How Brands Can Distribute Product Samples at Scale Using the OpenMerch Platform

Product sampling has always been one of the most effective ways for brands to drive trial, awareness, and long-term loyalty. When consumers can touch, taste, or experience a product before buying, conversion rates increase significantly. However, traditional sampling methods are often expensive, difficult to manage, and limited in reach.

OpenMerch solves these challenges by providing a smart, scalable platform that connects brands directly with retail partners, enabling seamless product sample distribution across high-traffic physical locations.

Why Product Sampling Matters for Brands

Product samples reduce the biggest barrier to purchase: uncertainty. They allow consumers to experience quality firsthand, build trust, and form an emotional connection with the brand. Sampling is particularly powerful for:

• New product launches
• Market expansion into new regions
• Rebranding or formula improvements
• Competitive category differentiation

The key challenge has always been execution — and this is where OpenMerch changes the game.

How OpenMerch Enables Smarter Product Sampling

OpenMerch acts as a bridge between brands and retailers, allowing brands to distribute samples efficiently without needing direct retail negotiations or complex logistics.

1. Access to a Network of Ready Retailers

Through OpenMerch, brands gain instant access to verified retailers actively looking to monetise their space. These retailers are open to hosting:

• Free product samples
• Trial-size products on shelves
• Countertop and checkout samples
• Event-based or promotional sampling

This eliminates the need for cold outreach and accelerates campaign rollout.

2. Targeted Sampling Based on Retail Data

One of OpenMerch’s biggest advantages is data-driven decision-making. Brands can select retail locations based on:

• Store type and category alignment
• Foot traffic volume
• Customer demographics
• Geographic performance

This ensures samples reach the most relevant audience, increasing trial-to-purchase conversion.

3. Cost-Effective Distribution

Traditional sampling often involves staffing, pop-up setups, and high operational costs. OpenMerch allows brands to distribute samples directly through existing retail infrastructure, reducing:

• Staffing expenses
• Logistics complexity
• Wasted inventory

Retailers earn revenue for hosting the samples, while brands benefit from lower acquisition costs — a true win-win.

4. Flexible Campaign Formats

Brands can choose how and where samples are distributed, including:

• Shelf-based sampling
• Bag inserts with purchases
• Event or product launch sampling
• Time-bound promotional campaigns

This flexibility allows brands to test, optimise, and scale campaigns quickly.

5. Performance Insights and Feedback

OpenMerch enables brands to track campaign performance through retailer feedback and retail data insights. Brands can measure:

• Sample uptake rates
• Store-level engagement
• Follow-up sales impact
• Regional performance trends

These insights help brands refine future sampling strategies and improve ROI.

Benefits for Retailers and Brands Alike

For retailers, OpenMerch provides a new revenue stream by monetising shelf space and foot traffic.
For brands, it delivers faster market entry, higher engagement, and measurable results — without the traditional friction of retail distribution.

Scaling Sampling Into Sales

Product sampling is no longer just a marketing expense; it’s a growth strategy. With OpenMerch, brands can transform sampling into a structured, data-backed distribution channel that drives real business outcomes.

Whether launching a new product or expanding into new markets, OpenMerch empowers brands to put their products directly into the hands of the right consumers, at the right place, and at the right time.

OpenMerch makes product sampling smarter, scalable, and profitable — for everyone involved.