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DEALING WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS
What is a product sample and how can I use it to my own advantage?
What is a product sample and how can I use it to my own advantage?
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Written by Luisa
Updated over a week ago

A product sample says more than 1000 words!

Your profile is ready, you have placed your first ad and you are convinced that your product will be well received. After all, you've done your best: great images, excellent texts and convincing arguments for buying your product. Soon the first enquiry arrives! But what happens now?



TURN YOUR ENQUIRY INTO AN ORDER

In general, a request is not yet an order - it still needs some convincing from your side to generate the sale. It is relatively rare that the customer orders goods directly with the first enquiry. In most cases, the customer is interested, but not yet sure whether the product is the perfect match for their shop. After a first personal conversation on the phone, the shop owner may have the feeling that he or she knows you and your brand better and you may even have aroused a certain sympathy. But how can you convince your potential customer completely? With a product sample! Therefore, feel free to offer a product sample as a sales tool, even if you haven't been asked for it.
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CONVINCE WITH A PRODUCT SAMPLE

You don't have one yet? Then it's time to think about offering one. Often the customer wants to hold the product in his hands at least once, to try it or to have a closer look on it. Because no matter how persuasive you have been so far, what counts in the end is: Can you keep your promise? Unlike at an offline trade fair, the customer has not yet had any contact with your physical product. Maybe he can't really imagine your product without holding it in his hands, tasting it or trying it out in some other way.


THE PRODUCT SAMPLE - THE FIRST PHYSICAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE CUSTOMER

There is more to a product sample than meets the eye. The product sample is often the first physical point of contact with the customer in online wholesale. So the question is, how do you want to be perceived? Imagine sending your sample with a nice personal card and a product catalogue lovingly packaged? Or maybe even with a little surprise? Maybe you even have an idea on how to design the sample and the package in which it is sent in such a way that a well-rounded concept is created? There are no limits to your creativity. Love at first sight? Why not! Convince your future customer with a nice gesture and he will remember you.


THE FIRST STEP TO LONG-TERM COOPERATION

It's very easy to find out whether your product sample convinced your potential customer. Give them a call! Get in touch a few days after the sample was received and ask how the shop owner likes the product. If your product persuaded the customer, you will not only have a nice conversation but also your first order. It couldn't be easier! This can be the beginning of wonderful long-term cooperation. And by the way: Even if no order is placed because it was not a match, sending product samples can be a great way to get feedback on your product from a shop owners perspective.



THE PRODUCT SAMPLE AS A MARKETING TOOL

By the way, a product sample does not have to be free. You can of course charge for the sample or offset it against your first order. Or maybe you have a small sample version of your product that you can offer to your potential customers? Because after all, a product sample can be a great marketing tool!

We hope that our article on the subject of product samples has shown you how important the first step is in turning a potential customer into a long-term cooperation. You are starting with your wholesale activities and are not sure whether your product sample is convincing? We are happy to give you feedback in your free Onboarding Call!

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