Why It's Okay To Ask For Samples

why it's okay to ask for samples, samples, store samples, asking for samples Samples are probably one of my favourite parts about visiting Space NK, if I'm going to be dropping £30 on a cleanser I want a complementary treat or two along side it; but as well as that, most of the products in there are so expensive that I like to 'try before I buy', I'll try a cleanser without a tester but moisturisers and serums are a bit different.

It's only recently that I have actually had the confidence to ask for a tester, years ago I would always feel a bit shy or like it was rude to even dare ask for one, but I've found if you get talking to a shop assistant they're usually the first to offer you a sample or to try the makeup on you in store. I've realised it's the complete opposite of rude to ask for one, you're showing an interest in the products that they sell and you're wanting to know more; if anything the shop assistants will love that, it's better to have someone keen and showing an interest in their work than someone who won't even say 'Hello' when they walk through the doors.
Another thing I discovered is that brands have a pretty hefty budget for samples, a lot larger than you might think. I always assumed they would have the one bottle of foundation to test on your hands and that was that, again completely wrong. When I had my interview at L'Oreal I was lucky enough to be given a tour of the warehouse and was shown the aisles and pallets full of samples from their brands. The warehouse manager even said if you leave Kiehls without a handful of samples they've done their job wrong because the company spends such a large percentage of it's costs on samples, it would just be a waste if they're not offering them out. They've made them for you to trial and use, so it would be rude not to take the freebies - right?

"What if they say no?" Was a question I asked myself, scared that they'll reject my request for a sample and I'll have to shamefully walk away. I say if they do say no, walk away head held high and take your money elsewhere! If a brand isn't willing to spend a few percent of their profits on the customer and their overall experience then why should the customer spend 10% of their disposable income on the brands moisturiser? There's another brand out there wanting to help you and wanting to give you the best customer experience possible, give your money to those brands!

In my experience, Lush and Space NK are the best for samples. Lush sometimes even go the extra mile and included full size products; I've had full size face masks, gift boxes and hair products included in my deliveries from Lush, just as a gift without asking. Space NK also are really keen to offer to try them, there's always someone sat in a chair having their makeup done when I go in, and I always leave with a sample of the latest skincare.

What is your stance on samples? Are you happy to ask or still a bit shy?



Disclaimer - I'm not talking about press samples, if you want them you've got to earn them, don't be one of those bloggers that begs for them. I also don't expect full size products or even huge samples, just enough to get a weeks use is a standard sample size.

3 comments

  1. I used to be the same and hated asking but if your spending £30 on one product your entitled to ask for a sample first x
    Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave | My YouTube

    ReplyDelete
  2. I didn't know that Lush did samples! I'm not sure if I could deal going into store and asking for a bit of soap but with so much choice I never know what to get!

    Rachael at broomfie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. If I'm looking at buying a high-end product I ALWAYS ask for samples and if they don't give them, I go elsewhere. If I'm paying £30+ for a foundation it better be perfect haha xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty | High-End Palette Giveaway

    ReplyDelete