free sample requests [Archive]

cosmic grammie

23-02-2009, 10:46 PM

Yesterday I had a message through my website asking for a free sample of my soap. The woman, who seemed very nice, even offered to PayPal me a dollar for postage. I was feeling magnanimous, and said that it was not necessary. Today I mailed a sliver of soap to her at my own expense - not much, just $1.50, which is 0.924746 GBP according to that XE site someone mentioned here. Then I emailed her that it was on it's way.

Well for pete's sake, I now have four new requests for freebies - and no one has offered to pay postage. Surely it is just a coincidence?? Or do you think I am on a worldwide "here's a putz" list now?

I am working on a tactful reply to these requests - I'll post it here later to see what anyone might think about it. And maybe some of you all will tell me how you handle this situation. And I will make a Policy Statement on my website about this. I am getting lots more traffic now that my husband bought me a google ad.

Aviya Glass

23-02-2009, 11:22 PM

I think that the person who asked was so thrilled to get a freebie that she told a few friends. Perhaps you could do a 'sample' range at a nominal cost and offer an incentive if they return to purchase?

Moonbeam Angel

23-02-2009, 11:39 PM

I bought some soap online recently and with it I got a couple of free samples, but I wasnt expecting them and didnt ask for them, they were just a nice surprise when I opened the parcel.

Dont know about free samples without the postage. Perhaps you could politely say that you are happy to send samples of the soap but would have to ask for postage, perhaps with a small discount if they order X$ of soap from you afterwards.

Laura Lou

23-02-2009, 11:41 PM

Why don't you advertise on your site that you offer free samples to people who spend a certain amount or over in your shop? That way, people still feel they're getting something for free but you're getting sales as well.

edit: Sorry, it seems I was typing while Diane posted and ended up suggesting a similar thing!

urbtaf

23-02-2009, 11:58 PM

Think about it!!! say you will send the stuff free but the postage is £10. When youve been in business as long as Ive been you will learn

onlyme

24-02-2009, 09:18 AM

Think about it!!! say you will send the stuff free but the postage is £10. When youve been in business as long as Ive been you will learn

LOL...! :D

autumn rose

24-02-2009, 09:31 AM

I always send out free samples with my soap orders, its a good way of introducing your customers to your other products,

But if you are just sending samples without an order I suppose you will have to charge some sort of P&P, good luck with it all! :D

AnnieAnna

24-02-2009, 09:47 AM

Oh I had something similar but mine was a repeat customer, who always pays late so my goodwill was in a see saw state. As the thing only cost £2 I made them pay for it - and the postage.
The request made me feel cross, while with other people, if we've been having long talks about their projects, I'll happily include some free if it helps them make their mind up.
A moody
AnnieAnna

gigglinggoblin

24-02-2009, 12:07 PM

Was also going to say about sample size soap, but then i love sample size stuff and would rather have 5 samples than 1 big bar (think ice cube tray size) as they keep their colour and scent better and you can mix and match. But i wouldnt expect them for free.

Maybe you could do a sample size and charge a small amount per sample (but enough to make a small profit so people like me dont wipe out your business), postage on top at actual cost (dont know if you have a standard price but highish postage puts me off buying small items online) and then offer to knock the price of the sample off if they buy the full sized one.

They are def taking the mickey, she hasnt posted somewhere like moneysaving expert has she?

SNOWF1975

24-02-2009, 12:18 PM

cosmic grammie

24-02-2009, 02:43 PM

PART I:

Well, I have read all the great replies, and given it a lot of thought…

Let’s say four requests a week - $1.40 postage, $1.25 worth of soap, and an envelope…let’s just say 10.80 a week, for the sake of conversation, so for a month that’s $43.20 (29.6888 GBP).

I kinda doubt they’d buy soap afterwards….just take the freebie and run. Call me cynical. Also, this may be a high estimate AND I may never get another freebie request! This may be a fluke.

Okay, let’s say they only have to pay postage – so a charge of around $1.40. But I’m still out some soap. AND envelope, label….ink….jees, it seems to snowball.

My favorite soap ingredients supplier always throws in a tiny sample of some fragrance oil – but I have just spent a ton of money on supplies, so it seems more "good business sense" somehow that they give out a tiny freebie, in appreciation, of something that I probably would never buy…it IS fun to get it, but I’d rather they gave me a small discount on my bill…but that won’t happen, I feel certain.

cosmic grammie

24-02-2009, 02:57 PM

PART II:

I reckon if I was a major producer/seller, I might be more altruistic here, and give out free samples. But I am pretty small potatoes, so I think I won’t do it. But I think if I called Evelyn & Crabtree, or Burt’s Bees (now owned by Clorox), or the makers of Yardley, I doubt they would say yes to sending me a free sample – but I could be wrong.

To me, a policy statement of “no free samples,” however tactfully put, seems off-putting, as does “no refunds,” which I have indeed stated because the last thing I want is someone sending me a used bar of soap. My soap is wonderful…there would be no reason for returning it. However, it’s a Barnum & Bailey world – I can see someone sending it back to me in a ziplock bag…blech. Even if someone sent back an unused bar I would toss it out, just of paranoia. I could never resell it or use it myself….

So, I think a simple approach would be to instigate my new idea that I had a few weeks ago. SMALLER BARS. They’re about 3.5 oz. now, and they never seem to go away – last forever. That’s great. But after a while, you get tired of looking at the mildly unattractive oval. So I thought, make them smaller to begin with and they’ll get used up faster and not be so annoyingly eternal. Then they’re also cheaper, and more “priced to sell.” I mean, if you don’t price to sell, there you sit, right?

I have cotton muslin bags with cotton drawstrings to which my daughter is applying my logo. I put soap scraps in them for use as a scrubby bag….so I could tout them as something to put your slivers in … so when the soap does wear down and you don’t like the look of it anymore, you can put it in the little pouch and scrub yourself with that! Looks cute, is useful…whatcha’ think? And yes, it's for people who do love something scrubby, not for the tactile-sensitive person. They actually work best for kids, to wash their hands. AH HA! A lightbulb just came on - Gardener Scrubs!! I like it! Hang it on the hose tap, at the ready for handwashing in the garden! YES! Okay, this is going on my etsy shop today...

nattynetty

24-02-2009, 03:03 PM

How about adding a new product on your site which people could purchase along the lines of....

Sample pack
Receive a small sample (approx x grammes) of 3 soaps of your choice
Please choose from below
blah, blah, blah
blah, blah
Cost $3.50 including postage

Not sure if your website allows you to offer a product which includes shipping already but this way you could provide samples (and direct those enquiries to purchase a sample pack) and make sure you cover your cost.

greannancrafts

24-02-2009, 03:08 PM

Hi

I do often send out a sample/small gift with our orders.
I have been approached once, by email, through the website for a load of samples.

I replied that unfortunately we do not have sample sizes - ( I had just read on Martin Lewis's site that people were recommending approaching companies for samples.)

I sometimes think these people think we are M&S - but even they don't send samples.

Jane

cosmic grammie

24-02-2009, 04:38 PM

Not sure if your website allows you to offer a product which includes shipping already but this way you could provide samples (and direct those enquiries to purchase a sample pack) and make sure you cover your cost.

I have a sample set on my etsy which no one has ever purchased - three 1.5 oz bars each a different essential oil type. Sigh.

Okay, so I need to say, somewhere on my website, to check out my etsy shop for samples....

My husband linked my website gifts page to my etsy shop so I could/would do more of this stuff myself... and so that's where my samples are, but I guess maybe a single sample with price and shipping might be a good idea - that way, someone just looking for a freebie would not bother asking, but someone genuinely wanting to try the soap could easily do so...and then if they buy soap after that, I could include one of my cotton pouches with some soap scraps as a "consumer reward." That sounds reasonable - and a good use for scraps. I just listed my new pouch idea (above post) on my etsy shop, and am now proceeding to do a crayon design on the pouch, iron it, and get the photo taken!

I'm really enthusiastic today about my crafts - must be because I have been up since 3:30 this morning - we had to get our son to the airport...AND we got to bed late because of coyotes....thank heavens for our dogs!! Consequently I have had several cups of c-c-c-c-coffee....

Hey, this probably also explains my LONG posts! I'm definitely babbling! Sorry!

Okay, off to color...that should be calming....

cosmic grammie

24-02-2009, 04:41 PM

They are def taking the mickey, she hasnt posted somewhere like moneysaving expert has she?

Sorry, but jees, what does that mean?

Laura Lou

24-02-2009, 05:15 PM

Sorry, but jees, what does that mean?
MoneySavingExpert is a UK-based site/forum where people post tips and advice on how to save money, get discounts, help with money problems/debts, etc. It's very popular.

The person who got your samples may have posted on there with a link to your shop. If so, there would probably have been a few hundred people reading it within a few minutes!

moxie

24-02-2009, 08:01 PM

cosmic grammie

25-02-2009, 02:35 AM

That's ludicrous. It's a Barnum & Bailey world.

Re my little project of the day - gardener's soap scrap scrubbie pouches - got it posted on my etsy and have had 3 views...but haven't done the photo yet as I apparently am not GREAT at coloring on fabric! I thought - how easy!! NOT!!!!

I am improving, though, after ruining about 8 cotton muslin pouches...I think I have it down now...but think I would be better off with the iron on transfer of my logo that my older daughter is working on. Less stressful. For me, anyway. I'm all for relegating stress.

Aviya Glass

25-02-2009, 09:19 AM

I think the gardeners scrub pouch idea is brilliant! :mf::mf::mf:
You could even extend it to a range of pouches eg DIY's, Fathers Day, sports (my son needs a boy sized scrub bag to climb into after rugby!)

People go for themed stuff even though the pouch can be used anywhere. Just an idea, although you seem very inspired atm anyway - good luck, let us know how it goes! :)

Madly Creating

25-02-2009, 09:46 AM

Those scrubby bags do sound like a terrific idea! :D

cosmic grammie

25-02-2009, 02:48 PM

You could even extend it to a range of pouches eg DIY's, Fathers Day, sports (my son needs a boy sized scrub bag to climb into after rugby!) :)

GREAT IDEA!! I'm really kinda getting in to coloring on these little pouches...heh....

Sometimes it's the less expensive items on your listing that bring in the most money....maybe this will work for me, and get someone to occasionally buy the other things!

Okay, Easter Eggs, shamrocks - YES! Shamrocks -in time for the SxSW booth!!! YES YES YES!!! There are several Irish pubs in Austin...and a litttle St Pat's Day parade! That will be during South x Southwest...a great time to make money off little items...everyone wants souvenirs. YES YES YES!! Our Etsy street team has a boothand I can put them there. I smell money! Okay, maybe not a lot of money, but some, anyway....

Thanks for the idea!!!

cosmic grammie

25-02-2009, 04:52 PM

Omigosh this hurts! You have to hold the little pouch down so firmly, and press down so hard while coloring...OW, my arms and hands hurt!!

cosmic grammie

25-02-2009, 06:37 PM

No no, very helpful ... I actually finally just deleted those email requests! Rather cowardly, but I see no reason to stress any more than i already have over this. :horse:

Yay - I finally got to use that cute smilie...been wanting a good reason....

Your wording for replies is great. Thanks.

Okay, I am trying something new...I have some smallish cookie cutters - and I am melting some crayons...plan to pour some melted crayon into the cookie cutter "mold" on the pouch - just a little to make the design! We'll see how that works! But then I'll have to change my etsy description because they won't be hand drawn...blast, always something. I am really trying to focus on hand made...but, it IS my hand that poured the wax, right??

moxie

25-02-2009, 11:24 PM

cosmic, are you in austin?!

that's my hometown, i miss it terribly <3 london is a far cry away that's for sure.

cosmic grammie

26-02-2009, 12:13 AM

Hey Moxie! Bless your little heart!

I am just outside of Austin - in the country...well, Austin is encroaching more ad more.

86 and sunny today. We have a brisket on the grill right now. Wish you could come on over! The great outdoors, BBQ, music UT, KUT, KLRU, ACL, and SxSW - Austin rocks!

Lots of love, hon! =)

moxie

26-02-2009, 05:02 AM

I grew up in Pflugerville but was born in good old Brackinridge Hospital :P

I've been out of Texas just over three years. I don't miss the heat but I do miss the people.

Small world :)

woodtattoos

26-02-2009, 02:01 PM

I think there are a fair few people out there who like to try and get as much as possible for as little as possible, so these things don't surprise me.

Although I am constantly amazed at the number of Nigerian generals or Swiss lawyers who want to deposit $10million dollars in my bank account... ;)

Si.

sparkysdad

26-02-2009, 02:41 PM

Business is business, and there is nothing "free" in business!

Charities here (and I'd wager a $1 over there too) often include a pen in a direct mail appeal, for the simple reason that psychologically we get instant guilt at receiving an unsolicited gift...

If you ever see/read these "get rich" plans that seem to be all over the internet you will see that they too will list the 5 "extra" things (and their alleged value!) you get with your "discounted" fee..

While I think both these are somewhat deplorable, bottom line is, they work. So, it makes sound business sense to slightly reduce your product size (if applicable) charge the same, and add a number of bonus items "free"! and shout it out loud!

As for sending a "free" sample out before an order, unless this person is the head of a toiletries merchandising company, DONT!!!!

However, there is no harm whatsoever in offering her a personalised and practical solution such as one of your tester or sample packs at the usual cost plus P+P, along with a modest discount voucher on a future order.. Make sure the discount is specific to the customer, and also time limited (no more than 3 months).

Surprisingly, only around 10% of this type of offer is ever taken up, yet 100% of the recipients get the feel good factor of being offered something!

If you're good at administration, I would also offer a customer a referral bonus too.. If the customer refers a new customer, you will give the referrer say a 20% value of their first purchase (as goods, at retail price)..

Mathematically it makes sound sense.. you make a $30 sale, and get a new customer.. the current customer gets a $3 credit, so they will want to buy more stuff.. the $3 you "give away" is retail, so it only costs you the wholesale price (say $1.50).. so for $1.50 you sell more product, gain a new customer, and improve your reputation.. and increase the number of people you can promote your product to.. Far cheaper than a google adword I recon!:):):):)

cosmic grammie

26-02-2009, 03:15 PM

You really know your marketing psychology! I wish it could just be:
I make, you buy...LOTS.... :)

Your suggestions are all very sound.

I did feel guilty when the first freebie request came in. Felt like the person would not ask if they weren't less fortunate than I, and therefore I somehow owe them. The subsequent requests simply irked the heck out of me... :mad:

cosmic grammie

26-02-2009, 03:27 PM

I've been out of Texas just over three years. I don't miss the heat but I do miss the people.

Small world :)

It sure is! Funny story - there is a man from Scotland here in our little town - he teaches Texas History at the Middle School!! That cracks me up. And there's a woman and her family also from Scotland who live nearby - she said they left because it was "bloody cold" all the time. So they are lovin' the heat! And the woman who started up our weavers and spinners society is from Oxford. My neighbor down the hill is from Belgium!

A few years back, my younger daughter and another homeschool girl went to the UK to "hike around" and they both said they had never been so cold and so damp for so long in all their lives. I like the winters here - a few cold days, then some summer, a few more cold days, and then more summer...I can handle a few cold days interspersed throughout the warm/hot days!

cosmic grammie

26-02-2009, 06:15 PM

Sorry, I seem to be talking to myself here -- talking is my greatest talent!

Okay, heh, crayon these days is made to wash out - so my scrubby bags look really cute and work very well, but the design is coming off!! Omigosh!! So I guess I need to investigate fabric crayons? My oldest daughter said I seem to be trying to re-invent batik - oh dear.

greannancrafts

26-02-2009, 06:32 PM

Theres a lady in the US that i buy some of my charms and stuff from and she always puts in some other freebies in with the pack. They worked for me because iv always went back about bought them EVERY TIME! ha ha

That is great if the freebies can be used/are wanted one of my supplier puts boxes of chocolates and music cds in with my order and it makes me cross, I would rather them just reduce their prices/postage.

Jane

Wildheart

26-02-2009, 09:48 PM

It's a difficult one but can sometimes yield further sales. I have a customer on e-bay who's now bought 4 lampwork bracelets from me. In the last one I sent, I popped a free beaded phone dangle in to say thank you and she's e-mailed me to see if I've got any more beads like that and can I make her bracelet using them! :D

sparkysdad

27-02-2009, 04:25 PM

That is great if the freebies can be used/are wanted one of my supplier puts boxes of chocolates and music cds in with my order and it makes me cross, I would rather them just reduce their prices/postage.

Jane

Good point actually, your "free" item needs to be related! - Charity mailers give you a pen "so you can fill the form in" and return a gift ;)

Sounds like your supplier just had Choccies and CD's in abundance and not much idea what to do with them (on the plus side, they almost certainly got them free!)

Personally I think a freebie should be something that encourages a buyer to buy more of the same, or to look at other related products you sell :D

Sheabutter Cottage

03-03-2009, 09:00 PM

Think about it!!! say you will send the stuff free but the postage is £10. When youve been in business as long as Ive been you will learn

Totally agree.

Give them an inch and they will take a yard. At least I would charge for postage unless it is included in an order.

Loretta

05-03-2009, 07:00 PM

Go on Moonbeam Angel tell us who it was

frazone

13-03-2009, 11:34 AM

if you think that's bad, i received this a couple of days ago.

The following request was submitted:

Name: Lisa
Email: ***********
Comments: Dear Sir/Madam,
I'm a disabled girl from Northern Ireland. I was born with a medical condition known as spina bifida and have been confined to a wheelchair since birth.As a result of my disability I have various ongoing health issues,which mean that I'm unable to work and I rarely leave the house.

I suffer from migraine and I was wondering if you could be so kind as to please send me tranquility wellness oil completely free of charge.

Can you please let me know if it will be possible for you to send the free tranquility wellness oil and whether i will be required to pay post and packaging costs. Then I shall send you my name and address.
Thankyou
Lisa

A quick Google search brought me to this thread, which showed me that "Lisa" hits up small businesses on a regular basis with freebie requests. It amazes me how low some people will sink.

Seems Lisa is still busy trying to get freebies, i found this thread also by a quick Google search, i just got this from her/him.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I'm a disabled girl from Northern Ireland. I was born with a medical condition known as spina bifida and have been confined to a wheelchair since birth. As a result of my disability I have various ongoing health issues,which mean that I'm unable to work and I rarely leave the house.

My Dad left when I was just a few months old,leaving my Mum to bring me up alone.

I would like to buy a special Mother's day gift for my Mum to let him know how much I appreciate everything he has done for me.As I am unable to work,sadly I will not be able to do this,so I was wondering if you would be so kind as to please send me a Mother's day selection of free gift completely free of charge.

Can you please let me know if it will be possible for you to send the free Mother's day gift and whether I will be required to pay post and packaging costs.
Then I shall send you my name and address.
Thankyou
Lisa

cosmic grammie

13-03-2009, 02:45 PM

I have never received one word from the woman I sent the free sample to. Hmpf.

Now, what have I been doing ever since the freebie requests started coming in? Amazingly enough, MAKING FREE SAMPLES!! I made and packaged over 200 samples of my soap for my etsy team’s event this coming week.

These women are unbelievable. They seem to never go anywhere without their sewing machines and their laptops! They have made nearly 400 swag bags from t-shirts they got at Goodwill, or were donated by friends to “the cause.” These bags are really cute! They’re messenger style bags and screen painted with the etsy Austin logo.

And the “swag” inside the bags is astounding!! Everyone made up the most incredible samples of their product to give away, along with coupons and their biz cards. I mean, this bag is a real value! It sounds like there are so many of them, however, well over 30,000 people are expected at this festival…so these bags will be rare yet coveted.

These women have great display skills – I am learning so much. Mainly that you have to spend money in order to make money…ouch, but there you are.