3 No-Contact Ways to Deliver Product Samples by Enhancing Your Current Packaging

More questions than answers. That sums up last year for those navigating the best way to do business since a global pandemic was declared.

The same could be said for brand marketers facing disruption of in-store sampling programs. For nearly one year, the traditional marketing strategy has been on hiatus as social distancing and face coverings have reduced leisure trips to the store.

While many of these trial programs await their in-store return, the need to develop a marketing strategy to launch a new product, convert new customers, and grow brand awareness is more critical than ever.

Thankfully, there are safe alternatives to deliver your product samples into consumers’ hands.

Deliver product samples and convert long-term customers

1. On-Pack Giveaway

With our changing world this past year, what hasn’t changed for many consumers is the desire for convenience—and what’s more convenient than receiving a free trial directly on a product they’re already purchasing?

You can spark interest by attaching a small bottle, tube, or sachet sample to a primary product. With purchase of the primary product, customers will receive your free sample as an added bonus—no direct contact required. The sample will go home with them, where they can try it and determine if they will purchase it in the future.

Although the goal of this marketing strategy is to convert a trial consumer into a long-term customer, your primary product may also benefit from the sample attachment. Attaching a free sample has been demonstrated to encourage consumers to make a purchase they weren’t already planning to or even switch from a planned purchase to the promoted brand.

2. Instant Redemption

Use today’s technological advancements to your brand’s advantage by adding a custom printed tag with a barcode, coupon, or QR code to your product. Create a fun, informative hang tag that clearly promotes what you are offering and identifies how your customer can redeem their free product, sample, or discount.

An IRC is a great way to drive sales, cross merchandise, and extend your brand. You can invite further engagement with your product by adding a unique QR code. By scanning your code, consumers have access to use instructions, recipes, and other content than what can fit on a tag directly at their fingertips.

3. E-sampling/Subscription Boxes/Meal Kits

More people are making online purchases for delivery or curbside pickup, and opting in to receive subscription boxes or meal kits on a monthly and weekly basis.

These methods that deliver product to consumers without ever stepping foot into the store shouldn’t be ignored by brands looking to grow their customer base.

Delivered on a recurring basis, subscription boxes appeal to consumer’s desire to have novel experiences. In other words, the mystery of what’s inside is what makes this delivery method work.

Because of this appeal, many services deliver an assortment of products from different brands. Therefore, just like in traditional retail displays, your brand’s product is not immune to competition, as you work to win the ultimate prize: long-term customers.

Just like hang tags can deliver a barcode/QR code, they’re also effective tools to share your brand story or showcase product features in a solid effort to resonate with the customer and hopefully attract repeat purchases.