[Yahmed2]

We're going to this trade show in Madrid and we want to distribute free samples made in Bangladesh to the 50 stalls there. Does anyone have any experience with this and how well it works?

 

[bwmccall]

Are they all potential customers?

Will the right person be there?

Why should they buy your shirts? How will you communicate that?

How will you follow up after the show?

Free stuff is a good way to start a conversation, but 99% of free stuff ends up in the wrong hands because there was not a unified marketing strategy built around the free stuff.

 

[into the T]

should not you be the one with the stall handing out freebies?

it sounds like you are trying to approach businesses with in-place suppliers/distribution channels
who are at the trade show to make new sales,
and you want them to contemplate the exact opposite to become buyers

while they are handing out their free samples to potential customers,
you are going to give them a sample that they are going to have to store somewhere and think about long after the show ends
do you have a business card attached to the tee's?
are you going to be handing out your samples the first day or the last day?

tough call, i'm not even sure you can walk into a trade show and start trading on the floor without having paid for a stall

maybe a better approach would be to take a sample, ask how much are they paying
give them a business card and a short spiel

 

[Hetzer]

It is worth to give free samples to potential customers, as there are a lot of distributors at the trade show so remember to attach a name card to the sample so the stalls don't get confused.

 

[gttg]

In my experience, free samples have been helpful and an easy way to showcase your company's skills and/or product. As long as they can walk away with an understanding that this is yours, I would totally prepare some samples!

 

[into the T]

you both seem to be missing the part where the op is going to interrupt sales to customers,
and trying to make their own sales pitch

these are not buyers, they are sellers

it is akin to walking into a neighborhood mcdonalds
and trying to give the guy/gal at the till a sample of beef with a sales pitch
all this while people are waiting to order

 

[zoomsub]

Free samples are useful for your business,it's better to give free samples to potential customers or those who are really interested in your products. While giving free samples, you can give a CD or your company's introduction to these customers, so that they can remember you!

 

[orangejuiced]

absolutely, small inexpensive free samples have helped me, i have found its a great form of marketing.

 

[lucycarter]

Hello,

Yes, giving out free samples is a good marketing strategy to advertise your brand in mew market and among new customers. But do remember to attach a name of your brand or business with t-shirts so that they remember your brand name. In these type of strategies always remember to follow up on your targeted customers and clients after the show or event is over.

 

[Keepinitfresh]

Hand out something that people will hang onto. Usb drives or draw string bags are good depending on your budget. It's keeps people thinking about your company when the time comes!

 

[benneteZ]

Are they all potential customers?

Usually nope, but there are a lot of chances to find someone who would be interested.

 

[LancerFlorida]

You have focused on the WRONG audience. The event will be attended by hundreds if not thousands of other buyers, not just the 50 who are renting space.
HINT: Only give your highest quality, branded with company and CTA to those who will wear it NOW! "Get your FREE sample at: (I suggest a QR code but short memerable URL will work). Be sure to make a lot of commotion when the giveaway of the shirt takes place. Doing several at a time creates a bigger crowd. Let these folks present your message to the other vendors.

 

[DTG Merch]

Hello to all,

Well, in my opinion; only give ANYTHING away if you can be sure that the quality is pristine.
In terms of printed t-shirts, expect that potential customers will test the samples. Specially wash test.

 

[LancerFlorida]

Having given this more thought, let me share what I have observed.
.... When the supplier I currently use compels me to find alternative products I will first turn to a vendor from whom I have purchased nothing. Why?
They were so effective in their marketing effort at a trade show that their brand is etched into my brain. And THEY GAVE NO GARMENTS AWAY!

What did they do? They made certain to brand and give away the largest shopping bags available. These shopping bags branded with "NEXT LEVEL" gobble up all the free stuff others were giving away. All you could see for 5 days was others carrying the NEXT LEVEL brand throughout the venue. The visual impression was this was a Next Level convention!

I will give NEXT LEVEL a shot at my business, but the lesson learned was of even greater value.....BE VISIBLE.