"Sample Figures" Topic

True or false: Do you expect manufacturers to send sample figures upon request?

No.

no

x42

No.

I've once received some, unasked, from Irregular Miniatures I Believe.

No.
Nor do I expect samples of any product.

No. I have had a few slipped into other orders (Irregular, Pithead and Baccus come to mind) and both have resulted in more sales. But really, a good digital picture on a website usually suffices.

No, although it is a very pleasant surprise when one receives a bonus figure or more in an order.

No.

But it is nice when a manufacturer adds a couple figures they think I might be interested in when I make an order.

Rob at Garrison garrisonminiatures.com and Simon at Redline bendsinister.co.uk have both done this for me on a number of occasions and it is greatly appreciated.

No. But I do like the option to be able to purchase a sample selection of a range (Baccus offers this service, I'm sure others do too).

I love when they send samples that I request, but I do not expect it. I do not mind paying for samples either. I just do not like having to 100 figs to see if manufacturer A's 15mm is the same size as B's 15mm.

Also it depends on scale. I have never gotten samples from in any scale over 15mm. Nor would I expect to. For smaller scales having a sample pack that you can order is a wonderful practice.

I want them to be willing to sell me samples (at a fair premium per figure) if they otherwise only have large pack sizes. Free? Nope.

I don't expect it, but I admit to buying a fair amount from a manufacturer who had sent them. I felt that someone who was that up front – and the figures were unexpected – was deserving of my business.
Larry

No.. I have recieved some after I had several purchases with the company. I was asked to provide feedback, which I gladly did.

Nope. They are very kind if they do.

Thanks,

John

Nope.
But if they did, I'd be doing a LOT of requests from minis boutique stores…

In the days before the internet yes, these days no.

Nope.

No

No

No

No. It's freeloading really, asking someone to give you a freebie. As a neophyte gamer I did ask for some, and got them. I feel a bit bad about it now although I have patronised those companies as a paying customer since.

No, I never ask. I have received some freebies and I have a warm place in my heart for those guys.

No.

No

If I am interested in a range I will ask for a sample and offer to pay – the great advantage of PayPal is that the supplier can change the amount with a simple e-mail without having to create a specific product or ask for a cheque.

To date Splintered Light, Rebel and Mick Yarrow have kindly provided samples FOC despite me offering to pay and in return they all have had repeat orders – great service deserves support.

No

No. A couple have offered and I've taken one up on it, but, no, I don't expect them to provide samples. I will, however, pay for samples of ranges I'm interested in, if they were willing.

Not any more. In the days before websites with photos of the figs I did.

No.

I don't necessarily expect it, but I also don't think it hurts to ask. Sometimes it would by nice to be able to see individual figures to see what a range looks like, but I certainly understand why a vendor wouldn't want to break up a pack. But for the most part, if a website has good digital photos of their products, then samples really aren't necessary.

I would never ask for a free sample unless I was really interested in buying more…

False

No but I'd like to see photos of the products and scale shot on the WEB site. If I get a sample I appreciate and will most likely deal with that company again.

Kind of an out dated practice these days. No real need with all the web sites, review sites and blogs we have today. Still, they are nice to get get and the practice does, at least for me, inspire some brand or store loyalty.

I've inquired about purchasing sample figures from several manufacturers in the past. I don't expect to be able to get them, but it is nice when I do.

Is the question about whether a person should hand out free minis? I don't think this should ever be expected. I'm perfectly happy paying for representative samples and the shipping cost that is involved.

Yes, particularly if I am going to invest a great deal of money and they have not (or in some cases refuse to) put up a picture of the item on their website. I will not buy a "pig in a poke". If they won't list it or send me a sample figure then they loose my trade.

I would like to purchase a few samples to 1)see the true size and quality 2)see the poses. SImilarly I would like to be able to purchase custom packs. I.e British standard bearers so I can have 2 per regiment.

I would also like manufacturers to better research their packs. Light Infantry do not have (as a rule) standards, and have hornists/buglers. 50% of the Spanish were not grenadiers. Many units had two colors. Many calalry had elites. Packs should reflect this.

Yes before the Internet
No now that they can be seen on the net. Any company that does not post pic to the web, should not expect orders.