Pharmaceutical Companies. Cosmetics Manufacturers. Software Developers. Food Retailers. What do they all have in common? They've all discovered and harnessed the power of samples as a marketing tool. Indiana based Market Outside the Box™ (MOTB) has developed a program that employs product samples to create a practical, efficient, and economical way for small businesses to reach new potential customers.
Pharmaceutical Companies. Cosmetics Manufacturers. Software Developers. Food Retailers. What do they all have in common? They've all discovered and harnessed the power of samples as a marketing tool. Indiana based Market Outside the Box™ (MOTB) has developed a program that employs product samples to create a practical, efficient, and economical way for small businesses to reach new potential customers. Samples help open doors. They introduce customers to your product, and, in many cases, allow them to "test drive" it in the privacy of their own homes -- on their own timeframe.
"Regardless of how you choose to promote your business, offering potential customers a sample is an excellent, and effective way to garner attention and make an impression," explains founder Traci Hayner Vanover. "In fact, many small businesses find that it is more cost effective to utilize their advertising and marketing budget to distribute samples rather than to embark on a more traditional, expensive method of promotion," she added.
The program originally began as a way for Vanover to offer her clients a way to reach buyers interested in their products. Through her freelance firm, The Creative Concept, Vanover expanded her design, marketing and PR efforts into what is now MOTB. Working with limited budgets, clients were able to team up with complimentary, but non-competing products to launch a joint venture that would extend the marketing presence for all parties involved – with unparalleled results. "We consistently sell out of consumer subscriptions each month," said Vanover. "Our goal is to double our merchant network by the end of the year, allowing us to accept a greater number of consumer subscriptions," she added.
For discriminating business owners, MOTB offers an affordable way to gauge consumer interest on new products, identify business trends, and test advertising methods without compromising their budget. Prospective merchants must be approved for participation by submitting a profile on the website. If selected, merchants will purchase a subscription, and ship their samples to MOTB for distribution. Merchants are encouraged to include a promotional piece along with their sample – a brochure, catalog or coupon – providing the consumer with the impetus to purchase. The number of samples in each box varies by month, but averages 12-20 samples per box.
Merchant participation fees are used to develop advertisements for magazines and other media. Like the boxes themselves, the collective result achieves maximum exposure for all merchants.
Consumer subscriptions start at $12.50 for a single month, with discounts offered for multiple purchases. With the holidays just around the corner, MOTB subscriptions offer a unique gift solution. Upon request, a gift card can be added to the box, announcing your thoughtful gift.
MOTB is currently offering a New Merchant Special, enabling new businesses the opportunity to participate in the Market Boxes every month through the end of the year – at the unbelievable price of just $100. Limited space is available, and the offer ends on August 24th.
Put the experience, expertise and service of MOTB to work for your business today. For more information, merchant reservation requests, or subscriptions, visit them online at www.MarketOutsideTheBox.com.
