Sample Store Review- Can I Really Get Free Samples?
This review is not paid or sponsored in any way.
How many of you have heard of the Sample Store? A quick Google search brings it up as the top search result. Not surprising, as it's been around for years and is trustworthy.
It's a site where you can redeem free samples from. Yes, it clearly states "free". But is it really?
I signed up with Sample Store to see what it's all about. You can sign up using your social media log-in or email address.
The homepage is visually appealing and easy to navigate. There are 4 tabs:
And as is the case with most websites, your account details can be accessed on the top right hand corner.
Under your profile, you can personalize it to a great extent by providing information about your skin type, hair type and more.
I'd advise you to fill in details accurately not because the Sample Store team will be sending you free samples based on this information, but they'll probably use this information to decide what samples to bring in next! It's beneficial for us all if the samples are relevant to us.
I'm getting to the part that you're probably the most interested in. Can we get free samples or not?
The answer is, technically, yes.
But shipping and delivery isn't free.
So what makes the delivery charges worth it?
If you've been wanting to try a product but are unsure about its suitability for you.
For example, if you wanted to try a brand new product, would you rather buy the full sized product at full price and be disappointed if it doesn't work on you, or would you rather pay a fraction of that price to get samples of it to test the product first?
Alternatively, you could redeem samples of makeup to see what shade you ought to purchase it in, if you aren't able to test the product.
For example, for samples such as the Etude House Fix and Fix Tone Up Primer (in the screen grab above), you can redeem samples in all 3 shades to see the efficacy of each primer on your skin.
To redeem, select the big pink button "REDEEM" and it'll be added to your shopping cart.
Click on "READ MORE" in each item listing to learn more about the product and/or how to use it.
In this case, the READ MORE section clearly says that you'll receive 3 sachets in mint, lavender and rose to try, what it's for, and how to use it.
Next, let's go back to the not-free part.
As you can see in the screen cap above, every sample has a $2 delivery charge. So, it's much more economical to redeem 4 samples at a flat rate of $5.99. (All rates are in Singapore dollars.)
You can redeem more than 4 samples at any one time, but the fees will change according. Take note that there are different shipping prices for certain premium samples, but an example for the delivery fee for 5 samples could be $5.99 + $2.00 = $7.99.
Also, do note that each sample is subject to availability. It isn't yours until you've checked out your cart to the last step. This means that if someone else is faster than you at reaching the last page of the check out process, you can lose the item in your cart, see above "This product is currently out of stock".
You can make payment using PayPal or a credit/debit card.
I checked out 4 items, paid $5.99, and waited patiently. All 4 items arrived within a week or so, neatly packaged in a resealable baggie.
The Sample Store doesn't require you to write a review for each and every sample that you redeem, but they do recommend it with a "WRITE REVIEW" button on every listing.
Writing reviews on the samples you've tried helps to build a community on the Sample Store, and just like how you might like to read reviews before selecting a product, others might like to see your review before selecting a product too!
As you can see above, I've got 3 samples that I haven't reviewed.
I've written a review for one of the four samples that I redeemed, and it shows in the dashboard > review page.
These are the items I received. Pardon my fingers, it was cold and dry in Japan and I didn't moisturize enough.
I signed up with the Sample Store in September 2017, and I hopped on as one of their ambassadors in October 2017. It's not my duty to write a review, but I wanted to let you know about it. After all, most free things in life are either a scam or not free!
About a decade ago, I signed up with the Sample Store (boy, did it look different back then!) and the website was so difficult to navigate around that I left without figuring out how to use it. It's improved so much now, and I appreciate added touches such as make up and beauty tips.
I'm glad that it's easy to use now!
Back in 2013, Xiu did a blog post to introduce the Sample Store and the product she received (Hada Labo Hydrating Light Lotion). Just to be clear, that was unpaid and unsponsored too. I guess we're both supporters!
How many of you have heard of the Sample Store? A quick Google search brings it up as the top search result. Not surprising, as it's been around for years and is trustworthy.
It's a site where you can redeem free samples from. Yes, it clearly states "free". But is it really?
I signed up with Sample Store to see what it's all about. You can sign up using your social media log-in or email address.
The homepage is visually appealing and easy to navigate. There are 4 tabs:
- Redeem: See the wide selections of free samples that you can redeem
- Shop: See items at discounted prices that you can buy online
- Stories: Read blog posts about various tips (usually pertaining to makeup, beauty and fitness)
- Community: Where you read up on reviews, discover social influencers, join contests/events
And as is the case with most websites, your account details can be accessed on the top right hand corner.
Under your profile, you can personalize it to a great extent by providing information about your skin type, hair type and more.
I'd advise you to fill in details accurately not because the Sample Store team will be sending you free samples based on this information, but they'll probably use this information to decide what samples to bring in next! It's beneficial for us all if the samples are relevant to us.
I'm getting to the part that you're probably the most interested in. Can we get free samples or not?
The answer is, technically, yes.
But shipping and delivery isn't free.
So what makes the delivery charges worth it?
If you've been wanting to try a product but are unsure about its suitability for you.
For example, if you wanted to try a brand new product, would you rather buy the full sized product at full price and be disappointed if it doesn't work on you, or would you rather pay a fraction of that price to get samples of it to test the product first?
Alternatively, you could redeem samples of makeup to see what shade you ought to purchase it in, if you aren't able to test the product.
For example, for samples such as the Etude House Fix and Fix Tone Up Primer (in the screen grab above), you can redeem samples in all 3 shades to see the efficacy of each primer on your skin.
To redeem, select the big pink button "REDEEM" and it'll be added to your shopping cart.
Click on "READ MORE" in each item listing to learn more about the product and/or how to use it.
In this case, the READ MORE section clearly says that you'll receive 3 sachets in mint, lavender and rose to try, what it's for, and how to use it.
Next, let's go back to the not-free part.
As you can see in the screen cap above, every sample has a $2 delivery charge. So, it's much more economical to redeem 4 samples at a flat rate of $5.99. (All rates are in Singapore dollars.)
You can redeem more than 4 samples at any one time, but the fees will change according. Take note that there are different shipping prices for certain premium samples, but an example for the delivery fee for 5 samples could be $5.99 + $2.00 = $7.99.
Also, do note that each sample is subject to availability. It isn't yours until you've checked out your cart to the last step. This means that if someone else is faster than you at reaching the last page of the check out process, you can lose the item in your cart, see above "This product is currently out of stock".
You can make payment using PayPal or a credit/debit card.
I checked out 4 items, paid $5.99, and waited patiently. All 4 items arrived within a week or so, neatly packaged in a resealable baggie.
Writing reviews on the samples you've tried helps to build a community on the Sample Store, and just like how you might like to read reviews before selecting a product, others might like to see your review before selecting a product too!
As you can see above, I've got 3 samples that I haven't reviewed.
I've written a review for one of the four samples that I redeemed, and it shows in the dashboard > review page.
These are the items I received. Pardon my fingers, it was cold and dry in Japan and I didn't moisturize enough.
Darlie All Shiny White Supreme Citrus Mint Toothpaste
Dr. FORHAIR Folligen shampoo sachets from Sample Store
Dr. Morita Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask
LS Cosmetic Oriental Herbal Skincare Premium Mask Pack (Agaricus)
About a decade ago, I signed up with the Sample Store (boy, did it look different back then!) and the website was so difficult to navigate around that I left without figuring out how to use it. It's improved so much now, and I appreciate added touches such as make up and beauty tips.
I'm glad that it's easy to use now!
___________
Back in 2013, Xiu did a blog post to introduce the Sample Store and the product she received (Hada Labo Hydrating Light Lotion). Just to be clear, that was unpaid and unsponsored too. I guess we're both supporters!
Great blog. All posts have something to learn. Your work is very good and i appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts. Best Glutathione Pills for Skin Whitening
ReplyDelete