Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Samples in the mail

Benny here.

The Postal Service is now market testing a “Sample Solutions" co-op box.

A sample sampler box
The parcel box will contain an assortment of beauty, health and snack food items from multiple consumer packaged goods companies. The co-op boxes, which will be distributed to 200,000 consumers in Charlotte, NC, and Pittsburgh, PA, will be branded with the Postal Service logo and include the tagline “A selection of free product samples.”

Back in my day, I tried this. I sent out sample boxes of spices, tack, and Dr. Benny's Potion #12.  I got some sales. I got some flack, especially from Alexander Hamilton who disputed the claim that the potion would increase sharpness.  Hey Alex, I never claimed it would make people smarter.

So, what kind of samples would you like in the mail? What would you respond to?
Comment here.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would definitely respond to new jelly bean flavors.

Anonymous said...

I love samples... bring 'em on!

Anonymous said...

I would love to get free samples in the mail. I think it's a great marketing tool. Maybe with a sample enclosed, people wouldn't call it "junk mail"!!

Anonymous said...

M&M candy and coffee or latte samples. Free samples of anything would be great!

Stacy L. said...

Once, I got samples of Stacy's pita chips in the mail ... they arrived out of the clear blue, not like some packages that you ask to be sent to you. I ate many Stacy's pita chips after that - found my favorite flavors and everything :)

And I found it very interesting, the marketing idea that prompted it: send the chips to everyone named Stacy!

Anonymous said...

I've done searches on the internet for free items and get samples all the time. Not only is it fun, it's good revenue for the good old USPS.