A marketing campaign that includes product sampling can provide a lot of value and can have a long-lasting impact on a company’s sales. Sampling gives the customer the opportunity to experience the product’s value and quality so that they can make a conscious decision about whether or not they like it and want to purchase it. Everyone loves to get something for free and when you receive a free sample of something it helps to build a positive association in your mind with the product.
However, this is also an expensive promotion technique and the cost of producing sample products while also paying for the distribution process can really add up. Make sure that you carefully plan, measure and execute your sampling campaign so that you can make the most out of this marketing strategy.
Here are some tips that you can keep in mind to make sure that your product sampling strategy is more effective:
Focus on the Right Demographic
Make sure that you are getting your product samples in the right hands so that they will be appreciated. For example, if you are sampling a brand of organic, gluten free flax seed cookies they will probably get a much better reception at a local health food store than at the average supermarket. Think about who your customer is… are they are a parent on a budget who is looking for affordable products for their children, or a young hipster with money to spend who is looking for the next “cool” trend? Determining the demographic you are targeting will help you figure out where to hand out your free samples (you can maximise the amount you are giving away this way) and how to present them.
Work With a Professional Product Sampling Company
There are a lot of aspects to a successful product sampling program, so it is important to work with a professional product sampling agency who can do things right. The samples must be packaged in an appealing way and they must be presented by someone who is friendly, responsible and engaging. This person must have the experience and skills to encourage interaction via tasting and sampling and allowing customers to ask them questions. A representative from a professional field sales agency will have these skills and they will be able to present your products in the best possible way. This can be a huge advantage and it can really set your company above the rest.
Ask for Feedback
When you are giving out samples of your products to your customers, this is the perfect opportunity to ask them for feedback about your products. The sampling representative can ask them right on the spot, or they can give out a feedback form that customers can fill in. When people use your product for the first time they will note its positive sides and drawbacks and they will also compare the products with its competitors. This will give you valuable information so that you can improve your product and get a competitive edge.
Make Your Products Eye Catching
When you are offering product samples, it is important to make them as visually appealing as possible. You are a newcomer and don’t have the attraction of a recognisable brand, so you will need to be creative with your packaging to make people curious about your product. Use eye-catching colours, unique package designs and a dramatic booth or table to get people interested in what you have to offer. You want people to spot your sample booth from the other side of the store and be so intrigued that they walk over to inquire, “Ooh, what do we have here?”
Give Existing Customers a Gift
If you are an existing company launching a new product, why not thank your existing customers by adding a free sample of the new item to their customer order as a surprise gift. You can ask them to share their feedback on the product by submitting an online review. This will have multiple benefits. First of all, it will make your customers feel special and will improve the image of the company in their minds. Also it will offer you valuable feedback from someone who is your target demographic and has a need for your products.
Sampling can be an effective method for promoting your product and it can increase your chances of immediate sales. However, giving out product samples can also be difficult, expensive and time consuming. Make sure that you have the right strategies so that you can make the most of your product sampling campaign.
