We will be featuring over a dozen different sample

products from amazing woman-owned companies to our web viewers. 

This way contributors don’t have to shell out the cost of sending

individual samples to each potential buyer to market their business and web

viewers can receive several samples with shipping included!

In exchange for sending your samples to us you will receive:

ITCOS is not responsible for the type of review given as they are not writing for our website.

Click here to sign up as a contributor

Frequently Asked Questions 

 Why should I send you samples instead of sending my own?

What is the difference between giving my samples to companies or organizations who give them out as gift/swag bags than giving to your company?

What is the difference between your sampler box and others?

Who will receive the samples?
How many samples should I send?
What types of samples should I send or what do you recommend?
I am an independent Representative/Consultant for a company. Can I send product samples I sell for the company?
Are there some samples you will not accept?
How should the sample be packaged?
Are there rules for my packaging? 
I have very expensive/large items; I cannot afford to send 25 samples.
How much does it cost? 
When is my box of samples due to you?
What happens if all the samplers aren't used?

Can contributors receive a box?

How often will you run a campaign like this?
This is a great idea for free advertising. Can I send samplers for every campaign?
Where do I sign up?

Why should I send you samples instead of sending my own?

Well quite frankly as a small business owner myself, I cannot afford to send out free samples plus pay for shipping them to everyone that ask. Also, most consumers don’t want to pay for one sample plus shipping. I usually send out samples with orders only. That may keep my existing customers but how do you get new ones? Exposure!  Our campaign allows the consumer to purchase over a dozen different samples at once. Everyone looks forward to a bunch of goodies coming in the mail.  Even if they don’t purchase the sampler your website is advertised on our website for potential consumers to click and buy.

We believe sponsoring or contributing to charitable events not only demonstrates the social responsible of your company but also provides positive exposure.  With that being said, what percentage of these recipients will go to your online store to purchase your products?  Contributing to our sampler; our viewers are already the market you are seeking: Computer savvy online shoppers looking specifically for products for women of color or to support small or indie businesses owned or run by women of color. 

How many samples should I send?

I can’t tell you how many to send except to say they need to be in increments of 25.  The more boxes sent, the potential to reach more consumers.  If you send a small amount, make sure they have the “wow” factor.  However, if you send a bunch don’t sacrifice on quality.  DON’T FORGET: add a coupon, promote a new product or scent, provide education on the wealth of your products.

What types of samples should I send or what do you recommend?

Remember your sample is representing your company so don’t send left over or defective items.  We ask that the items you submit as your samples be representative of what you sell. Please be sure that the items you submit are your own property. In addition, promotional items will not be accepted from e-tailers as samples.  You should send in whatever you think suits your business and what you think will set you above the rest and make the consumer want to log on and buy from you.

Recommended (but not limited to) Samples:       Art work/posters·        Body Sprays·        Books·        Bubble Bath·        Bookmarks·        Bath/Body products·        Buttons (3 per sample)·        Charms·        Cosmetics·        Creams / lip balms·        CD’s ·        Candles/Tarts (votives, tarts, mini tins)*·        Cookies*·        Candies*·        Earrings·        Hair product samples ·        Hair accessories·        Hats·        Key chains·        Lotion·        Mini totes/coin purses ·        Magazines (yours of course. Past, present or first editions)·        Note cards·        Perfume/scented oils·        Pets items·        Pins/magnets ·        Scarves·        Small toys·        Stationary/Greeting cards (include envelopes and at least 2 per sample)·        Tea/Coffee Samples

Here are some examples of previous sample contributors  

*Edible items should be wrapped securely

*We do not suggest heat sensitive items for our summer campaigns.We will not accept promotional items from retail vendors although you may include promotional items with your samples (business cards, coupons, pens, pencils) 

I am an independent Representative/Consultant for a company. Can I send product samples I sell for the company?

Sure. Although we will limit the amount of reps to two per campaign if they represent the same company.  First come, first served.

 Are there some samples you will not accept?

In the Company of Sistas will accept most contributions but materials promoting violence, pornographic or racist content may be inappropriate for the tone of Sista Sampler.  Items of an adult nature should be labeled as such (mature content). If you are sending children’s toys please label the age appropriation of the toy you are sending.  Do not forget that Sista Samplers reaches people of varying backgrounds and age groups.

 How should the sample be packaged?

You should package your sample like you would be giving it to a customer. some people really like to go out of their way to give their sample some extra flare.   Catch their eye.  When the customer opens their box you want them to go straight for your sample. Packaging is half the battle.  If it’s packaged poorly it may not even be opened.  You want to make them want to order your item in full size because whatever it is that you did was amazing! Most contributors include coupons codes, business cards and such. I strongly suggest a coupon code of 15% or higher as people love discounts and it creates word of mouth buzz especially around the holiday season. 

Are there rules for my packaging? 

 Yes.  If you are sending in bath & body or food, all ingredients must be labeled properly. Please make sure all the products are packaged securely and labeled accordingly.  If we receive leaking, melting or broken products, we will not place it in the boxes.  If you send them early enough we will notify you and can replace them if you wish.

Unfortunately, this campaign may not be for everyone who sells a product.  There is more of a leeway if you make your own items. One can make something that is cost-effective as well as best represents your business!   Some of our contributors that have larger products can contribute samples of coin purses, key chains, buttons, charms, etc. Consider becoming a Newsletter Sponsor or have your product reviewed !

How much does it cost? 

The only cost involved is the amount of cost to create your samples.  Think of the cost of your product as the price you would pay for advertising. The items that you contribute will be sent to as many people as you sent samples and reach people who would not have known about your product before.

When is my box of samples due to you?

All contributions should be in the possession of Company of Sistas at least 7 days before the campaign. For example, if we have a May campaign,  we require samples no later than April 23.  The sampler is prepackaged so they are ready to ship out the first day of the campaign.  Notify us if your samplers can not reach us by the due date.  If they reach us after the 1st day of the campaign we will place them for the next campaign.  We will not refund them.  We will email you when we receive your samples and if they arrived in good condition.  If you sign up and do not feel that you can follow through with the commitment please let me know.  If we are expecting your samples and do not receive notice that you are not providing samples you will not be allowed to participate in other Sista Sampler campaigns. 

This is possible if we have many more contributors who have sent in 25 or 50 samples and a just a few that sent in 100 samples.   The remaining samples are then used for the next campaign so all your samples have the opportunity to to tried out by a potential customer. We also send many items to bloggers and to many local events for favor bags.

Can contributors receive a box?

How often will you run a campaign like this?

The campaigns started about 4 times a year to land around holiday seasons such as Christmas, Valentine's & Mother's day.  We will have a hiatus in the summer of 2009 and begin monthly samplers starting September 2009.

This is a great idea for free advertising. Can I send samplers for every campaign?

Of course!  If you want to be a regular, we welcome it.  I’m sure I will be thinking of more advertisement freebies for websites that campaign regularly and send a generous amount of samples. 

Sign up right here.