Should I include samples with orders?

Question

As an e-commerce business owner, I'm exploring ways to increase customer engagement and potentially boost repeat purchases. I've heard about including product samples with orders but I'm unsure about the strategy, costs, potential benefits, and best practices. I want to understand if this approach is worth the investment, how to select the right samples, and what impact it might have on customer loyalty and future sales.

Muhammed Tüfekyapan · Accepted Answer

Should I Include Samples with Orders?
Strategic sample inclusion is one of the most underrated tactics in ecommerce. Done right, samples drive discovery, increase AOV on subsequent orders, and create a "wow" unboxing moment at low cost.

When Samples Make Sense

ScenarioSample Strategy
  
    Large catalog with complementary productsInclude samples of items the customer hasn't tried
    New product launchInclude samples in all orders for the first month
    High-margin productsSample cost is justified by conversion potential
    Repeat-purchase categories (beauty, food)Samples drive the discovery that leads to subscription

How to Make Samples Work Harder

Include a personalized note
    "We included a sample of [product] because customers who love [what they bought] often love this too." Feels curated, not random.

Add a purchase prompt
    Include a discount code for the sampled product. "Love it? Use SAMPLE15 for 15% off the full size."

Track sample-to-purchase conversion
    Use unique coupon codes per sample batch to measure which samples convert. Eliminate non-converting samples from the program.

Following Up on Sample Discovery
After a customer receives a sample, a targeted follow-up campaign significantly increases conversion. Use Growth Suite's Trigger Campaigns to send a personalized offer for the sampled product 7-10 days after delivery. Combine it with a High-Fidelity Countdown Timer to create genuine urgency - this sequence regularly converts 15-25% of sample recipients who re-engage with your store.

Should I include samples with orders?

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Complete Expert Analysis

Should I Include Samples with Orders?

When Samples Make Sense

How to Make Samples Work Harder

Following Up on Sample Discovery

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Muhammed Tüfekyapan

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Use Cases

Scenario	Sample Strategy
Large catalog with complementary products	Include samples of items the customer hasn't tried
New product launch	Include samples in all orders for the first month
High-margin products	Sample cost is justified by conversion potential
Repeat-purchase categories (beauty, food)	Samples drive the discovery that leads to subscription