Been to Costco lately Or Sam’s Club?  I love the Saturday frenzy when they have 40 different foods for unsuspecting shoppers to taste. (Don’t be modest, many of us have lunched at Costco…making sure to grab each sample provided).

One of the best methods of marketing I have encountered in the home party plans business industry is the use of testimonials and samples.

I met through the Internet, one Arbonne International Home party sales representative.  She was a lovely lady as any, Annette M.  She was looking for consulting relative to marketing her business online.  I visited her website, where I found a lovely picture of an angelic lady with the most beautiful porcelain skin!

As you can imagine, my interest was rightly piqued.  I thought that was her and my curiosity about the product was growing.  During our telephone consultation, I asked after the photograph (indeed a picture communicates a 1000 words).

It turned out it was just a picture!  Well the next day in my inbox was an email from Annette.  She had enclosed pictures of herself, before she started using the RE-9 Kit. Another of her having used the product for 3 months and another at roughly 9 months!  I was floored by the results!

About 3 days later was a parcel in the mail addressed to your truly!  In it was a sample RE-9 kit, with instructions, as well as the actual RE-9 kit.  I was to use the sample first (of course) and if I found that I enjoyed the product, then I would purchase the kit!

Now how is that for marketing!

It is a widely known fact that when you are given the liberty of trying something out; If you like it, if it’s better than your old brand, or if it meets your needs, you are more likely to buy it after you try it.

That is why sampling is one of the very best marketing techniques. It is often cheaper than advertising, too. Debbi Fields, of Mrs. Field’s cookies, promoted her cookies with sampling when she first started her business. Who could resist a free cookie?

Your product or service need not have the sensory appeal or addictive quality of Mrs. Field’s cookies, but as the story I just shared with you illustrated,  sampling is a great way to promote your business.

The key to sampling is to get your customer to experience your product or service—to touch it, smell it, see it, taste it, hear it.

It is true that not all direct sales opportunities are created equally!  It is certainly easier for our fellow home party consultants selling make up, purses and jewelry to dish out samples. If you sell information, it gets a little trickier!  Articles, press releases, Blog and Hubs are samples of your work and product.

Sampling is especially useful when you are starting out. Sampling is a necessary step to:
i) building credibility as a successful direct sales representative,
ii) creating rapport,
iii) getting hands on experience
iv) collecting testimonials
v) effortlessly increase home party sales
vi) leverage (as you are able to get referrals)

Like my friend Annette, you are not limited in your sampling approach and options. If you sell products online, find a good promotional item related to your business and offer a free one to those who sign up for your newsletter.

1. Here is one thing I do to circumvent the information hurdle.  As a home party consultant, I offer a free 30 minute consultation to other home party sales representatives.

2. My blog on homepartyplansuccesstips.com is also just another example of a sample product.

3. Then there is the free report I offer on 10 Deadly Home Party Plan Mistakes Exposed!

Home Party Plan Success Tip: The more expensive your key product, the more you want to choose a quality giveaway to represent your party plan company.

If you have an expensive product  or you are not in a postion to give out samples, take heart.  In my story, what got the show going was a picture! Now lest you think you are doomed you could definitely put a digital photo of one of your creations on your business card!

Also you can and I highly recommend that for your home party demonstrations, to have a product sample table you know like the tester bottles at Victoria Secrets?  That way people can try the home party products without leaving you out of pocket!

Don’t be stingy – “Give and it shall be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.” (Luke 6:3)

Let’s get this Home Party Started Right!
Party Plan Pat!