Some people just won't take a telling...

[jimbairn]

As mentioned in another thread, my magnet site was highlighted on a Canadian forum specialising in pointing out freebies and free offers. My own fault really for offering a free sample service (wonder if I should pass on Flying Bears details...) but by 7.30pm on Monday I'd had about 130 enquiries - some genuine from businesses and quite a lot just looking for a freebie. So I decided that enough was enough and posted on the forum that I was suspending the free sample offer.

And still the enquiries came in...

I altered the enquiry pages on the website to say in big red letters "I HAVE SUSPENDED THE FREE SAMPLES!!"

And still the enquiries came in...

I put a big scary video of me on the website saying "I HAVE SUSPENDED THE FREE SAMPLES!!"

And still the enquiries came in...

And as of tonight, while the flood has stopped, thay are STILL trickling in. The only way peiople can make enquiries is by filling in the details on the relevant page which is headed "I HAVE SUSPENDED THE FREE SAMPLES!!"

Mind you, most of them are Americans....

I tell you, I better get a LOT of business out of this!

[Jayne]

Have you got any freebies left? lol

Jayne

[Tin]

me too please http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon12.gifhttp://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

[SillyJokes]

Poor Jim,

I could have told you that! And it's only just begun as freebie sites feed off each other and news goes round them all of free samples. Many of them are hobbyists who like to get something in the post everyday and get a buzz out if it. I guess some of them may buy but how much is that sale going to cost you?

It happened to us when we offered samples of our plain colour napkins. We did this because we got so many returns because the colour wasn't right for the event and we don't make much on napkins so it was a right pain. We put up a page offering samples and were inundated within a week and when you read the forums you knew you weren't going to be getting any business.

It was such a shame as the samples really helped our customers make the right choice for them and having an online form made life easier for us.

On the up side it is a good way to get a lot of links very fast as any new freebie soon gets picked up by the hundreds of freebie sites out there, some of which are highly ranked.

[FunkyBears]

Hi Jim,
We have built up our corporate business by sending out Free Samples on a daily basis. We have targeted areas like dance schools, nurseries, hotels, car clubs etc and all these have been most receptive. We don't just send out a blank sample but a product that is personalised with the name of the hotel or club. I advertised Free Samples on this Forum and it has already generated a number of orders and we are sending more samples out today. It is not something I would ever repeat and I have learned some very valuable lessons!
What I would advise is that you look a more targeted strategy and send out samples to those who you think are likely to order. The feedback we receive demonstrates that people are delighted to receive a Freebie especially if it is unexpected and personalised, it demonstates your have put thought and effort into your marketing and this 'Give to Get' works.
We will continue sending out Free samples, we have sent out over 10,000 ,it is our best form of marketing and not only generates goodwill but a considerable number of referrals.
So don't be put off using free samples and please please don't post my offer
on any site or forum!
Good luck speak soon
Paul
www.flyingbears.net
www.flyingcards.net

[jimbairn]

No I was only joking about posting your link. I wouldn't inflict that on anyone...

I don't mind sending out free samples - in moderation. 130 in one day is just a bit much. Of the total I received I identified about 15 as being genuine enquiries because they filled in the "comment" part with "really interested - looking for business samples" type comments. About 70% of the rest at least gave business addresses and the rest just a curt "Send it!" message.

As it happens, I do have a fir surplus stock lying doing nothing and they are aimed at Scottish expats in America and Canada. So it make take a little time, effort and expense but who knows what may come out of it.

[mattk]

Can I have a free fridge magnet with a picture of Sven Goran Erikson kicking Ronaldinho in the ass?

[weddingcrafter]

I can sympathise.

We made a decision not to offer free samples as brides to be are notorious for collecting freebies. Instead we offer a free swatch service, BUT we ask the customer to send a stamped addressed envelope. We also do sample packs at low cost. So the serious buyers can check colours etc at minimum cost without us spending all our time sending out free samples.

Works for us.

[PeteA]

If anyone would like a freebie weekend with my mother-in-law just holler

[jimbairn]

Can I have a free fridge magnet with a picture of Sven Goran Erikson kicking Ronaldinho in the ass?

Who's Sven Goran Erikson?