According to studies, 51 percent of shoppers tried products they normally would not have tried because a free sample was available. And an amazing 79 percent of those who sampled actually bought the product.
Product samples have these benefits:
- They let the customer prove to themselves that they like the product.
- Enthusiastic demonstrators make excellent sales people.
- Recreational shoppers are impulse buyers who will buy a product they like whether they need it or not.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Pair them with coupons
A coupon that offers not only a sample but also money off on a purchase can be an excellent direct-mail advertising approach.I recommend: Two of the largest coupon-distribution companies in the country are Valassis and ValPak.
Demo them live
Live and in-person demonstrations are the best, but some companies also have great success offering demonstrations online or on DVD.I recommend: Serious Magic gives you the tools to make polished sales videos.
Target the audience
In-store marketing pros will help you target the right audience for your product and help you find and train good product demonstrators.I recommend: The National Association for Retail Marketing Services offers links to members providing in-store and other marketing assistance.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Think you can't afford free samples? Divide your advertising budget by the number of new customers you expect it to generate, and compare the advertising cost per customer with the cost of a free sample. Most of the time, a sample costs far less – and it puts the product in the prospect's hands.
- Use samples to thank customers for referrals, not only to attract new business.
- Thinking of adding a new product? Test its viability by offering free samples and soliciting feedback.
- You don't need bricks and mortar to offer samples. Many online businesses also offer them via mail or by offering coupons.
- Ideally, samples should be offered where the product is available so a buyer can purchase it immediately. If you need proof that this works, go to Costco, Sam's Club or Trader Joe's, which have embraced sampling wholeheartedly, and observe (and enjoy) the persuasive powers of the moveable feast available every weekend.
Amsterdam Printing Promotional Products
Save Big Now with Promotional Products from Amsterdam Printing. Customize It!
Promo Products | Online Specials | Clearance Center
AmsterdamPrinting.com/PromotionalProducts
Save Big Now with Promotional Products from Amsterdam Printing. Customize It!
Promo Products | Online Specials | Clearance Center
AmsterdamPrinting.com/PromotionalProducts
Promotional Golf Products
Find Promotional Golf Products, Apparel, T-Shirts, Bags, Hats, Polos & Much More. Shop Today!
Apparel | Golf Balls | Golf Accessories | Golf Gifts
AdMotionsGolf.com
Find Promotional Golf Products, Apparel, T-Shirts, Bags, Hats, Polos & Much More. Shop Today!
Apparel | Golf Balls | Golf Accessories | Golf Gifts
AdMotionsGolf.com
Promotional USB Drives
Free Custom Logo. 64MB, Only $6. 1GB $11.75. Fast 48 Hour Turnaround. Free Gifts with Bulk Orders. 110% Lowest Price Guarantee. Request a Quote Today!
Quick Quote | Custom Shapes | USB Pen Drive
www.MemorySuppliers.com/CustomUSBDrives
Free Custom Logo. 64MB, Only $6. 1GB $11.75. Fast 48 Hour Turnaround. Free Gifts with Bulk Orders. 110% Lowest Price Guarantee. Request a Quote Today!
Quick Quote | Custom Shapes | USB Pen Drive
www.MemorySuppliers.com/CustomUSBDrives
Promotional Products with Your Logo
Buy from the World's Largest Online Seller of Promotional Products & Corporate Gifts - Low Price. Big Savings. Great Value.
Branders.com
Buy from the World's Largest Online Seller of Promotional Products & Corporate Gifts - Low Price. Big Savings. Great Value.
Branders.com
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
