Hello StatusTees,
I suggest contacting the companies whose products you'd like to try from what you've read here about the products available.
Introduce yourself to the companies you call/email, share with them about your business (or planned business) and let them know which product(s) of theirs you would like samples of. This is good for relationship building. You also want them to take you seriously as a small business owner looking for products to help grow your business and someone who wants to partner with their business for solutions vs. just someone looking for a handout. Some companies do not like people asking for free samples, others do not mind.
I personally have received a variety of sample products, free and for pay, though I do not ask companies for a free sample. I also do not tell what companies I receive free samples from when I do, unless the company advertise on their site that they will send a free or complimentary sample. IMO, it's a privilege to receive free products.
Also I want to mention that the SGIA Atlanta Expo starts next Wednesday. Since you're right in Atlanta, you should find yourself at this expo at all cost because there will be
plenty of samples going around!
There are still FREE passes to the Expo if you look at the
Offline Retail and Tradeshows forums here.
Good luck with your sample search.
