Free Samples..... Be Innovative, it Works

We all see it in many places. Supermarkets do it frequently, and it works. Vendors offer tastes in anticipation of customers liking it and buying the product. A new customer is created and who knows where this will go.

Think about it, how much does it really cost to send out a free sample to a potential customer, a buyer or a CEO, whoever may influence the buying decision.

Store owners should explore creating a cost sharing relationship with its vendors, or do it yourself. Customers love to shop where they can experience free samples, it is a draw to the store and sales increase for both the free samples and the entire stores product line. I heard a friend tell his wife "...we should go to Costco, they have tons of free samples" and the wife said, "Ok lets go shop there." This contributed to the customer experience and drew the traffic.

This concept, if thought through could apply to services, wholesale distributors, and in any level of sales organizations.

It makes sense. Let the product or service speak for itself and let the consumer try something new they would not ordinarily try. How valuable is a new customer? Enormously important and sampling is not that expensive, as well it pinpoints the potential consumer in a buying atmosphere, and it makes sense.

Figure out how to do it and try this out, it will increase product awareness and sales. It is an advertising and marketing program with a direct revenue impact.

Especially in this tough consumer market were purchases are debated...samples will win the day.

Depending upon the type of product you sell, another aspect of free sampling that makes great sense and promotes your goods is to offer free goods to the sales staff of your distribution system. Recently I was out buying a winter hiking boot, and was not certain what to buy, the salesperson told me he personally used a particular brand and loved it, that was all the recommendation I needed I bought that boot. I further questioned him and he informed me that company gave them to the sales men for free, but he loves the product and freely recommends it...it made the sale; another great use of free sampling.

Try it...it works. Be innovative, it works.