Several years ago, a friend won a free party pack filled with Martha Stewart paper punches and other crafting supplies from an outfit called House Party. In return, she hosted a party, posted photos, shared coupons and did some surveys.  She invited me to her party, where we made greeting cards with her new supplies.

I was hooked.

I’ve won several great parties of my own since from House Party by filling out questionnaires and hoping for the best. Some have revolved around serving food – like Athenos^® Greek yogurt and Breakstone’s sour cream – or trying items including HP photo products, L’Oréal Paris cosmetics, Glade air fresheners and the Meryl Streep movie Hope Springs. All involve coupons and typically other gifts for guests, who also are asked to complete surveys. Some of my guests have applied for and received free party packs from Shutterfly and other companies, too.

Without a doubt, the best party packs I’ve won or seen have come from Ball^® brand canning supplies.

One of my guests helping to can strawberry jam.

In 2010, I received a Ball^® party pack that included a stainless steel canner, canning jars, utensils, pectin, cookbooks and other items. That party did involve a little more work because I was asked to can salsa and pepper jelly before the party for my guests to take home. It was a small request to make, though, for all of the fantastic items I received. At the party, we canned strawberry jam together, and I also sent some of that home along with other prizes from my free party pack.

This year’s free Ball^® party pack features a granite canner and utensils, which I’m going to use as the grand prize at my party Saturday so one of my guests can, well, can. I also received jars and pickle mix, and we’re all getting cookbooks and coupons.

So what besides feedback and some photos do these brands get for giving out all of these free party packages? From me, some fierce customer loyalty.