PRactical P.R. BlogThe Leader in Small Business Public Relations

During these times, small businesses, including product companies, are trying to cut expenses.  One expense is sending product samples to media outlets, in the hopes of getting editorial coverage, leading to sales. 

There’s not much you can do about the shipping charges, but often the cost of the samples themselves adds up. And many times samples are never sent back.

One of my Pitch of the Month Club members asked what the definitive policy was about sample returns.  I had my own thoughts, but I decided to ask some of my media contacts, in the magazine and newspaper fashion and beauty areas.

The good news?  Of the 9 responses I got back, all agreed on the following:

1. Product samples that the media REQUESTED can be sent back, either when the media was finished photographing them or if they decide not to use them (you should check in with them periodically on the status of your sample)
2. Product samples that were sent UNSOLICITED by product companies and P.R. companies should not be expected back
3. Product samples that the media REQUESTED would be sent back, and shipping paid for, by the media outlet
4. Beauty, food and perishable samples would not be sent back

The bottom line?  If you’re trying to cut expenses, only send samples that are requested by the media.