Thread: Samples

Rich,


Alot of these companies dont understand how well the Shaving Community communicates. We have the power of a referal or not. I always let them know that in a very proper way. I ususally say someting like "I am not only interested in your product and will buy it if it is good (which Iwill) but I am interested in your service and promptness. I will be sharing my thougts with my fellow wetshavers." They need a little bit of capitalsitic encouragement.

Steven

Right out of the box I offered to review their products if they would send me some samples. Here's the template email I sent. It doesn't leave any room for questions of if I actually want samples or not. I also provide my shipping address so they don't really have a reason to delay if they have samples. But always, always be polite. You won't get anywhere if you're making demands or assuming that they owe you samples.

Good day,
I have recently been introduced to the art that is straight shaving and am astounded and somewhat overwhelmed by the variety of products available to enhance the shaving experience. I was wondering if you might have any samples that you would be willing to send me. In return, I would be more than happy to provide a review of your product at www.straightrazorplace.com and other online forums for wet shaving. My shipping address is as follows:

I will gladly try out any products you provide and write up as fair a review of said product as possible. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you and have a wonderful day.

I generally approached this as a "I have sensitive skin", which I do, and "do you have samples of your products avaiable as they are not available in my area." Baxter, who actually sells their samples, even sent me some free ones. Of course, I turned around and spent $50 bucks with them.

RT

Is it normal that they take a while to respond? I mailed Truefitt & Hill monday, asking for samples of 3 of their fragrances, and they have not responded my email yet... Taylor responded immediately.

I recieved Geo Trumper samples today. Wow they sent me 6 samples of shave cream, 2 skin food bottles and 8 samples of their cologne. I can't wait to try them.

I just got the same package that RichZ got. What a good company! I just asked them for samples 10 days ago. So it came from London to CA in just 10 days......Great service.

I think I will get some sandlewood cream, Cologne and some skin food.

Originally Posted by max_incognito

I got this from Crabtree and Evelyn

"Unfortunately, we do not carry samples - however our products are freely available to test in any Crabtree & Evelyn store."

My reply

"Greetings,

I am gladdened to hear that I can test the effectiveness of your product in the comfort of one of your stores. I will be bringing my new straight razor into your shop where I look forward to experiencing the closeness of a shave with Crabtree and Evelyn products. Do you supply hot water or shall I also bring a bucket and a kettle? Also, if I cut myself whilst using your product on your premises, do you have a suitable insurance policy so we can avoid the messy consequences of litigation?

Thankyou for your time,

Dan"

I went into a Crabtree & Evelyn store today in Sacramento, California at the Arden Fair mall. I was smelling the creams and a lady asked me if I had any questions. I asked if they have samples and she said that they had some sort of sample gift set for sale. I told her about this site and how guys try shaving products out and then review them. She smiled and said...You better give us a good review. Then she grabbed the two testers that I wanted (sandalwood and Sweet Almond), went behind the counter and scooped out each into a little plastic screwtop jar and wrote the name of each on top. I probably got a good ounce or so worth. Probably a weeks shaving or so of each...

I haven't tried them yet but they both smell great. I am sure they will be good. I also go a sample of ZIRH shaving cream, and some Anthony Logistics inc, shaving cream. One ingredient in the middle of the list is " and infusion of hops (do not drink) to relax." Mmmm Shaving while thinking of beer at the same time...nice

Just thought I'd update you guys on the C&E samples since the response from the company seems to be all over the board. I received the 'quoted' e-mail from C&E in early November. However, I never did receive the sample promised. No big deal, but I'd much have prefered they ignore my request or send a note stating that they don't send samples rather than promising one and not delivering. Anyway, I'm quite happy sticking with the 3 T's; all of which sent generous selections of samples, all of which are top quality, and all three made their way onto my Christmas list. With C&E, I may not know what I'm missing, but I remain blissfully ignorant.

Originally Posted by ForestryProf

Interesting RT (not in a good way necessarily),
I recently contacted Crabtree and Evelyn regarding samples of their products and this was the response I received from Pamela Ricci in customer service:

Dear Edward,

We only have the nomad shave cream available in a sample. I would be
happy to put that in the mail to you.

If there is anything else that we can do for you, please let us know and
we will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Pamela Ricci
Customer Service Department
Crabtree & Evelyn
P.O. Box 167
102 Peake Brook Road
Woodstock, CT 06281
(860) 928-2761 Ext. 3515
www.crabtree-evelyn.com

It looks like they need to do some quality control in their customer service department.

Ed