What type of promotional objective is achieved by offering free samples of a new candy bar?

 Jacquie

A:

The primary objective in offering free samples of your candy bar (or any other product) is simply to get your potential customer to try your product.  When offered as a free sample, the consumer can sample it without any fear of making a purchasing mistake. If they like what they taste, they might buy since they now know what they are getting.   

A secondary result achieved by free sampling is that your customer is pushed passed the awareness phase in the purchasing behavior model right into interest to try the product. Hopefully, the candy bar is so good or so meets a primal need of the target customer that they will want more of the item and buy. 

Purchasing Behavior Model 

When you sample the product, don’t just offer a sample, give the consumer a primary, compelling reason to use the product that is different from what the competition offers.

You might have fewer people sample at times, but the ones who try will be moved toward desire for the product instead of just interest as you have now identified a primal reason to buy.   

Free sampling does not just belong to the food industry.  Many types of products can be given free or offered as a two for one type of offer.  When you do offer a free sample, back it up immediately with a coupon to purchase at a discount or better yet, 2 for 1.

Free sampling is a great way to introduce a new product.  Try it in different locations with different compelling reasons and see what works best for sales. It doesn’t mater how many people sample, it matters how many people buy!

Rodger B. Price