INSIGHTS
Budweiser had a 4D immersive virtual experience at the SXSW Festival which allowed visitors to take a virtual tour of the company’s brewing plants.

Orbit issued branded paper cups that had sample products placed in the sleeve of the cup.

Sensodyne created a fair with 3 zones which enabled people to learn about their teeth and get sample products from the company.

Some of the companies that have used unique and creative ways to sample products to the general public include Sensodyne, Lush, Simple Skincare, Budweiser, Oreo and Orbit. In the case of Orbit, the company partnered with a coffee brand and placed their product samples in the cup sleeves. For the rest of the companies, they adopted the use of technology to reach out to consumers. Some of the technologies used include 3D printing, social media platforms, and virtual reality.

EXAMPLES OF CREATIVE AND UNIQUE METHODS COMPANIES HAVE USED TO SAMPLE PRODUCTS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

ORBIT BRANDED PAPER CUPS
Orbit ran a campaign whereby coffee cups bearing the brand of the company were issued with sample products placed in the sleeve of the cup.

An interesting aspect of this approach was that the company used a third party, the Seattle Coffee Company, to ensure that the product reached a wider customer base, consisting of people who drink coffee.

The application is 4.5 years old.

3D PRINTED OREOS
The company had 3D printed Oreos at the SXSW festival. The Oreo flavors printed were based on flavors that were trending on Twitter during the festival.

This approach was unique because it consisted of 3D printing technology, the use of social media and the creation of food samples. The result was a highly captivating, interesting and memorable product testing environment.

The application is 4 years and 10 months old.

SENSODYNE ALL-DAY EXPERIENCE
The company created a fair, which consisted of 3 zones. In zone 1, the Sensitivity Zone, people could get the sensitivity of their teeth tested by dentists. In zone 2 people took pictures, and in zone 3 people were taken through oral hygiene lessons. At the end of the event, everyone was given some Sensodyne samples.

This approach was interesting since it gave the consumers an opportunity to learn about their teeth and were given Sensodyne samples to deal with their sensitivity. In case they were experiencing the condition, it is likely that they would continue using the product if their condition improves. The giant molar picture used in the campaign to achieve brand awareness reached 4 million people.  

The application is 2 years and 11 months old.

BUDWEISER BEER GARAGE
In 2016, the company set up a beer garage during the SXSW Festival which featured a bar and a lounge with Budweiser on the tap. The beer garage featured a 4D immersive virtual experience which allowed visitors to take a virtual tour of the company’s brewing plants. During the experience, when guests wearing the VR headset walked into a refrigerator, cold air blew at them and the company employees would hold jars of hops when they were in the hops room.

The approach was unique since it took consumers on an informative ride that deepens the connection among potential consumers and consumers, instead of the traditional approach of just giving them beer samples that are easily available in local bars.

The application is around 2 years old.

LUSH SHOWCASE
Lush created a showcase to promote its latest products. The showcase involved instagrammable setups, the ability to touch and smell objects and talks from founders.

The showcase was unique since the company showcased their operations to its customers, which helped to increase customer loyalty since they got to understand issues relating to diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, they learned how Lush manufactures its products using handmade fresh cosmetics.

The application is 1-year-old.

SIMPLE SKINCARE OASIS
AMI created an experiential marketing space at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Chicago O’Hare for Simple Skincare. People in these locations had the opportunity to interact with the company’s brand ambassadors and sample various products.

Additionally, they managed to interact with the company’s online skin forecasting tool, which was used by travelers to check how their skin reacts when they travel. Some of the sample products offered included coupons and tip cards.

The event was unique since it was held in the airport, a huge transportation hub, giving the company the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world.

The date of this application is unknown.