Benefits Associated With Free Samples By Mail

The traditional method of giving away free samples is by physically handing them over to prospective buyers.  In this approach, you are sure that the supposed target buyer actually receives the product, and it is not lost in transit somewhere.  For instance you give away samples of anti-dandruff shampoo to shoppers in the personal care section of a supermarket.  Hopefully, they will give your product a try, find it favorable, and eventually make a purchase.

In this approach, the free samples are used to promote the product.  But unlike traditional forms of advertising, the consumer gets a chance to actually try out the product and experience its benefits.  And this could be an impetus in making future purchases.

It may also be possible to elicit information from the recipients.  You may get their names, contact numbers, and some other basic personal information.  But oftentimes, shoppers are hesitant to provide these data due to time constraints and other factors.  For this reason, gathering information through this method of sample give-away is limited.

Gathering Market Information through Free Samples by Mail

Lately, marketers have found a seemingly better way of promoting their products while acquiring info regarding their market at the same time, and this is through free samples by mail coursed through the internet.  This usually entails the following:

1.    The product is posted in various internet sites, which allow for the application for free samples.
2.    An individual interested in the product may apply by filling-up a form and sending it accordingly.  Note that everything is done online.
3.    Upon receiving the request, the company sends the free package to the individual concerned.

It is assumed that those who apply for free samples are likely buyers of the product.  Why would you request for a free sample of cat food if you have no feline pet or you have no need for the product in the first place?

Also, this procedure allows the marketer to gather more information.  The form mentioned may require that the person’s address, gender, age, and monthly income be indicated on top of his or her name, contact number, and email address.  This will provide the marketer with a better profile of his target market.

However, care should be taken so that the procedure of giving free samples by mail through the internet will not be construed as a survey, since this may turn off some consumers.  After all, these are meant to be free samples, and not gifts like those given by market research companies to survey participants.  It should not be perceived that the samples have to be “earned”.

Advantage to Consumers
Inasmuch as this marketing approach benefits the manufacturer, it is also advantageous to the customers.  Nowadays, it is rare that you get to try something out for free.  And if you really like the product, you may do multiple requests in the guise of different individuals.  Especially if done through the internet, this is possible.

However, unlike being given the sample in person, you will have to wait for the package to arrive by mail.  And this is subject to the inefficiencies of the postal service.  You may have heard of packages, which are lost in transit.  Also, some items do not arrive due to human errors related to mislabeling or mishandling from the shippers end.  Or there could have been ordering oversights.  But rest assured that the free samples are more likely to reach you within a few days or a week.

So how do you go about getting your free samples by mail?

You may start by logging on to the internet, and keying in “free samples” in the search box of your favorite search engine.  You will be greeted with a listing of sites dealing with this topic.  Login to any of them, and you will likely find facilities to apply for free samples for particular products.  Or there may be a link to another site with this facility.  Choose your preferred item and apply.

Applying will necessitate your filling-up an online form.  You will be asked to provide some personal information.  More often than not, your name and mailing address will be sought to enable them to mail the sample to you.  There may be instances wherein more than basic personal data is required.  It’s up to you whether you will provide them or not.  However, it is advised that you do not divulge pieces of information that have financial repercussions.

The range of items which may be had on a free sample basis are likely to be new products or items that need marketing push in order to boost sales.  Do not expect to obtain fast-moving, popular items though this method.

Free samples by mail coursed through the internet will benefit both the manufacturer and the consumer.  However, effective internet marketing will have to be done to ensure maximum exposure to the target audience, which is needed for this approach.