{"id":10585,"date":"2013-07-30T10:10:46","date_gmt":"2013-07-30T14:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/canadianbudgetbinder.com\/?p=10585"},"modified":"2025-02-18T07:38:32","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T07:38:32","slug":"the-grocery-game-challenge-july-29-aug-4-2013-5-food-samples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitalskyweb.co\/canadianbudgetbinder.com\/2013\/07\/30\/the-grocery-game-challenge-july-29-aug-4-2013-5-food-samples\/","title":{"rendered":"The grocery game challenge July 29-Aug 4, 2013 #5: Food samples"},"content":{"rendered":"

Free Food In Grocery Stores<\/span><\/h2>\n

Food samples are a great way for manufacturers to let you try a new food product or improved product right at the source. Getting free food doesn’t just stop at the grocery store because marketers use any way they can to reach out to the public.<\/p>\n

Many companies will also offer you free product coupons (FPC) just as we used the last week to get the New Honey Nut Cheerios Hearty Oat Crunch<\/strong> which they marketed through a popular Canadian couponing website. If you like to get free things then you should keep your ears and eyes open because there’s always something up for grabs.<\/p>\n

You’ve heard never go to the grocery store hungry because you are likely to spend more than your grocery budget allows. I can tell you from personal experience that yes that is correct. I like to think I have self-control but even at the best of times I get caught off-guard when I see a spectacular deal that I just can’t pass up.<\/p>\n

Food samples<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you get cranky and your stomach is rumbling have no fear where there are free food sample displays there is free food and kids eat free too. One of our favourite grocery stores with free food samples hands down is Zehrs<\/strong> although Metro has been pretty good as well. I find most times it’s the higher end grocery stores where the products will get pushed the most when they first come out. That’s when most products, I find are at their highest price point as well.<\/p>\n

It doesn’t matter what day of the week you can be sure that the deli has some form of deli-meat to try in the dome-shaped sample display at Zehrs. If you are lucky you will also find another sample stand filled with some amazing cheese and crackers. Sometimes it’s hard just to take one, but they want you to crave the product enough so you buy it, so they won’t care. Munch away.<\/p>\n

Sampling booth<\/span><\/h3>\n

These free-standing sample displays for customers are a brilliant way to market to the masses without having to hire someone to do it or convince you to try it. So, if you were wondering how to get free food stop by the grocery store for a nibble, maybe even dessert like some pudding or a cup of fruity yogurt. If you’re lucky they might even have a free beverage sample on tap that day to wash it all down with, It’s like a full portion controlled meal while you grocery shop.<\/p>\n

On the weekends is when you will find the hired help where sample booth employees ( I have no idea what the job role is called) hang out at a booth and serve up the special of the day. Sometimes you will see them with a little grill next to them with sausage smell permeating the air.\u00a0You can’t help but wander over and ask what the smell is all about.<\/p>\n

Marketing foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

It’s akin to when you go to the mall and you can smell the Kernels popcorn<\/strong> popping, saturating the air with butter and they have the free product samples on the counter. It’s a win-win to let customers sample products at the source. Kernels popcorn costs a fortune but after you try their double butter caramel popcorn<\/strong> they KNOW<\/strong><\/span> you will be hooked.<\/p>\n

They’re ready with the scoop in hand for your instruction of bag size. (You’re laughing because you know it’s true) Then there is Laura Secord<\/strong> with those tiny chocolate samples that just melt in your mouth. Any retailer, any good retailer knows that they can capture a person by feeding them then offering them the product right there and then.<\/p>\n

I was watching Breakfast Television the other morning \u00a0and one of the hosts was talking about a successful Mexican restaurant owner in Toronto that started out in a truck selling art. When someone bought something they would get a free taco with their order (odd I know, art and tacos) and now he has this restaurant in Toronto that is doing very well. What I wonder is if you get free art work with a taco purchase now?<\/p>\n

Food speaks volumes to people and if they like it or better yet love it, they will buy it. That’s why I mix food and personal finance together, even though food is in the grocery budget people love food. That’s what it’s all about, a love of food to make the senses happy.<\/p>\n

Selling you the product<\/span><\/h3>\n

I’ve yet to meet a male sampler employee but all the ladies have been very friendly with me. They will give you what I call a “product pitch”<\/strong> for what they have in the little cups in front of them. They will rally you to try the free samples and most times smile and nod at you as you chew it. Even if you hate it you do the same. Merchandisers will make sure there is a product display if applicable in reaching distance because they want you to inspect the packaging.<\/p>\n

Once you have the product package in your hand, it’s as good as sold. The best part about free food samples is 99% of the time you will find coupons on the display counter top. If you don’t see any, ask because you never know what they have stashed away behind those booths. ( oh come on couponers you all know you’ve looked when no one was around haha)<\/p>\n

Share your comments > ><\/strong> Would you wander over to get free samples of products to try if offered? Do you ask for a coupon? Does the free sample entice you to buy the product?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

July grocery game recap<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you missed grocery game posts for this month just click on the links below and post your shops in the comment section. This week grocery shop #5 is the last weeks shop for the month of July.<\/p>\n