I loooooove free samples, and I also love marketing techniques.
Give you my hotmail address and you’ll give me a free sample? You got it.
I frequently visit a couple of websites in my quest for free samples, and I am continually amazed at what is available (granted, I am easily amused). Some of my best finds include a free bag of Feline Greenies and an invitation to join the Nike product testing panel. (I’m not a runner, so I sent the latter to a friend of mine — she received prototype Nike shoes in exchange for her feedback!)
I really love it when companies send out entire kits to consumers for marketing purposes.
It’s a taste test for Diet 7up. They sent me a box with a can of Diet 7up and cans of two competing drinks, plus a 7up coupon. The theory is that they are so confident I will love Diet 7up, they want me to compare it directly with the competing drinks.
I recently received this box from Del Monte and Starkist:
I went to a website sponsored by Del Monte and Starkist and made a pledge to start living a healthier lifestyle (which really is one of my goals). To “help me in my journey” or something, they sent me an “I Pledge” kit containing a pedometer, a support bracelet, a pack of tuna, a pad for grocery lists, and a booklet with recipes and coupons.
The thing is, once I receive the samples, I feel almost obliged to try them. I’m not really a tuna fan, but since Starkist sent it to me for free, I’ll at least give it a shot. So I get free stuff, and the companies get me to try their product. Works out nicely for both of us that way.
but..did Diet 7-Up win your taste test? Inquiring minds need to know.
Make sure you test the tuna when i’m out of the house. Blegh.
The Diet 7up and Sierra Mist tied for decency. The Sprite Zero was awful.
None of them came close to the goodness of Diet Rite Tangerine.