A free sample or freebie is a portion of food or other product which is given out in shopping malls, grocery stores, and other venues.[1] Sometimes samples of non-perishable items are included in direct marketing mailings. The purpose of a free sample is to acquaint the consumer with a new product.
The concept of a free sample is not unlike that of a test drive, in that a customer is able to try out a product before purchasing it.
Many companies have decided to offer free samples to customers online as a way for them to try the product. The hope being that they enjoy the product and in the future wish to purchase the product again[1]
Benjamin T. Babbitt in the 19th century was one of the first, if not the first, people to offer free sample of his products.[2]
Many consumer product companies now have a page or section of their Web site devoted to offering.
References
- ^ a b De Bower, Herbert Francis (1919). Advertising principles. Original from the University of California: Alexander Hamilton Institute (U.S.), page 156.
- ^ "Find a Grave". Benjamin T. Babbitt. Retrieved on Setember 7, 2008.
|
