The question, “Do you offer free samples?,” is a frequent inquiry.
In the past, we did send free samples with each order, until we realized how expensive it was for our company.
In this economy, with supply prices increasing frequently, our best bet is to only offer free samples when a purchase is made.
This is the reply we gave to our most recent inquiry (today):
Due to the cost of packaging, shipping, and product manufacturing – to keep prices as low as possible for our customers, we do not offer free samples. Upon request, we do offer samples with purchases.
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
I bet it can get expensive!
Amy
Yes, it is expensive, but it isn’t a problem if a paid order is received. In that case, the shipping and materials are covered.
So true!
Amy
Hi Mary,
I would be interested to know how your customers have received this added bonus of having these sample soaps. Does it also pay for itself in terms of good customer relations and generate loyalty? What sort of comments have you received from customers on this gesture? Is it a long-term proposition?
Thanks for sharing this idea Mary.
Michael, especially with a new customer, we like to add to their first selections, to ensure they are able to try types of soaps that they might not have otherwise selected. We can no longer freely add samples to each and every order, but I can say we have had great success with it. A number of our regular customers order soaps frequently that were first tried by them via a sample that we offered/provided. It works! And we do believe it is a good gesture, without caring about our customer’s needs, where would we be? Thanks, Michael, for your wonderful comments and questions.