Advantages and disadvantages of free makeup samples
When a company or a business offers a free sample, there are various advantages both to the consumer as well as to the manufacturer. The first advantage is for the consumer. The fact that these samples have no cost attached to it, sees that people are more ready to try it out and sample it to see what it will be like. This is as compared to if they had to buy the makeup for themselves. In such a case they would be more reluctant and hesitant to try out a new product. Both due to the fact that they are satisfied with the product they are using as well as the fact that they are unaware of this new product and the effect it could have on their skin.
The second advantage in offering a free makeup sample is that the manufacturer gets more people to know of this product and of the company. Rather than spend money on commercial advertising, giving away free samples helps the manufacturer to directly connect with the end consumer and gets the end consumer to know not only of that product but also of the different offerings by the manufacturer. The company thus benefits as they gain long term customers. Offering free makeup samples also helps to create a lot of buzz and attracts a huge crowd of people who otherwise would probably not even pay a second glance to a billboard or advertisement sign or even look at the advertisement in the print or on TV.
The third advantage is that it results in free publicity and people spread the word about the generosity of the manufacturer and the company. They also inform others and that helps the company in getting free recognition, name and fame.
When the free makeup sample is well packaged and branded, it works as an advertisement for the manufacturer and it sticks in the memory of the consumer.
For the manufacturer, giving of free samples helps in getting immediate feedback about the product directly from the end customer and thus whatever tweaks need to be made to the product, can be done. The manufacturer is also made aware of the choice, trends, likes and dislikes of the consumers.
However, there are certain disadvantages attached to free makeup samples. This causes a drain of finances and companies in today’s competitive world work on razor-thin margins and at most times cannot afford to give stuff for free unless they are sure that it will help them with increasing their sales and revenue conversion.
There are people who have no intention of buying the makeup but use this strategy as a means of how to get free makeup.
Some products are not offered free to the consumer but are offered with a string attached. One can get a product free provided one buys the other product or else they can get the product free in exchange for supplying the company with their email address so that the company can send promotional mails to them. Some may even ask for phone numbers.