We often get asked by clients whether or not they should send samples of their products to journalists (without being requested by journalists first)

There is no hard and fast rule for this, and it varies per client and with each product.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. Value - if the value of the product is high and / or the client has a small budget we would avoid suggesting to clients to send samples as its ROI is not as high as e.g. a press release.

2. However, if there is a higher budget and / or the value of the product is low, it is a good way to generate additional press coverage and give the press release more impact. It is also a good way to generate stronger relations with the journalists and make sure the brand / product sticks in their minds for longer.

3. In some competitive industries, namely Fashion, samples are important for the smaller brands who are seeking to get large scale press coverage