Feeling envious of somebody with boxes filled with free samples of the hottest perfumes, mascaras, moisturizers, and foundations (unbeatable for travelling, ideal for touch-ups, and perfect for trying out new products) when you are unable to get just a mini-bottle of toner with beauty purchases totaling one month’s salary is perfectly okay. The reality is that while behind every beauty counter there is normally many freebies you need to use certain tricks before you can get them.
1. Don’t Feel Guilty About Asking for Samples
You must never feel embarrassed or guilty about asking for beauty samples. Your hair, skin, and coloring are unique meaning that you have the right to determine which products best work for your needs. Salespersons and brands understand that beauty samples are key sales drivers and would like them in the hands of potential customers.
2. Always Be Polite and Avoid Entitlement
Avoid acting entitled. It is up to the salesperson to determine whether she will give you any of the mini-jars and vials. Always ask for their advice and be polite.
3. Show Genuine Interest in the Brand
Salespeople prefer shoppers that appear to be genuine buyers. Your best bet would be to approach the beauty counter with a particular need and some knowledge of the product line and brand. You can try saying “I read in a magazine or heard from a friend about the product and would really love to try it out”.
4. Build Relationships with Beauty Consultants
Establish relationships with salespeople by trying to frequent the same stores time after time particularly when trying to make a purchase. Salespersons that know that you are a loyal customer are far more likely to give you free samples than somebody that sees you one time a year.
5. Visit Stores During Quiet Hours
Go during quiet hours – this is usually evenings or early mornings. Relaxed salespeople are more likely to offer you beauty samples compared to those working weekends or lunchtimes.
6. Only Request Products You Truly Want
Ask for something that you really want. It does not make any sense to score 1ml of Eau de Skank just to throw it all away later on.
7. Take Advantage of New Product Launches
Watch out for new launches. The newer a particular product is, the larger the marketing budget, which means that counters will have larger quantities of beauty samples around this time.
8. Ask for Custom Samples When Pre-Packs Aren’t Available
What if the store does not have pre-packaged samples? Many beauty brands such as Sephora, Clinique, and Kiehls can create samples on the spot in a generic plastic sampling vial known as a dram. This is ideal for everything from lipsticks or foundations to shampoos and serums. You could even carry your own mini-container, which means that they won’t have an excuse to say no.
9. Mention Sensitive Skin if Needed
If you encounter a sulky salesperson that does not want to oblige, you can tell them that you have sensitive skin and would like to try out products first before making the purchase in case they break out in a rash.
10. Get Enough Product to Properly Test It
Ensure that you get sufficient quantities of product especially if it is a serum or cream to use for at least one week. This is the minimum period required to determine if it works for your skin.
11. Take Advantage of Free Makeovers
Would you like some makeup? Many beauty counters have free makeovers but it is always preferable to book an appointment beforehand. You should never feel pressured to buy anything. A simple strategy to get out of such situations would be to say “I am here because my friend/grandmother/mother would like me to buy me some makeup for my birthday- could you please write down the products you have used so that I can pass them on to her?”
12. Avoid Being Labeled as a “Freebie Seeker”
Don’t allow yourself to be labeled as a “freebie seeker”. If you move from counter to counter trying to get beauty samples, you will soon be discovered and you probably won’t succeed. Don’t forget that beauty consultants do talk to one another and will tell if you don’t seem to be authentic. You should also not ask for extra beauty samples “for a friend”. If you really need additional time with the product, explain this nicely and in a straightforward manner or you risk appearing like someone just looking out for freebies.
