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The StartSampling Advantage

Best Execution Practices - discovered over a decade of success in the world of online sample requests:

1. Establish a pool of samples and then divide this pool to meet program consumer reach objectives based on customer needs, objectives, sales volume, and other criteria. Customer websites (e.g. Walmart.com) have been terrific venues to engage active consumers.

2. Early attention to sample design often has a tremendous impact on costs. Involve StartSampling’s experts early in the sample design process to ensure the sample you create can be delivered efficiently. This can increase your program ROI by significantly reducing your costs.
3. Employ consistent creative across all retailer customers. Allows most efficient production of samples and mail pieces to leverage total program scale.
4. We realize every consumer is not online all the time. Many of our clients supplement their e-sampling campaigns with traditional direct mail for greater household penetration. We have access to thousands of mailing lists. Or, use your own in-house list.
5. Think long term. Opt consumers into the brand/marketing platform database and communicate with these consumers on an ongoing basis. Continue the brand relationship well beyond the initial event for even greater ROI.
6. For creative consistency and cost savings, plan and integrate brand and retailer online and offline sampling efforts at the same time. Click here to see an example
7. If program is shopper marketing focused only, be sure to integrate timing and quantity of samples across all relevant retailers.
8. Measure the campaign in all facets of execution via real time event monitoring.
9. Include post-program survey to gain consumer input on product and purchase dynamics (conversion, intent, future intent, etc.).
10. Schedule pre-post study with retailer for sales measurement (using register/ frequent shopper card data, etc.).
11. Consider other types of offers when samples are simply not available:
    1. Mailed coupons (postcard or self-mailer/brochure) for products that either don’t have samples available or can’t sample effectively in the mail (e.g.refridgerated items).
    2. Multi-page coupon brochures leveraging brand equity (e.g. support a feature event across categories or master brand line, “seasonal” themes, etc.).
    3. A premium instead of a sample can be mailed with great response depending upon the category
12. When multiple sampling tactics (venues, channels) are deployed – create all event handouts and mailers simultaneously for greatest efficiency. We’ll mange overall sample inventory for maximum flexibility and deliver samples as requested.