A curiosity question about Department store samples.

Jan 2, 2015

Maryellen O.

At one time, the higher end department stores were generous in giving out samples when you purchased cosmetics and/or fragrance. Sometimes you'd get a handful of fragrance samples, perhaps with a small bottle of something or two...skin care, primer, mascara, whatever.

Do you find this still happens? Any stores that seem more inclined to give out samples than others? For me, I haven't had much access to the high end stores in several years. When I did, I like to buy from them for both the customer service they offered and the samples. Now, it seems as if you have to ask for samples, even when spending well over $100. I hate asking, but I like the samples for travel and trying new product.

What are your thoughts?

Jan 2, 2015

Alexis M.

A lot of times I know Macy's does. So does JC penny's.

Jan 2, 2015

Shelley W.

I'm given deluxe samples by the SA's that I've developed relationships with over the years. At my local Bluemercury store I don't even have to ask...they just dole them out if I even show a mild curiosity about a particular product. I these days I think most dept stores reward loyal/repeat customers more so with odles of samples versus someone who doesn't purchase. Personally I think a lot of stores need to start being a lil more generous with samples in hopes of gaining more customers...especially if they struggling with making sales goals.

Jan 2, 2015

Winnie B.

A lot of the time department stores want to cut down on giving away random samples because they found that the clients weren't interested in the product (didn't suit their needs) So they give samples according to their client rapport and their purchases. Throwing random samples in was expensive and also wasteful

Jan 2, 2015

Lara C.

I agree... I find stores are less generous. I worked at a high end bath and body store and we handed smaples out like crazy because it really creates clients and sales. I enjoy samples and I for one have purchased after having tried a product.

Jan 2, 2015

Maryellen O.

I thought of this because I was at SFA today and as soon as I walked in a SA kind of ambushed me about buying some fragrance. I couldn't buy any today and although I tried to tell her that she really wanted me to try the different scents and give me a sample. So I went along and then she gave me two of them. Then she told me she was new and that made me feel bad because I couldn't buy any of that today. Of course they didn't have the item I did want to buy, so then I felt like I had to skulk out the door.

When I lived in NJ I liked to go to the Short Hills mall for cosmetics. It's a very "chi-chi" mall and the only thing I could afford to buy there were the cosmetics. The reps at NM were great and generous, as were those at SFA and Bloomie's. I recall being invited to a Trish McEvoy makeover event which was super in itself, but then Ms. McEvoy itself was hanging out and talking to me and her MAs as the event was winding down. That kind of attention is what kept me going back there. I like the variety available at Sephora, but haven't found the same customer touch there, although everyone has always been nice. I must be getting old because I'm finding I'm really valuing service in stores these days. Maybe because I also go shopping very infrequently now.

Jan 2, 2015

Jennifer M.

The only time I ever requested a sample was from the Estée Lauder counter at Macy's. I was interested in trying Advanced daily night repair. My skin is rather finicky, and I was hoping for a few days supply to make sure I wouldn't have a reaction. The sales person seemed really off put that I would ask for one. She then offered to sell me the larger bottle, forgetting to mention it came in a 1 Oz size. I was so off put by her, because she insinuated I could only return it for a bad reaction to it. I ended up buying it from Sephora, because I felt more comfortable returning it there, if needed. I ended up loving the product, and repurchasing it. But not from that lauder counter, that's for sure.

Jan 2, 2015

Lisa A.

Every time I go to buy a foundation I get a sample first, they give it to me every time I ask, if I like it, I'm back the following week and I buy it, this is at all the counters in macys, Lancôme, channel, Estée Lauder, Clinique, I had no problem

Jan 2, 2015

Luke C.

It depends if you are nice 😂😂😂

Jan 2, 2015

Luke C.

Also a lot of counters don't have samples at the mo because of Christmas, ask for a specific sample or before you purchase ask if there's any offers on.

Jan 2, 2015

CPT- Lili R.

Macys gives a lot of samples in order to get you to buy.

Jan 2, 2015

Hope P.

Macy's and Sephora always give samples if you ask!

Jan 2, 2015

Brianna S.

If you have access to a Nordstrom they are SUPER generous with samples!