What companies have you gotten samples from?

[samplegal]

Originally Posted by nataly29 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Thank you for they list. My husband was like 'how much have you send already, you been getting a lot of packages'

I told him there wore all free samples and ask me where wore his.

Originally Posted by tnorth1852 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


Awesome!! Thank you so much! My Mister thanks you, too! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

You're welcome! Hope they get hooked on product just like my boyfriend! He's completely "in."

 

[CookiesGirl327]

So I am a sample hoarder. I use them, I love them. I save them. I look at them. I pet them. I give them away. I have an obsession. I haven't necessarily fallen in love with much yet, and unfortunately I never overuse product-so a little lasts me forever! I began emailing companies a few weeks ago and a few days later my mailbox was crammed full of packages everyday. Like 6-8. Some came UPS or FedEx. I have been keeping a list of all the companies that said yes. The companies that said no. The list of samples I've received. The only thing I don't have a list of is EVERYONE I emailed (some I use the form on the site, etc) Some companies don't respond to you but still send samples. Skyn Iceland accidentally sent a package twice. I have a huge Ulta bag filled with samples JUST from emailing companies. I don't want to use them or put them away until I receive them all and can take a picture for you guys. It is kind of frustrating when a company sends some people full sized products or humongous samples, and sends the next foil packets or none at all. Im grateful for any and everything but it does make you wonder....

 

[Olga Ok]

I actually think companies run out of samples from time to time and word it wrong when they e-mail back to you. Especially if the volume of requests suddenly goes up. I don't mind if it is packets either- at least we are not even paying for shipping! I think it is worse if a company replies back that they sell samples for $10.00 or more but don't even let you know what you would get. It might just be one small foil packet. 

I'm very happy with the samples received. However, if I have a choice, I would definitely prefer a full size product to a sample any time of the day. Every time I see a huge freebie, my jaw drops and I'm like ' what about me?" /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> is this because I seemed to be not good enough of a potential customer? I am referring this to a big array of responses people receive here on the forum from the same companies.

 

[Ashley Brooke]

Didn't mean to upset anybody. I was honestly just excited and beyond surprised at what they sent 

 

[leelee82]

I emailed Carols Daughter yesterday. They said no. Still waiting response on some others

 

[CookiesGirl327]

Ashley Brooke, I don't think you upset anyone! It just makes me curious. Companies should have standards when it comes to these requests (I'm NOT talking about your case, ur lucky!) but when I emailed Jane iredale, I got a response in less than an hour, on a Saturday. Then some people will get told no, or ignored. Some people will receive emails from certain companies, and I'll email them and they will tell me no. (example: Evolvh) But like I said, I'm very grateful! I have more samples than I know what to do with anyways!

 

[Xiang]

Originally Posted by Ashley Brooke /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Didn't mean to upset anybody. I was honestly just excited and beyond surprised at what they sent 

You're not upsetting anyone at all. =)

It just depends on the rep you get and the supply of samples they currently have available. Although there are trigger words I learned not to use with certain companies since it seems to get on their bad side for some reason.

 

[Charity1217]

You're not upsetting anyone at all. =) It just depends on the rep you get and the supply of samples they currently have available. Although there are trigger words I learned not to use with certain companies since it seems to get on their bad side for some reason.

Will you share the trigger words you've learned? I've had luck with a few but many don't respond so say they'll send samples and 2 months later nothing has gown up. I'm grateful for companies that send samples because I have such annoying skin that breaks out with many things I like being able to try the products and see how my face reacts before buying a full size. My only complaint is a small one-time-use foil packet isn't enough to tell so it doesn't help much. I'll love to find a company that gives out samples of acne treatments.

 

[PeridotCricket]

You're not upsetting anyone at all. =) It just depends on the rep you get and the supply of samples they currently have available. Although there are trigger words I learned not to use with certain companies since it seems to get on their bad side for some reason.

Will you share the trigger words you've learned? I've had luck with a few but many don't respond so say they'll send samples and 2 months later nothing has gown up. I'm grateful for companies that send samples because I have such annoying skin that breaks out with many things I like being able to try the products and see how my face reacts before buying a full size. My only complaint is a small one-time-use foil packet isn't enough to tell so it doesn't help much. I'll love to find a company that gives out samples of acne treatments.

Paula's Choice for acne. I posted a pic on this thread a few days ago. Also, Mario Badescu. Create an account, take the Skin Care Quiz, then within a week they usually e-mail asking if you want samples. Reply to that e-mail and they send really good samples taylored to your skin type. Buzz Words Not to Use: My Blog Review These words have triggered companies to ask for the URL, how many followers we have, and if they don't like what they see, then what? Also: I Saw It In Birchbox Caldrea told me they work with Bb and more samples will be sent out in Bb's in the next few months, so they won't be sending me samples. I e-mailed them again, didn't mention Bb, and got 6 samples of hand soap and a laundry stain remover.

 

[Xiang]

Originally Posted by Charity1217 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Will you share the trigger words you've learned? I've had luck with a few but many don't respond so say they'll send samples and 2 months later nothing has gown up.

I'm grateful for companies that send samples because I have such annoying skin that breaks out with many things I like being able to try the products and see how my face reacts before buying a full size. My only complaint is a small one-time-use foil packet isn't enough to tell so it doesn't help much. I'll love to find a company that gives out samples of acne treatments.

What peridotcricket wrote above about blogs and reviews.

And also this experience happened to me with Murad. My conversation with their rep was really pleasant until I mentioned that I was recommended to their brand through Sephora. And all of a sudden, their e-mails got really curt. I felt like they sent me the samples just to get rid of me. I also read on here that some people were actually told to just go to Sephora for their samples. That was kinda rude for customer service. After that e-mail, I stopped mentioning where I heard of their brand, especially if I heard it through mega stores like Sephora or big retailers like TJ Maxx, Macy's, JCPenny, etc. Pretty much any place with samples or tester bottles.

I also think they like it when you imply that you came straight to them and prefer to purchase directly from them. Getting them to actively recommend products for your skin condition helps too. It benefits both the company and you since it helps them know their customer and you get a much more personalized experience especially true when it comes to skincare. Although this might get you a few no's if they don't have samples for the products you're suited for. This happened to me twice but they still took the time to offer recommendations and also skincare advice on how to get the most out of those products. Ren Online actually took the time to give me a full AM/PM and weekly routine to get the most out of two dark spot products they recommend but do not have samples for. I was really impressed with the extent they were willing to help.

And for sensitive skin samples, try Mario Badescu, Ren Online, Jurlique, and Dr. Hauschka and see if they can recommend anything for you. =)

 

[DorotaD]

When I email companies I generally say that I am interested in trying out some of their product/their products seem nice. The I proceed to say that I would be interested in trying some products before deciding which I would like to purchase. This seems to have been working for me with the companies that do send out samples. And when messaging a skin or hair company I like to add my skin/hair type and concerns

 

[DorotaD]

Double post!

 

[Xiang]

If anybody is interested, Garnier USA is offering free samples of their Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream on their Facebook page.

 

[DorotaD]

Just requested mine /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> thanks!

 

[Ashley Brooke]

I know exactly what you mean /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Jane Iredale sent one one sample, but it was what I asked for so I was thankful for that. I get excited for any packages in the mail even if it contains two little packets /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> It's become an addiction

 

[Tigerlilly6309]

Originally Posted by Ashley Brooke /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I know exactly what you mean /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Jane Iredale sent one one sample, but it was what I asked for so I was thankful for that. I get excited for any packages in the mail even if it contains two little packets /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> It's become an addiction

It's become an addiction for me too.  I started emailing various companies for samples, and fell in love with Actifirm for my skin and DermOrganics for my hair - both brands I had never even heard of before I started reading this forum.  After I purchased my full size products from both companies, I stopped emailing for samples.  I was still getting at least a couple little packages of goodies in my mail every week, but didn't receive anything in the mail this week.  It was such a let down not to receive anything!  I'm consoling myself with the fact that Sample Society will ship next week, and then Birchbox.  

I have found that a lot of the packets actually have more product in them than I thought.  Some are single use, but others I can get 2 or 3 uses out of by emptying the packet into a small container. 

Yesterday I was at Whole Foods in Boston, and there was a rep from Juice Beauty there giving out advice and samples.  I scored 9 samples and was actually excited to have those packets.

Even though I stopped emailing for samples, I cant stop reading this thread.  I sign on every evening after work to see what everyone else here has gotten recently and to read the posts.

 

[Ashley Brooke]

I do the same! It's my nightly ritual to see what new things girls have gotten on here /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> I loved the LaFace products, their little packets lasted me a week and made my skin look awesome. I love DermOrganic's facial cleanser. And you're right i had also ever heard of any of these companies! It's amazing what you can find nowadays. Thanks to this forum I've become a loyal customer of quite a few companies /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Still waiting on my invite code for Birchbox though, getting anxious!

 

[Sunflowercake]

Originally Posted by Tigerlilly6309 /img/forum/go_quote.gif


It's become an addiction for me too.  I started emailing various companies for samples, and fell in love with Actifirm for my skin and DermOrganics for my hair - both brands I had never even heard of before I started reading this forum.  After I purchased my full size products from both companies, I stopped emailing for samples.  I was still getting at least a couple little packages of goodies in my mail every week, but didn't receive anything in the mail this week.  It was such a let down not to receive anything!  I'm consoling myself with the fact that Sample Society will ship next week, and then Birchbox.  

I have found that a lot of the packets actually have more product in them than I thought.  Some are single use, but others I can get 2 or 3 uses out of by emptying the packet into a small container. 

Yesterday I was at Whole Foods in Boston, and there was a rep from Juice Beauty there giving out advice and samples.  I scored 9 samples and was actually excited to have those packets.

Even though I stopped emailing for samples, I cant stop reading this thread.  I sign on every evening after work to see what everyone else here has gotten recently and to read the posts.

I agree. I first thought it's just fun to try different products but it is exciting to actually find products you really love and then buy them full-size. I am excited that some companies give you the chance to try out their products!

 

[Xiang]

Target Sample Spot has a sample of the essie apricot cuticle oil up. =)

 

[Tigerlilly6309]

Originally Posted by Xiang /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Target Sample Spot has a sample of the essie apricot cuticle oil up. =)

Thanks Xiang!  I just got it!  I also got the shampoo and conditioner samples a week or so ago, and its still available on the site.  I love getting Target's samples!