Product Sampling
StartSampling offers clients access to an integrated ‘one-stop’ solution for their sampling needs. Our team actively manages the entire program, including creative, Web design, fulfillment, program reporting and data delivery.
The following graphic depicts the full range of services that enable our unique e-sampling solution.
StartSampling has developed the ability to ensure that a brand can efficiently access a high volume source of qualified consumers to achieve their reach goals for any sampling program. Nearly every large scale program we execute represents a hybrid approach to meeting consumer touch point goals. Brands utilize a combination of up to four of the following key distribution channels, while employing a single StartSampling engine to ensure consistent and efficient delivery of samples.
Distribution Channels
StartSampling.com and StartSampling Network Our website includes a membership panel of over 2.5 million active and diverse consumers, to which brands can target their samples and offers. Often, a client will first use StartSampling’s panel as a test environment to measure how its brands respond and perform, before they initiate a larger scale program.
The StartSampling Network is a network of sites that allow us to offer our customers the option of distributing samples through the main StartSampling site as well as through other, complementary communities, such as MySavings network, Family Circle, Coupon Mom and many others. The StartSampling Sampling Network positions us as a broker of product sampling programs to other online communities.
StartSampling Retailer Network StartSampling works with mass, grocery and drug retailers to set up and maintain sample offers on the retailer’s own Website. This creates a distribution point as brands grow their business at these retailers.
Branded Microsite StartSampling works with its clients to create branded microsites for their products, from which online visitors can obtain more information about the product and request free samples, to be fulfilled by StartSampling. Brands use a variety of media assets to direct consumers to these sites (e.g., the brand’s own home page, corporate sites, specific marketing platforms or even multi-brand support approaches). StartSampling works with clients to help leverage all of their existing assets so they can generate efficient return on the database investments they make. With its extensive library of microsite templates, we can deliver more sophisticated microsites and superior service, while being less expensive than many of the alternatives and competition.
Closed Loop Customer Engagement
StartSampling is involved in every step of the online sampling process, from engagement to feedback gathering, and offers its clients an unparalleled level of service. The following is an example of this process from one Retailer Network engagement.
Steps 1 & 2: Placement and Engagement The sample offer is placed in relevant locations throughout the Retailer Network, and the consumer is directed to a “brand page” that describes the product and the sample offer
Steps 3 & 4: Customer Information Gathering Visitors request the sample by providing their name and address and also answer scripted questions for reporting and targeting
Steps 5 & 6: Fulfillment and Feedback Samples are shipped in co-branded (retailer and brand) packaging, and an email follow-up is sent to gather consumer research and gauge efficacy of the sampling program.
This feedback loop creates enormously valuable data assets that inform brands about the relative performance of their sampling programs. Each report tells a brand how well a particular brand sample performed in comparison to other products sampled in the past.