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[Melvin Goodrum Company: AdvoCare International, L.P. Contribution Level: 4]

The reason why I had to ask this question is because I have been handing out samples for some time now.
I built a down line who, in turn, did the same thing. They were buying the products and handing out the samples to their friends and family all over the place. I am sure their cost for resending samples to their families were quite high.
So, Melvin, our team did hand out samples for quite some time. All I got out of it was two large personal loans that I am still paying for. And the bottom line is that I got zero results and no customers.
I asked a question earlier in a forum and I was told not to do that. I was further instructed to narrow my target market and stick with that until I see some results.
I have now a website where the company offers a free sample to the prospective customer with a guarantee with it. If a customer is willing to buy, I would be willing to advance samples for their family at least until their shipment arrives.
For me and for all my efforts, handing out samples does not work. When a person becomes serious about doing something about their health, I will work with them to get them some samples.
I thank everybody for their contribution to this discussion.

I'm sorry to hear that and I'm not sure how they went about it but sample shouldn't run that much money. Most companies have sample kits so I really can't fathom needing to take out personal loans. But like I said, you have to decide what's best for your business. I use samples to get people talking and I just gave my input on how I went about it

[Melvin Goodrum Company: AdvoCare International, L.P. Contribution Level: 4]

This is a subject that I have been working on for quite some time.
I have sold bottles of my products over the years and I have learned at a lost to continue to sell that way.
I have given away my products also at a lost and I have learned not to offer my products that way also.
Now, my products come in sample sizes for easy carrying. I have given out samples over the holidays at events, social gatherings, family gatherings and coworkers. And I have done the follow-up routine to see if they like or could use the products. To date, not one sale from this method.
What are your take on this subject?
What are your experiences on handing out samples?

It is a great way to handle samples for a product that is good.
Very bad way for a product that is bad.
If you use this method and you have poor results – start to think if you really want to continue and market your product.
I am telling from experience…

Definitely true. If samples don't net you any fish, then its time to throw out that bait

[Mario Sanders Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 6]

I totally agree with you, Melvin.
I had a large enough budget to cover everything like you suggested, but still no results with that method.
So that methodology is out the window!

[Juanita Waterman Company: Empower Network, LLC Contribution Level: 9]

You got to Give before you Get. So you got to give them something handing out samples works for the company and you if you have a Large downline. I have given away alot of samples with no results. Your best bet is to have something you can give away all day and it never costs you a cent. I have free capture pages and autoresponder. I give it away all day long and it works and no out of pocket expenses for me.

[Reuben Oyeyele Contribution Level: 1]

What a topic? I think this is a double edged knife. I am not offering any free samples but I do work with certain affiliate networks that give out free trial samples and if the customers like the product, they order more.

You earn $30 commission on every free trial samples bottle sign up and that is all you get.

Supposing the customer orders 2, 5 or even 10 bottles later? You don't get a dime. Meaning you are losing out on recurring commissions.

I think that giving out free trial samples pays off because the affiliate networks which offer these products are still in business after 5 years.

[Ronald Cheek Company: GBG Contribution Level: 1]

Hey Mario

A tool that I use are brochures by Tim Sales
called 'Why Do I...age? get sick? get diseases?'
and 'What Do Vitamins and Minerals Do For Me?'

These two brochures have increased my conversions
when I give out samples. My prospect is educated
on why they need to take a supplement instead of
me trying to convince them other wise. When they
come back to me they are pre-sold on learning more
about my product and getting started. I've also noticed
my retention is longer for those customers than those
who didn't get the brochures before trying my product

You can get copies of the brochures at Tim Sales'
website www.FirstClassMLMTools.com

Hope this helps

[Marlena Burton Contribution Level: 2]

It's just a personal decision.

Some in our company only give a cold sample of our health drink and since they can typically feel it in 30 minutes, then its effective, but giving people samples to take home just gives them a taste, and causes you to have to do more follow up and slows down the process of them making a decision. With my company there is a 45 day money back guarantee, so I tell them what it's done for me, and they can get their money back if for any reason they are not satisfied.

I am to the point that I only want to have to carry a business card or just wear a button and that be it.
I think about duplication in all that I do. My sponsor sent me a sample, I don't want to have to mail out
samples, but was grateful that he cared enough to send one. One good point to having a sample available is if you do muscle testing with your product, it's fun and they "see it"

So I would say it just depends upon your personality and how fast you want to move forward.

Much success to you,
Marlena
http://gottabefree.theultimatesystem.com

[Robin Ellis Company: Usana Health Sciences, Inc. Contribution Level: 1]

Sounds like a great recipe for going broke. Don't get me wrong, sampling works, but in my case it's as part of a presentation or through my website (robinellis.biz) where I get the persons full details and level of interest.

Robin Ellis

[Mark Swierbinski Company: AdvoCare International, L.P. Contribution Level: 1]

Handing out samples is like handing out free bread at the grocery store. Don't expect anything is return. Go with the exchange idea. Would you like a sample, "YES" can I follow-up with you later to see what you think. Get name, email phone, and ask if you can opt them in to your news letter, letting them know that it will used only to let thme know about your company and products. you can tell the they can opt out any time.
Mark

[Elias Callejo Company: ViSalus Sciences Contribution Level: 2]

Mario, thanks for the post. I love it. You know, there is always the inner battle within every Network Marketing leader regarding that very issue. I have an organization of over 4,000+ people and we are in the wellness business. I've just recently started this group that is going crazy and it all started from a simple product placement. So the lead in was with the product.

However, I sifted through the organization ASAP to identify the Business Minded leaders quickly. Once I found out who they were, I started mentoring them and teaching them the "Big Business Model" as Randy Gage calls it.

In that way, you could let your people lead with products. I guess the rule of thumb is you find out what business model they really want to participate in. The Big Business model or the Small Business model.

Either one works, it's just that the income earned is different.

I know lots of other distributors in my company who say to lead in with the product that don't make
$100K+/yr. and aren't global top producers like me, however maybe that's not their drive in the first place. It was for me.

I figured this...

If I think big business model here and make tons of money, that only means one thing (since my company doesn't really focus on the upfront recruiting bonuses), there are more people using my products with a bigger organization (business) than a small one.

Either way, a lot of people will continue to prosper because of the products.