Beyond the Supermarket: Smarter Product Sampling Strategies

When you think of product sampling, you might picture a brand ambassador in a supermarket handing out free samples. That still works—but it’s not the only option. Today, brands succeed by taking sampling to new, creative spaces.

Let’s look at six better ways to get your product into the hands of consumers

1. Office Drops

Offices are great places to sample your product. People chat, share, and influence each other. A drop can include full-sized or sample-sized items, flyers, and even feedback cards.

At TVNZ, we helped Silver Fern Farms hand out pies made with the clients product. The team sparked real conversations and encouraged trial, all without being in a retail space.

Phenomenon brand ambassadors serve Silver Fern Farms pies during a product sampling activation at TVNZ offices.

2. Gym Sampling

After a workout, people feel motivated and alert. This makes gyms perfect for sampling drinks, snacks, or supplements.

You can give samples as people leave. Many gyms also allow branded stands or posters, which can boost your visibility.

3. Guerilla Sampling

Guerilla sampling is bold. It surprises people in public places—like parks, sports events, or fan trails.

While some areas may restrict this type of sampling, others don’t. We’ve worked with councils to run smart activations on beaches and city streets. These efforts create buzz and strong word of mouth.

4. Meal Kit Inclusions

Put your Product Sampling directly into consumers’ kitchens by partnering with brands like HelloFresh, My Food Bag, or Woop. These services allow you to reach engaged home cooks with full-sized product trials tied to recipes or usage occasions.

It’s a seamless way to integrate your brand into consumers’ everyday lives—boosting trial and driving immediate relevance.

5. Ecommerce Sampling

Many online stores now let brands add samples to deliveries. This works well because shoppers are already in a buying mindset.

Add a coupon or discount to boost chances they’ll buy again.

6. Seasonal Hotspots

Think about where people go during holidays. In summer, they head to beaches. In winter, they stay warm indoors. Sample where they are.

For example, our Hellers BBQ Product Sampling campaign at Northland and Coromandel beaches reached thousands of consumers in their holiday mindset—creating positive brand impressions at just the right moment.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to rely on supermarkets for product sampling. Go where your audience lives, works, and plays. Be creative. Be direct.

If you want support or fresh ideas, let’s talk. We love helping brands bring great campaigns to life.

If you’re ready to explore new Product Sampling ideas—or want expert support bringing your next campaign to life—get in touch with us. We’d love to help.