Anyone have experience with recieving product samples?

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by Skinny, Jan 7, 2006.

  1. #1
    Hey I run a gadget blog and some companies have offered to send product samples.

    1) Do I keep these? (I'm thinking, no).

    2) Problem: In college with not that much money and in Canada. So the shipping back would be a pain for now.

    What normally occurs in this process?

    Skinny
     
    Skinny, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  2. sebastianrs

    sebastianrs Active Member

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    #2
    actually you should keep these!! but you can only know if you inform yourself more about each company... or just ask them!
     
    sebastianrs, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  3. dct

    dct Finder of cool gadgets

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    #3
    You can normally keep them, a bonus of the job :)

    I'm expecting a new $275 jacket next week :) what stuff have you had or been offered?
     
    dct, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  4. T0PS3O

    T0PS3O Feel Good PLC

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    #4
    Next time, clear it up beforehand. If they do want it back they can send pre paid envelopes/boxes with it or arrange a courier pick-up so you are not inconvenienced.
     
    T0PS3O, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  5. NetMidWest

    NetMidWest Peon

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    #5
    Ask if you can keep it. Worst case, they say no, you ask who pays shipping and when you have to send it back... explain that your finances all go toward college, you might try mentioning you do long term updates on products... maybe they will give you the whole school year or change their minds and let you have it.
     
    NetMidWest, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  6. nicknick

    nicknick Peon

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    #6
    yeah. keep it. They offered it and it's a cost of you writing about and advertising their product for them. But make sure it's understood that you cannot return items sent. If the company knows your policy, they can make the decision on if they want to have their product reviewed by sending you a free sample.

    Some companies will give you a better model than they sell to get a good review. I don't know if you care or not but it's something to consider. Good luck with the blog and the free stuff!
     
    nicknick, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  7. Skinny

    Skinny Peon

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    #7
    Haha . . . yea that's what I wanted to know. . .if I should ask for clarification etc.

    Thanks for the help guys.

    I have been offered a powerball and cellboost battery for the iPod (add on you use when your battery is done).

    Nothing too huge. . .but hey free is free.

    I haven't accepted anything because I didn't know how to deal with 'em.

    Thanks again

    Skinny
     
    Skinny, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  8. KeithLDick

    KeithLDick Peon

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    #8
    When I was working with Xgaming, we would send out X-Arcades to be reviewed and the Game/Tech sites get to keep them because of the cost to ship them there & back was darn near what they cost to make..

    I'd take some of that stuff and offer it in "Monthly Contests" or something like that if you personally do not want it, or I guess sell it for a few bucks to help with school..
     
    KeithLDick, Jan 7, 2006 IP
  9. Skinny

    Skinny Peon

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    #9
    Great . . . contests. Awesome I didn't think of that.

    Skinny
     
    Skinny, Jan 8, 2006 IP