When you first think about giving away free samples, you probably start thinking about the cost. After all, to provide something for free to the consumer means swallowing the cost yourself. Your business, like many, probably doesn’t want to spend tons of extra money. However, there are many benefits to offering free samples that may make you change your mind. Keep reading to learn why you should offer free samples in retail stores.
Increase Sales
There will always be people who take a free sample and walk away. However, there are more people who will get hooked on your product once they get that initial sample—especially if you offer free food. One taste of your product will remind people of exactly what they could have if they made a purchase, which creates an immediate desire to buy the product, so they can have much more than one taste.
Free samples also increase sales because they create a sense of reciprocity. You’ve done something nice for them by giving a free sample, so they’ll then feel a strong instinct to do something nice in return—including making a purchase. Reciprocity applies to any kind of free sample, from food to lotion and more.
Test New Products
If you’re hoping to increase sales in the future with a new product, but you want to test it first, then you should offer free samples of that product. Free samples give you an opportunity to learn what people like and don’t like about a product without consumers risking their money. It will also prevent you from wasting money on creating, branding, and selling a product that has fixable flaws.
Giving away free samples of a product not yet on the market will also create excitement for its impending release. People will want to tell their friends that they got on their hands on something new, like a legendary slushie mix or amazing lotion, and then they’ll tell their friends where to find it once it’s released.
Educate Loyal Customers
You may already have a great group of consumers who enjoy your products. But are they enjoying all of your products? Providing free samples to these preexisting customers helps them learn about products they may not have tried before. It also allows you to build a good relationship with them. If they know that your store offers free samples on specific days, they’ll be more willing to drop by, get a sample, and talk to the sales associates on the floor. Those conversations are another opportunity for you to educate them on products they haven’t tried before and a chance for your business to get to know its customers better.
Now you know why you should offer free samples in retail stores: to increase sales, test new products, and educate your customers. By offering free samples, you can grow your fanbase, experiment with new options, and build relationships with loyal customers who have helped your business grow since the beginning. Free samples are a great way to reward loyalty and continue to thrive.
