Free sample promotional items
One of the best ways to get a customer to try your product is to offer them a free sample of what it is you are in business to provide. While giving away free sample promotional items does not lend itself to every type of busines or product, if your business niche does allow such a thing, it is a fantastic opportunity to acquire new customers by proving they like your product.
The food industry has used this strategy quite effectively for ages. Whether it is a new type of sausage or snack food, the free sample booth at a local grocery store can quickly generate a huge increase in sales. The people shopping have a direct hands-on chance to see exactly what it tastes like at the same time they are at the purchasing location. Fast food restaurants also find that free samples of a new type of product will get people to try the new item instead of sticking with the regular purchase.
Household products are another business that has prospered by taking the expense to provide free samples to prospective customers. While it does take a large advertising budget to mail samples of lotions, soaps, detergents, or other such products, the free sample is always welcome, usually used, and helps to quickly build a customer base for the new product since it has been a proven thing from the beginning.
People have a tendency to be more open to a product that they have had experience with in the past. Providing the free samples gives them that experience. Even service industry businesses can get in on the benefits of free samples. It is the very basis of Welcome Wagon and Entertainment Book advertising provides. Almost any routine service can afford to give the first visit to a prospective customer for free. If they do their job right that customer will be back every time they need the service. Since profits come from repeat business, getting them through the door the first time is well worth the cost of the free sample or free service you provide to show them you are who they need to do business with in the future.