Samples or No Samples??

Lainey Power Tan Corp. · 10-11-2002, 02:22 PM

Just wanted some input from everyone as the ITA SHOW approaches.

Samples or no samples??? As a manufacturer we always give out tons of samples at the shows, instead of having them fill out a registration card and sending them via the mail. All with the intent that they will go back, sample them, love them and buy the product. Then on the other hand you hear of the salon owner, their employees and relatives all waiting in line for samples to pay for their trip or make some extra money at the salon. If you don't give out samples, people get mad and think your cheap and who will buy your product if they can't sample it first??? Please let me know what you think? We can't ever get better without your comments or suggestions.

Thanks!
Lainey Dyer
Power Tan Corp.

fungirlz · 10-11-2002, 08:04 PM

No Samples..
Lotion grabbers are just that.. in my opinion.. grabby grabby..and it stinks...

I see the litter all over the hotel..that is your materials for promotion..and education.... if they are interested.. have them fill out a card and ya'll can send them samples.. but them throwing away the mateials just to grab a tiny sample..
OH MY .... it's awful...

FIRE DOG · 10-11-2002, 08:48 PM

NO SAMPLES!!! This makes the show bad for serious shoppers who want to talk with you about products. We are pushed out of the way by the trick or treaters. I have to blame the show sponcers for advertising "get alot of free products to pay for your trip. Give me a break.

fungirlz · 10-11-2002, 08:55 PM

I agree Fire Dog..... those of us who want to ask questions are forced out of the way so someone can be grabbing free tiny tiny samples.. it is a sight..and not a nice one to see people act this way..

pam · 10-11-2002, 09:04 PM

I agree, too. Although it is fun to have some stuff to take home, there have been times that I had questions that I could not get answered because lots of people were pushing and shoving for their freebies. I saw a few get really angry when they were told only one per salon. We need to network with the folks we are really interested in. If I am really interested, I don't mind paying a small amount for a sample of something I want to try.
Pam

Rayztanning · 10-17-2002, 06:41 AM

One of the problems with samples is the ones you decide not to sell.

When you disount them, sell them off at the store, you then don't get an opportunity to sell a regular bottle. Thus you lose out the chance to cement an ongoing lotion relationship.

FIRE DOG · 10-17-2002, 10:24 AM

You all know as well as I that there are many salons that grab gobs of samples and then take them back home and sell their loot. I find it funny that these are the same people who every year complain that their lotion sales are very low. Well if you dont have shelf presence then your tanners will not think it is a good product.

K-tina · 10-22-2002, 10:52 AM

[ This Message was edited by: K-tina on 2002-10-22 11:11 ]

bsmart · 10-26-2002, 08:13 PM

No samples! Do an educational session like AG did last year and help salons understand WHY they should use your products. Explain any CO-OP programs etc. Then give those willing to attend the training session something worthwhile for their time.

TikiTan · 10-28-2002, 11:42 AM

As a new salon owner I am not coming to Nashville for the samples.. I am coming for what I hope to be a wealth of knowledge... When I order my lotion I order samples then and try them out if I like I order the bottles on my next order...

Im not going to be happy if Im trying to gain some info and get pushed out of the way for someone only interested in the freebie...

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10-11-2002, 02:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lainey Power Tan Corp. Join Date: Jun 20 2002 Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0	Just wanted some input from everyone as the ITA SHOW approaches. Samples or no samples??? As a manufacturer we always give out tons of samples at the shows, instead of having them fill out a registration card and sending them via the mail. All with the intent that they will go back, sample them, love them and buy the product. Then on the other hand you hear of the salon owner, their employees and relatives all waiting in line for samples to pay for their trip or make some extra money at the salon. If you don't give out samples, people get mad and think your cheap and who will buy your product if they can't sample it first??? Please let me know what you think? We can't ever get better without your comments or suggestions. Thanks! Lainey Dyer Power Tan Corp.

10-11-2002, 08:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
fungirlz Join Date: Jan 17 2002 Posts: 4,753 Rep Power: 8	No Samples.. Lotion grabbers are just that.. in my opinion.. grabby grabby..and it stinks... I see the litter all over the hotel..that is your materials for promotion..and education.... if they are interested.. have them fill out a card and ya'll can send them samples.. but them throwing away the mateials just to grab a tiny sample.. OH MY .... it's awful...

10-11-2002, 08:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
FIRE DOG Join Date: Dec 5 2000 Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	NO SAMPLES!!! This makes the show bad for serious shoppers who want to talk with you about products. We are pushed out of the way by the trick or treaters. I have to blame the show sponcers for advertising "get alot of free products to pay for your trip. Give me a break.

10-11-2002, 08:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
fungirlz Join Date: Jan 17 2002 Posts: 4,753 Rep Power: 8	I agree Fire Dog..... those of us who want to ask questions are forced out of the way so someone can be grabbing free tiny tiny samples.. it is a sight..and not a nice one to see people act this way..

10-11-2002, 09:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
pam Police Department Join Date: Oct 29 2001 Location: USA Posts: 5,036 Rep Power: 9	I agree, too. Although it is fun to have some stuff to take home, there have been times that I had questions that I could not get answered because lots of people were pushing and shoving for their freebies. I saw a few get really angry when they were told only one per salon. We need to network with the folks we are really interested in. If I am really interested, I don't mind paying a small amount for a sample of something I want to try. Pam

10-17-2002, 06:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rayztanning Join Date: Jan 26 2000 Posts: 205 Rep Power: 0	One of the problems with samples is the ones you decide not to sell. When you disount them, sell them off at the store, you then don't get an opportunity to sell a regular bottle. Thus you lose out the chance to cement an ongoing lotion relationship.

10-17-2002, 10:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
FIRE DOG Join Date: Dec 5 2000 Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	You all know as well as I that there are many salons that grab gobs of samples and then take them back home and sell their loot. I find it funny that these are the same people who every year complain that their lotion sales are very low. Well if you dont have shelf presence then your tanners will not think it is a good product.

10-22-2002, 10:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
K-tina Join Date: Dec 18 2001 Location: South Posts: 365 Rep Power: 7	[ This Message was edited by: K-tina on 2002-10-22 11:11 ]

10-28-2002, 11:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
TikiTan Join Date: Jul 27 2002 Posts: 823 Rep Power: 7	As a new salon owner I am not coming to Nashville for the samples.. I am coming for what I hope to be a wealth of knowledge... When I order my lotion I order samples then and try them out if I like I order the bottles on my next order... Im not going to be happy if Im trying to gain some info and get pushed out of the way for someone only interested in the freebie...

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