Sales promotion is a tricky business. Companies want to encourage reluctant consumers to try new products or to switch to their brand. One important tool to manage this is free product sample distribution. When free samples are distributed, a company makes a full- or trial-sized product available free of charge to consumers. They are able to try the product, then, without risk.
When samples are distributed, it is generally to accompany a new product launch. For other products, the manufacturer will distribute samples in order to increase market share. When samples are distributed, the product gets into the hands of more people. This is accomplished in many different ways.
One method is called direct mail sampling. When this method is used, free samples of a product are mailed directly to consumers’ homes. The area where mailings are targeted are based on demographics. If sampling to the masses is preferred, newspaper distribution can be used.
For a quicker turnaround and closer targeting, door-to-door sample delivery may be used. This can mean fewer samples delivered but it also saves on costs for postage and packaging.
Sometimes samples are included in packages of other products. This piggyback sampling is an easy way to get the attention of consumers. When product samples are distributed via this means, often the samples are distributed in high traffic areas like theaters or shopping malls.
Free samples are most frequently given out via in-store sampling. When this means is used, shoppers are offered a free sample of a product while they are in the store.
When manufacturers use free sampling, this often encourages consumers to make more purchases. Consumers can also request samples, often, at a company’s website.
Stock of free samples is generally limited however. Consumers who want to request free trial products online or via coupons need to make their request early to have the best chance of being met.
Product sampling is a very effective way to market a product. Samples are distributed when advertising alone does not have the desired effect, and distribution costs are not prohibitive.
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