in whether you ask or not, but in how you ask and, more importantly, why you ask. If asking for something for free costs you your freedom of speech, perhaps the price is too high. If this story resonates with you, on Lara Notes you can hit I'm In – it's not a like; it's your way of saying, This idea is mine now. And if you happen to discuss this with someone who works in marketing or is an influencer, you can tag them on Lara Notes with Shared Offline — because the best conversations deserve to be remembered. This Note is based on an article in the Financial Times and has saved you several minutes of subscription and reading time.