A
free sample or
"freebie" or
"trial packs" is a portion of food or other product (for example beauty products) given to consumers in shopping malls, supermarkets, retail stores, or through other channels (such as via the Internet). Sometimes samples of non-perishable items are included in
direct marketing mailings. The purpose of a free sample is to acquaint the consumer with a new product, and is similar to the concept of a
test drive, in that a
customer is able to try out a product before purchasing it. Many consumer product companies now offer free samples through their websites, to encourage consumers to use the products regularly, In the 1900s, bags containing product samples from vendors became a common sight at Australian
agricultural shows, where they were given away for free or at a small cost. These so-called "sample bags" gradually evolved into the product branded
showbags still popular today in the country. In 1987 C. A. Courtesy became the first demonstration company to secure exclusivity with a retailer. The expansion of online marketing with regards to promotional giveaways has facilitated the rise of "Freebie sites" that seek to aggregate all promotional free sample offers in one place. These sites will often compile free product samples from all over the World Wide Web and categorize them by type. Some product sample offers may require consumers to complete a survey or refer a friend in order to qualify for the freebies. When all requirements are fulfilled, the product samples are shipped to the consumer. Some sample products might be digital goods, where sample might be closely related to a product
trial. ==Other samples==