Why is product sampling important?

Product sampling is one of the best ways of getting your audience to understand the key features of your product (or even service) and helps to increase exposure. According to a survey by the Event Marketing Institute 81% of survey respondents said they approached a product promotion because they wanted a free sample whereas only 54% were attracted to a discount or special offer. So if you want to attract the attention of consumers, offer them something for free!

How can vehicles boost the performance of your product sampling campaign?

You can certainly move your campaign up a few gears by incorporating a stunning vehicle wrapped in your messaging into your brand activation plans. Here’s how: Creating a centrepiece – your vehicle will form the hub of your promotion, both visually and practically, like a theatre does for a show. It will set the scene, draw your audience and create a great backdrop for your promo team. Attracting attention – your promotional vehicle, emblazoned with your graphics and perhaps a teaser or two, will be turning heads and rousing curiosity as soon as it’s parked on its pitch. Creating a memorable experience - If customers feel a rush of excitement and anticipation when they spot your sampling event, that is a great springboard into a successful buying journey. By providing “selfie spots” in front of your vehicle along with hashtags and a QR code in your vehicle graphics, visitors will be encouraged to share their experience and feedback on social media, further extending the reach of your campaign. You can even create ‘selfie walls’ or pop-ups around your vehicle to keep the entertainment going even after visitors receive their free samples. Storing plenty of supplies of your free samples – and you can also use the vehicle to transport other items to the event such as promo flags, tension banners and gazebos, ready for your team to assemble on arrival at your site. Providing mobility for your campaign - Promotional vehicles come into their own if you want to take your product sampling campaign on a UK tour. They are also great for following footfall and switching locations at short notice if necessary. If your event is a doorstep campaign, a colourful promotional vehicle is perfect for creating a buzz amongst residents. Reflecting your brand aesthetic – Classical or quirky, luxury or sporty, with careful planning your promotional vehicle can generate the right vibe to engage your target audience. Choosing a vehicle that best resonates with your look and feel of brand will help to ensure the success of your campaign.

What type of vehicle should you choose for your product sampling campaign?

With so many different promotional vehicles to choose from, where do you start? Below is a list of characterful vehicles to help you find the right vehicle for your product sampling campaign: Ice Cream Vans - a promotional ice cream van can serve up to 1,000 ice creams per hour (!) but can also be used for handing out free samples of items such as beauty products and hot food. US Postal Vans – this distinctive truck has a large serving hatch and can be set up with everything you need for a food or drink sampling activation. VW Camper Vans – camper vans are a popular choice, with their retro style and versatility, making them a great fit for product sampling events. – the Piaggio Ape is ideal for drinks sampling but has a flexible interior that can be adapted for various product giveaways, and also has rear and side hatches for coffee machines and chiller fridges. Bikes – From the classic 1940’s style ‘Stop Me And Buy One’ tricycles to modern electric versions, bikes are a fun way to enable your team to get free samples into the hands of surprised customers. Milk floats – these are a great choice if you want to add a touch of nostalgia to your product sampling event and their open back make them a good choice for giveaways. H-Vans and Estafettes - vintage Citroen H-Vans and Estafettes are chic and appealing, equipped with everything you need to give consumers a memorable culinary experience for hot and cold food sampling.

How a Branded Vehicle Can Support Your Product Sampling Campaign

Q: How effective is product sampling?

According to a report by Sampling Effectivness Advisors 73% of consumers said they were likely to buy a product after trying it. But your product sampling campaign will only be a success if it is a positive experience for people, and they come away chuffed with their unexpected freebie. Therefore, it pays to team up with experienced suppliers who understand how passionate you are about the success of your campaign and won’t let you down.

So, you’re planning a product sampling campaign. You’ve got the samples and venues lined up, and you’re looking forward to seeing how people react. But how are you going to get those samples into the hands of your audience? With a branded vehicle, you’ll have a way to ensure this happens – and it might push your campaign to the next level.

Here, we dive into the ways promotional vehicle hire can improve the experience. You’ll also get a quick rundown of the best branded vehicles for the job.

A brad ambassador for BT at a product sampling campaign.

How effective is product sampling?

According to most of our clients, very! QV Skincare gave out 10,000 samples over just a few weeks, and that’s to say nothing of the data shared and connections made.

In fact, over 70% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy a product after trying it. This naturally leads to more sales and puts more money in your pocket in the long run. So, it makes sense that a product sampling campaign can boost sales.

How can a branded vehicle boost your campaign?

Promotional vehicle hire can really push your event to the next level. Here’s how:

1. A visual showcase

Once emblazoned with our graphics, your vehicle will turn heads wherever it goes. It could even spark curiosity on the road to your venue! So, you’ll want the design to put your brand’s best foot forward and tell your audience what you’re about.

Whether you pick a contemporary sampling van or a vintage Estafette (to name just a few!), the right design can go a long way. But why not take things further with a roof prop, signage, or interior lights? See how to elevate your campaign for more inspiration.

A branded van for a product sampling campaign for Walkers, with a man dressed as a tennis player with free samples available.

2. A mobile advertisement

Your branded vehicle acts as the hub of your promotion, serving as a movable stage from which the whole event takes place. It’s more than just a backdrop, though. Depending on the vehicle, it can also be taken out on local tours.

BrewDog took their custom VW Camper around town, making surprise stops for quick and meaningful engagement. If you’re unsure where to visit during your campaign, see our list of the top sampling locations in the UK.

Brewdog staff handing out samples at a promotional campaign, with people around.

3. A spacious storage solution

Brands often use promotional vehicle hire for mobile storage, and even milk floats and Piaggio Apes can be fitted with product areas. These vehicles are sent to each venue with the samples inside, but you can always have more sent via support van.

If you’re handing out ice creams as part of a summer product sampling campaign, why not pick an ice cream van with chest freezers and Carpigiani machine? If you need help, we can book promotional staff like ice cream specialists on your behalf.

Amazon staff hustle to bring boxes out of a US postal van storage area.

4. A reflection of your brand’s style

A branded vehicle does more than provide decoration and storage. It can also be a statement of its own. So, if you’re a part of a high-fashion brand with a vintage feel, then you may want to advertise with a vintage vehicle like the VW Camper or Citroen H-Van.

Louis Vuitton did just that, placing a floral Camper inside one of their stores to advertise a new range. You could go classical or quirky, luxury or sporty, or pick an American ambulance or postal van that are normally only seen in movies.

Whatever your brand stands for, promotional vehicle hire can match the aesthetic.

A shot of the Louis Vuitton Camper Van indoors. Above the Louis Vuitton branded vehicle, looking down.

5. A social media star

A special vehicle can help take your product sampling campaign online. By providing ‘selfie spots’ in front of your vehicle with hashtags and QR codes, visitors will be encouraged to share their experience and feedback online.

You could include these elements on the vehicle wrap itself or build a ‘selfie moment’ using props at the venue. You might even hire a videographer to capture shots and reels of your campaign in action!

Get a quote for your branded sampling vehicle

At Promohire, we have a variety of promotional vehicles just waiting to be branded – ranging from modern taxis and sampling trucks to spacious Airstreams, compact Piaggio Apes and imposing double-decker buses!

We can also help with all of your sampling and fulfilment needs, giving you a place to store your ambient stock with delivery and restocking handled by our team.

To start, click the button below to visit our budget calculator. Just pick a vehicle and play with hire and activation days to get a free estimate.