You’ve probably seen it before—merchants set up a table outside their store with small samples of their wares, or distribute food samples from an usherette tray or vending tray, hoping to entice potential customers inside. But does this strategy really work? Does allowing customers to sample food increase sales?
Research Into Food Sampling
The answer, according to a study conducted by the Journal of Marketing Research, is a resounding yes. The study found that stores that offer samples saw a significant increase in sales, while those that did not offer samples saw no change. In addition, the study found that the more generous the sampling, the greater the increase in sales. Branded usherette trays offer a handy, mobile, and flexible way to give out food samples to customers and introduce them to new tastes and new brands.
How Does Product Sampling Increase Sales?
There are a few possible explanations for why offering samples increases sales. First, it allows potential customers to try before they buy, which reduces the risk of them purchasing something they don’t like. Second, it creates a sense of goodwill and generosity on the part of the merchant, which makes potential customers more likely to do business with them. Finally, it builds hype and excitement around the product, which can lead to word-of-mouth marketing. Seeing a colourful, customised usherette tray full of appetising and free samples can divert customers from a sleepy form of shopping into a more engaged state. Customers are more likely to concentrate on their senses when trying a new flavour that has been offered as a sample from an usherette tray.
Product Sampling Strategy
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that offering samples is good for business. If you’re thinking about implementing this strategy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, make sure you have enough staff on hand to handle the increased foot traffic.
Second, make sure your samples are generous—no one wants a tiny sliver of something when they could have had a whole piece. And finally, make sure your product is good—if it’s not, all the samples in the world aren’t going to save you.
Food Samples From Sampling Trays
Allowing customers to sample new food products from a mobile sampling tray can really increase sales! This is partly because getting attention for products on the shelves is so difficult in the first place and getting a person to take a risk and try something new is half the battle.
The science is clear: if you want to increase sales at your store, start offering samples from usherette trays. Customers love getting free stuff, and they’re also more likely to buy something they’ve tried before. Just make sure you’re prepared for the increased foot traffic and have enough staff on hand to handle it. And of course, make sure your product is actually worth buying!