Smile at the Tim Horton's Drive-Through Window

Monday morning on my way to work, I went to Tim Horton's at 15 Mile Road and Utica in Fraser to redeem a free latte that I won in their "Roll up the Rim to Win" sweepstakes over the weekend. 


At the drive-through window, the young man opened the window and I told him I won a free latte. He then yelled out "YAHOO! Congratulations!" in such an exuberant tone you would've thought I just won the lottery.


It was quite amusing and made me laugh out loud. I'm quite sure it was the single best drive-through experience I've ever had, and one that I'll always remember. Not to mention it helped Monday get off to a great start!


I'm not sure if he was being overly sarcastic, or if he was just an outgoing, cheerful guy. Either way, it made me smile and glad that I stopped in that day. 


This is the same Tim Horton's that I take my son to for an occasional "Donut Day" breakfast. The Friday morning tradition started when he was in daycare, and we've continued it even though he's now in elementary school. I'm explaining this to illustrate how I was already a loyal customer to this location. 


Now they've gone and won me over all over again!


They say you're more likely to tell your friends and family about a bad customer experience. Not me. I'm more likely to share the good news. After I post this blog, I'm going to share with my nearly 2,000 Twitter followers and over 400 Facebook friends. 


Oh, and by the way, I rolled the rim on that coffee cup after I finished my latte, and guess what? Yes, I've won another free latte. :)

I love free stuff

Every year, I remind myself I'm going to get better at this. I think it starts with a reminder from a friend to get my free coffee from Starbucks. And then a conversation with my husband about where we're going for dinner, and which restaurant offered me a FREE meal. 

"I love free finding free stuff for my birthday," Brenda Meller

And then suddenly my big day has come and gone, and I'm lucky if I remembered any places that offer me something free for my birthday. 

I will say that the internet has made my work so much easier. And Facebook has, too. In fact, there's a blogger by the name of Free Is My Life who blogs exclusively on stuff you can get free around metro Detroit. 

Thanks to all these resources, so far I have enjoyed (and spent):

1. A free premium chocolate shake from Del Taco (spent $10 for dinner for my family)



"Thanks, Del Taco!"

2. A free Rooty Tooty Fresh n Fruity breakfast from IHOP (spent $12 for breakfast for my family)

Yes, I've gotten about $10 worth of free stuff so far, but I've spent more than double that. So it's been a great deal for me and I've helped out our economy, too. 

"Rooty Tooty!" ~Brenda Meller, the birthday girl

Sure, there's a cost to give away free goods and services. But each of these businesses has gained something, too. Not to mention that I have only visited IHOP once in the past 10 years, and this makes it twice. Now that I've been there again, I'm definitely going to tell all my family and friends about my meal (scrambled eggs, sausage links, bacon, and a side of pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream. I have a second coupon for joining their "Pancake Revolution" that will bring me back again!).

Many businesses allow you to use these deals anytime in your birthday month. My plan is to log every visit and tally up the totals.

If you're interested in signing up to score your own free deals, here are a few websites I recommend:

• Hey It's Free: http://www.heyitsfree.net/birthday-freebies/
• Frugal Living: http://frugalliving.about.com/od/eatforfree/tp/Eat_Free_On_Birthday.htm
• Free Is My Life: http://www.freeismylife.com/search/label/FREE%20ON%20YOUR%20BIRTHDAY

Do you have a "must redeem" birthday freebie? If so, share it here