Whatever Happened To Free Samples?

[barry1010]

Years ago we used to get lots of free samples through the letter box - washing powder, washing up liquid, soap, biscuits, shampoo - all sorts of things, usually accompanied by a money off coupon.
Can't remember the last time I had one.

[tiggerblue10]

I used to trawl freebie websites years ago and order samples. Trouble was you had to sign up with them to get their samples and I'd end up with loads of spam and phishing which I then blocked or unsubscribbed.

[barry1010]

I used to get two or three a week through my letterbox long before I had the internet. Usually delivered by the postman but sometimes by a leafleter.

[Ken4155]

I think what happens these days is people sign up as 'testers' and are then sent free samples to try out in order to report back on them on line. Thereby garnering lots of free advertising.

[Mamyalynne]

Possibly a combination of factors Barry, cost and safety are two that spring to mind.

I recall my Daughter when she was about 3 intercepting a sachet of some baby lotion or other, fortunately it wouldn't have done her any harm if she had eaten it.

[Mamyalynne]

I have done surveys for companies that send you products to test in the past.

[zebo]

I found a box of DVDs that had come free in various newspapers, some wonderful stuff, I watched Kind Hearts and Coronets and The Spy WHo Came in From the Cold last night. They don't seem to do that either.

[barry1010]

Yes, Ken - times have changed with all these 'social influencers' advertising everything under the sun on the likes of YouTube.

Mamya - keep away from children, they tell us. Which is a bit rude - not all children are little monsters :D

[barry1010]

I'd forgotten about those, Zebo. I have some, too, and you've reminded me of the very thin, flexible and colourful records that used to come free in my comics and music mags when I were a lad.

And the free software cds that came with every pc mag much later

[Georgiesmum]

Dont forget every time we bought a womans magazine years ago, there was always several vouchers in it to cut out and use. They were often money off vouchers for washing powder or cat and dog food.

[Georgiesmum]

Also new washing machines used to come with a free sample of soap powder inside it. for the new owner.

[Canary42]

They got the kiss of death from the Blame-and-Claim brigade (fuelled by No Win No Fee) who were ever ready to manufacture false claims for poisoned/injured/upset children/pets retrieving samples from the doormat.

As this was an area where our beloved judiciary were prepared to award astronomical damages, the practice became too risky.