Samples are the backbone of sales in the promotional products industry. Why? Well, the top reason consumers are more likely to purchase in a physical store versus online is because they can see, feel and experience the product in-person.* Samples allow you (and your customers) to physically see the power of a logoed product before deciding to purchase.

And samples aren’t just important to present to your own clients! Distributors like you use samples to help them build informed product pitch decks and decide which trends will help bring in the most profit for upcoming quarters. One of the main questions we get from distributors is how to get access to sample items from top suppliers. Here are a few ideas:

1. Reach out to your trusted suppliers. At one of our recent fASIlitate events, the vast majority of suppliers in attendance told us that they happily give out free sample products to prospective distributor clients – often all you have to do is pay for shipping! This is a great place to start if you want to get in on the free samples. Give your suppliers a quick call and ask if they’re willing to ship you a sample box.
2. Attend a trade show. Trade shows and expos are havens for free swag! Just touring the show floor at an ASI Show will result in tote bags full of free samples and lots of access to new-client discounts from exhibiting suppliers.
3. Ask your ASI rep. Think of your ASI account executive as your tour guide of the industry. They are fountains of knowledge and can always point you in the right direction for resources.

Don’t forget! As an ASI member, you get access to discounts through UPS. This is good to keep in mind if a supplier requests that you cover the shipping for a sample box. Also, remember that ESP users have access to virtual samples, which means you can digitally add your client’s logo to any virtual sample-enabled product image to help you land the sale.

Do you have a go-to source for acquiring samples? Share your tips with other distributors on our social media pages!

*Source: Bedgood, Larisa. “25 Stats on Consumer Shopping Trends for 2019.” March 7, 2019. Business2community.com.