The Ethics of Samples

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

Free samples can be wonderful. Trying out a product can save you from costly mistakes in buying it, if you find that you don't like it. You can be adventurous and try out something new that you might not otherwise have experienced.

For some, the super sample people, it is an opportunity to reduce your budget by taking advantage of getting things for free. I know one lady who never buys perfume, because she is stocked with samples from the fragrance counter.

And the samples may even come in handy when you your supplies are running low. For example, let's say that you are out of shampoo and aren't going shopping for a week? Go and raid your magazines and junk mail for packets of shampoo and conditioner to get you through.

Of course, the manufacturers aren't giving you these samples just to be nice. They are hoping that you will buy their product or at least tell a friend who may buy the product. They don't want you to forego purchasing something because you have stocked up on samples.

So where do the ethics come in? I think it depends on the person to use their own judgement and what they feel comfortable with. Here is my own opinion.

If there is a basic full of samples with a sign that says "Take One," then just take one, not twenty. Go ahead and sign up for samples on the web, but don't use multiple names and post office boxes to get around the "one per household" rule.

Never return a sample to the store for a refund. Many people do this with larger samples that are given free to encourage you to buy supplies, such as free glucose meters or fancy razors. They see this as a side job, while I see it as unethical, since they never purchased the item.

Magazines are fair game for whatever samples they include. Go ahead and ask the library or Dr. office if you can pull them out. They don't cost the manufacturer extra for just sitting there.

When sampling food, go ahead and get a sample for each member of your family to try if appropriate. Don't stock up on things such as ketchup packets at the restaurant. These are not meant to be samples. If you get an enthusiastic handful thrown in to your bag at the fast food drive through by the worker, go ahead and use them.

When asking for a sample, be respectful and don't try to con anyone out of more than you deserve. Donate any samples you won't be using to a shelter or a needy neighbor.

Where do you fall on this issue?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot.

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