A (Very) Little Somethin'-Somethin'
October 27, 2016 2:53 PM Subscribe
Why yes, I WOULD like a (non-free) sample! So the discovery of perfume decant vials and snack samples (like Nuts.com and Sugarfina's sample packs/tasting bags) have greatly enhanced my life. What other things (food/drink and health/beauty are categories that immediately come to mind, but I'm open to ALL things) are readily available for purchase in sample sizes? Note that I'm NOT interested in beauty or snack subscription boxes... I'd like items that I choose, in quantities I choose, on a non-recurring basis.
All me to introduce you to one of my very favorite stores on the web, minimus.biz, where you can buy sample sizes of ALL THE THINGS!!
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 3:03 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 3:03 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure if this is what you had in mind, but some of my friends didn't know that you can get free samples of any liquid/cream cosmetics or toiletries at Sephora just by asking. I've walked out of there with substantial samples of five different BB creams and foundations to try. You can also get 3 free samples with any online order.
Paula's Choice sells samples of her products as well as usually giving 3 free samples.
These days it's super easy to buy samples of paint colors at any paint store or Home Depot/Lowe's. You don't get to pick your finish, but for around $6(?), they'll sell you a nice amount of the color you want to try. Nothing like painting a 3 or 4 foot patch on your walls to see if you like it.
posted by purple_bird at 3:03 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
Paula's Choice sells samples of her products as well as usually giving 3 free samples.
These days it's super easy to buy samples of paint colors at any paint store or Home Depot/Lowe's. You don't get to pick your finish, but for around $6(?), they'll sell you a nice amount of the color you want to try. Nothing like painting a 3 or 4 foot patch on your walls to see if you like it.
posted by purple_bird at 3:03 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
I believe fountain pen ink is sometimes available in sample vials, though I'm not sure where to get it online.
posted by sibilatorix at 3:05 PM on October 27, 2016
posted by sibilatorix at 3:05 PM on October 27, 2016
This website sells tons of asian beauty/skincare products in sample sizes: Rose Rose Shop.
And it's not technically buying, but if you have Beauty Insider points at Sephora, you can use those to "purchase" samples (with a paid order online, or just using points if you go in store).
posted by jouir at 3:17 PM on October 27, 2016
And it's not technically buying, but if you have Beauty Insider points at Sephora, you can use those to "purchase" samples (with a paid order online, or just using points if you go in store).
posted by jouir at 3:17 PM on October 27, 2016
Raisins, craisins, nut butters, toothpastes, buns (vs loafs), sugar, condiments, ice cream, tea, coffee, you name it, there's a version of that food in a trial size.
And if there isn't, there's always DIY.
posted by aniola at 3:24 PM on October 27, 2016
And if there isn't, there's always DIY.
posted by aniola at 3:24 PM on October 27, 2016
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is a perfumery that sells small sample vials of almost every fragrance they carry.
They will also throw in a couple of random free ones with every order.
posted by ananci at 4:11 PM on October 27, 2016 [4 favorites]
They will also throw in a couple of random free ones with every order.
posted by ananci at 4:11 PM on October 27, 2016 [4 favorites]
Garden of Wisdom sells samples of dozens of types of carrier/exotic oils for skin care.
posted by acidic at 4:25 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by acidic at 4:25 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
Goulet Pens has samples of fountain pen ink.
posted by incountrysleep at 4:40 PM on October 27, 2016
posted by incountrysleep at 4:40 PM on October 27, 2016
"Airplane" bottles of liquor are prettty much sample-sized and the liquor department at my grocery store has them.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 6:19 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ArgentCorvid at 6:19 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
Oh I LOVE samples and dispatch them as teeny tiny "thinking of you!" treats all the time.
I buy all of mine on Etsy. I have bought candles, honey, tea, cosmetics, perfume, soap, headbands, stationary, yarn, body creams and lipbalms, shampoo and conditioner, washi, spices, coffee, basically everything.
posted by DarlingBri at 6:35 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
I buy all of mine on Etsy. I have bought candles, honey, tea, cosmetics, perfume, soap, headbands, stationary, yarn, body creams and lipbalms, shampoo and conditioner, washi, spices, coffee, basically everything.
posted by DarlingBri at 6:35 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
FLOR tiles come as samples and make great little coasters or combine to be cute rugs.
posted by teremala at 7:00 PM on October 27, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by teremala at 7:00 PM on October 27, 2016 [2 favorites]
I love Sephora's impulse-buy aisle of try-me sizes ranging from $5-25. They are awesome for travel and stocking stuffers, and all really good quality stuff.
posted by Pearl928 at 7:24 PM on October 27, 2016
posted by Pearl928 at 7:24 PM on October 27, 2016
The Christmas tree shop near me has a Harmon's section which is aisles and aisles of sample sizes from floor to ceiling.
posted by pintapicasso at 8:00 PM on October 27, 2016
posted by pintapicasso at 8:00 PM on October 27, 2016
I'm not sure if this is what you had in mind, but some of my friends didn't know that you can get free samples of any liquid/cream cosmetics or toiletries at Sephora just by asking. I've walked out of there with substantial samples of five different BB creams and foundations to try. You can also get 3 free samples with any online order.
You can do the same thing at Lush. If you order online, they will also include samples - if there's something specific you'd like to sample, just note that when you order.
posted by SisterHavana at 9:06 PM on October 27, 2016
You can do the same thing at Lush. If you order online, they will also include samples - if there's something specific you'd like to sample, just note that when you order.
posted by SisterHavana at 9:06 PM on October 27, 2016
Do you have a Cost Plus World Market near you? They have a whole section of small versions of fancy food items: tiny cookies, mini sausages, small cheeses, little cans of pate, wee sauces or drinks in jars or bottles. Oh, looks like they have it on their website, too: Gourmet Miniatures.
posted by spelunkingplato at 10:55 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by spelunkingplato at 10:55 PM on October 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
I believe you can get small samples of nail polish.
posted by Toddles at 11:11 PM on October 27, 2016
posted by Toddles at 11:11 PM on October 27, 2016
Also don't discount nips! (The tiny bottles of alcohol - I love them in small sizes)
posted by Toddles at 11:12 PM on October 27, 2016
posted by Toddles at 11:12 PM on October 27, 2016
Korean beauty is ubiquitous with samples (although on my recent trip to Korea, the beauty shops seemed slightly more stingy than previous years). Anyway, they are so prevalent that it's relatively easy to purchase them outright.
I have shopped with these guys before (and they give you even more samples with your purchase!)
Haven't used this but seems like they specialise in samples.
And I have found it relatively easy to search for samples on eBay. Note on eBay - there are a lot of sellers who will repackage samples for you (particularly foundation). It's not underhanded, they are clear they are recanting it for you. I am a bit skeeved out by this option for hygiene reasons, but it is a thing people do.
posted by like_neon at 1:37 AM on October 28, 2016
I have shopped with these guys before (and they give you even more samples with your purchase!)
Haven't used this but seems like they specialise in samples.
And I have found it relatively easy to search for samples on eBay. Note on eBay - there are a lot of sellers who will repackage samples for you (particularly foundation). It's not underhanded, they are clear they are recanting it for you. I am a bit skeeved out by this option for hygiene reasons, but it is a thing people do.
posted by like_neon at 1:37 AM on October 28, 2016
WD-40 is available in pen form, which is practically a sample size. Real tiny samples are also occasionally available. WD-40 is not just for mechanics, but can be used for everything from removing labels to lubricating hinges.
posted by Harald74 at 6:54 AM on October 28, 2016
posted by Harald74 at 6:54 AM on October 28, 2016
Upton Tea sells sample sizes (around 10-20g) of most of their teas.
You can get "samples" of semiconductor products from manufacturers for a nominal fee. They're usually packaged as "development kits" and might include a programmer/burner. Places like DigiKey will also usually sell certain ICs singly or in small quantities. In fact, lots of manufacturing-related products are available in sample sizes for development purposes, since those suppliers are hoping you'll come back and make a big order after you've decided to use them.
posted by backseatpilot at 8:08 AM on October 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
You can get "samples" of semiconductor products from manufacturers for a nominal fee. They're usually packaged as "development kits" and might include a programmer/burner. Places like DigiKey will also usually sell certain ICs singly or in small quantities. In fact, lots of manufacturing-related products are available in sample sizes for development purposes, since those suppliers are hoping you'll come back and make a big order after you've decided to use them.
posted by backseatpilot at 8:08 AM on October 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
Fat quarters, sold for quilting but useful for all kinds of small-scale sewing and craft projects. Of course you can just walk into a fabric store and get a small cut of any fabric (or try your luck in the remnant bin), but the fat quarter feels more like an "official" sample and it's a more useful shape than a 9" strip of fabric.
Similarly, you can buy swatches of wallpaper. Springfield Leather sells rectangular pieces of leather in various sizes; typically with leather you have to buy it by the side. And I've bought short lengths of crystal chain and leather cording, small pieces of felt, etc. on Etsy.
For deluxe samples found in beauty subscription boxes or gifts with purchase, often people will list the items individually on eBay or /r/bbexchange so you only buy what you want. Another source for smaller-size cosmetics is Stowaway. Everything is sold as miniatures, including foundation and concealer, which you don't often find in sample sizes.
posted by mama casserole at 10:59 AM on October 28, 2016
Similarly, you can buy swatches of wallpaper. Springfield Leather sells rectangular pieces of leather in various sizes; typically with leather you have to buy it by the side. And I've bought short lengths of crystal chain and leather cording, small pieces of felt, etc. on Etsy.
For deluxe samples found in beauty subscription boxes or gifts with purchase, often people will list the items individually on eBay or /r/bbexchange so you only buy what you want. Another source for smaller-size cosmetics is Stowaway. Everything is sold as miniatures, including foundation and concealer, which you don't often find in sample sizes.
posted by mama casserole at 10:59 AM on October 28, 2016
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posted by cosmic osmo at 3:03 PM on October 27, 2016 [6 favorites]