Do Freebies Drive Sales or Just Train Customers to Expect Something for Free? Offering something for free has long been a marketing standby—one that sparks both excitement and anxiety for creative online retailers. On one hand, freebies can be powerful trust-builders that increase visibility, boost engagement, and open the door to future sales. On the other hand, many makers worry about attracting only bargain-hunters who never convert or training customers to expect “something for nothing.