THE POWER OF SAMPLES OVER PICTURES

Remember the days when going shopping meant throwing on a presentable outfit and driving to a nearby store to "shop" for a product? Sure, we all still do this for the basics of life like food, cleaning products for our home, or even a gallon of paint. However, when it comes to things like electronic devices, automobiles, or even planning a vacation, the internet has become our primary resource for "shopping".

Not too long ago it was conceived that we could virtually (and I mean virtual-reality) do all our shopping sitting in front of our home computer while the delivery trucks back their way into our driveways. Idealistic? Sure. Realistic? Nope.

There are just some consumer products we will likely continue to rely on a face to face "shopping" experience. Some products need to be touched, smelled, seen up close and personal, or even tested out before we buy them.

Many companies today will invest heavily in marketing their products using the latest technology, but many of these should also remember the power of the five senses when it comes to a consumer making a buying decision.

Product samples are "STILL" the king when it comes to helping a customer process their options before a purchase. Even grocery stores offer in-store, delectable samples in order to help a buyer make a decision.