Product Sampling
Sept. 6 2023
Product sampling in e-commerce is the practice of offering customers free samples before they buy. It can help to increase brand awareness, boost sales, and reduce product returns as customers appreciate the opportunity to try products before buying.
What are product samples?
Product sampling in e-commerce is the practice of offering customers free samples of products to try before they buy.
+ In-order samples
The most common type of product sampling in e-commerce. When a customer places an order, they are given the option to add a free sample of a product to their cart.
+ Free samples with email signup
This is another popular way to offer product samples in e-commerce. Customers are asked to sign up for your email list in exchange for a free sample. This is a great way to build your email list and reach new customers.
Why is providing product samples important?
Product sampling can help to increase brand awareness, boost sales, and reduce product returns. If you are looking for a way to improve your conversion rates, product sampling is a strategy worth considering.
+ Increase brand awareness
Product sampling allows customers to try your product before they buy it, which can help to increase brand awareness and build trust.
+ Boost sales
Customers who try your product are more likely to buy it.
+ Reduce product returns
Customers are less likely to return a product that they have already tried.
+ Improve customer satisfaction
Customers appreciate the opportunity to try new products before buying them.
How to allow potential customers to request samples?
To start providing samples
1. Choose the right products to sample
The products you choose to sample should be relevant to your target audience and should be something that they are likely to be interested in trying.
2. Decide how you will distribute the samples:
You can distribute samples in a variety of ways, such as:
- Adding them to existing orders
- Giving them away at trade shows or events
- Offering them as prizes in contests or giveaways
3. Set a budget
Product sampling can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget before you start. The cost of sampling will vary depending on the size and type of samples you are giving away, as well as the method of distribution.
4. Measure results
It's important to measure the results of your product sampling campaign so that you can see how effective it is. You can measure the results by tracking sales, return rates, and customer satisfaction.
Additional tips
- Make sure the samples are high-quality so that customers can have a positive experience with your product.
- Personalize the samples. If you can, personalize your samples with the recipient's name or other information. This will make them feel more special and appreciated.
- Include a call to action (CTA). Let customers know what you want them to do after they try your product. For example, you might ask them to leave a review, share their thoughts on social media, or sign up for your email list.
By following these tips, you can start providing samples as an e-commerce seller and see the benefits for your business.
Learn more
- Guide to starting an eCommerce business.
- All about improving conversions of your online business.
- Other than product sampling to improve conversions, trust signals are effective in CRO. Find out more here.