justrightcandles Posted March 26, 2007 Share Posted March 26, 2007 At what point should you stop giving out free sample? I have an ad out there that is bringing in mucho requests for samples (when they sign up for my newsletter) so far i am keeping up but what if i can't. This has only started since Friday but i have had to send out 30 samples so far and 30 more that i have yet to get to because i am at my "real" job. It is costing me .63 to send them. I am only sending one mini melt in a very small envelope. I am of course hoping that i will gain customers but how long should i wait to see results? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sudsnwicks Posted March 26, 2007 Share Posted March 26, 2007 Does the ad have an expiry date or can you take it off whenever you wish? If so, you might want to do that before the requests get out of hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EMercier Posted March 26, 2007 Share Posted March 26, 2007 I agree, I would have it as a limited time offer. You know people will always want to get something for nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindym Posted March 26, 2007 Share Posted March 26, 2007 2 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justrightcandles Posted March 26, 2007 Author Share Posted March 26, 2007 2 weeks? Really? I will look into adding an expiration date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLSoaps Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 When running specials like this, I usually have a "while supplies last" kind of disclaimer, so I can end it early if it becomes overwhelming. However, I've found that most times, for me at least, that samples do result in sales. I do my best to make sure a sample is always included in every order, and more times than not, it pulls a sale back in. Also, keep track of all your expenses that you're putting into these samples, as they are tax deductible. Shipping, supplies, packaging, track it and report it. I hope you gets tons and tons of customers from this (and I hope all the CT members don't try to get sneaky and request the samples from you just to get freebies, lol). Good luck and have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justrightcandles Posted March 27, 2007 Author Share Posted March 27, 2007 When running specials like this, I usually have a "while supplies last" kind of disclaimer, so I can end it early if it becomes overwhelming. However, I've found that most times, for me at least, that samples do result in sales. I do my best to make sure a sample is always included in every order, and more times than not, it pulls a sale back in. Also, keep track of all your expenses that you're putting into these samples, as they are tax deductible. Shipping, supplies, packaging, track it and report it. I hope you gets tons and tons of customers from this (and I hope all the CT members don't try to get sneaky and request the samples from you just to get freebies, lol). Good luck and have fun!While supplies last....that is a good idea! I am keeping the reciepts for the postage. Do i keep track of how much it cost to make them or how much they sell for?Thanks for all the good info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sudsnwicks Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 You would keep track of how much it costs to make them, as well as how much you spent on postage and envelopes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soycrazy Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 The only downside is if someone finds out they will go and post it on all the freebie sites and you'll get tons of requests. That happened to me with my beads and I had to quit offering them, I do offer samples, but they have to pay shipping which is under a buck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justrightcandles Posted March 27, 2007 Author Share Posted March 27, 2007 The only downside is if someone finds out they will go and post it on all the freebie sites and you'll get tons of requests. That happened to me with my beads and I had to quit offering them, I do offer samples, but they have to pay shipping which is under a buck.OMG i think that is what happened to me. I use google analytics and under the referral source are websites that i have never heard of. Are most people willing to pay for the shipping? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crafty1 Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 I do just as Lindsay mentioned, "while supplies last". It gives me full control over the situation and as she stated I can stop it if things get too out of hand.I always include a sample in every order, which has generated repeat business for me. I keep a track of what I sent to my customers as a sample, therefore I can send something different the next time. Most of the time, my customer will order whatever the sample was.In addition, I had post card style flyers so to speak printed with VistaPrint that has a coupon code on the back. Of course these were printed during the "Free" offers that they have. I fill my sample pots, put in the small jewelry size zip lock bags with a label on the bag that tells what it is, and how to contact if one should want to place an order. I keep a stash of these with me at all times, as well as my husband, who is in and out of office buildings all day. This has really been a big hit for us. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justrightcandles Posted March 27, 2007 Author Share Posted March 27, 2007 I do just as Lindsay mentioned, "while supplies last". It gives me full control over the situation and as she stated I can stop it if things get too out of hand.I always include a sample in every order, which has generated repeat business for me. I keep a track of what I sent to my customers as a sample, therefore I can send something different the next time. Most of the time, my customer will order whatever the sample was.In addition, I had post card style flyers so to speak printed with VistaPrint that has a coupon code on the back. Of course these were printed during the "Free" offers that they have. I fill my sample pots, put in the small jewelry size zip lock bags with a label on the bag that tells what it is, and how to contact if one should want to place an order. I keep a stash of these with me at all times, as well as my husband, who is in and out of office buildings all day. This has really been a big hit for us. HTHI just added a while supplies last to my site. Yeah i use the postcards from vista print too. They look so professional. I am including that and a business card with the sample. I have not been keeping track though...i will start that now. I too would include sample with every purchase but i dont' have anyone purchasing right now.:undecided hence the free samples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crafty1 Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 jsut keep doing what you're doing to get your name out there, believe me it will pay off in the end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnS Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 Do we choose the scents or do they?FREE I assume we would.Or offer just certain scents.Like 5-10.I would like to branch out.More than just my area.LynnS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justrightcandles Posted March 27, 2007 Author Share Posted March 27, 2007 you know i have on my reply email that they can choose BUT i need to change that because i can not make little samples each time they want something different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soycrazy Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 OMG i think that is what happened to me. I use google analytics and under the referral source are websites that i have never heard of. Are most people willing to pay for the shipping?I haven't had any complaints, I even welcome SASE with a couple stamps that seems to work better than people paying online for me at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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