Obtaining free samples of wood veneer and wood flooring is a practical step for homeowners, interior designers, and contractors seeking to make informed decisions about materials. The provided documentation outlines processes for ordering free samples from two specific companies: Havwoods, which focuses on wood flooring, and Treefrog Veneer, which offers wood veneer products. Both companies provide free samples, though their ordering systems, eligibility requirements, and shipping policies differ. This article details these processes, drawing exclusively on the information presented in the source materials.
Havwoods: Free Wood Floor Samples
Havwoods offers free wood floor samples to help customers make confident choices from home. The company emphasises that each sample provides a true representation of the product’s colour, grain, and quality, allowing customers to visualise how the flooring will look in their space. Unlike digital images, physical samples show the actual product, which is essential for a long-term investment like flooring. Customers are encouraged to compare multiple samples side by side to ensure the final installation matches their vision.
The ordering process is straightforward. Customers can order samples by simply clicking on the desired product on the Havwoods website. The company offers a wide range of products, including engineered and solid wood flooring in various styles such as light blondes, rich browns, and contemporary greys. Popular collections include Venture Plank and Design From Havwoods. Samples are clearly labelled, making it easy to track favourites. The company also highlights the sustainability of its products, noting that many carry FSC® certification, which reflects responsible sourcing practices.
Regarding delivery, Havwoods provides free next-day delivery for most wood floor samples across the United States. This service is designed to support homeowners, interior designers, and contractors by speeding up decision-making and project timelines. However, the documentation does not specify delivery options or costs for customers outside the United States, including the United Kingdom. The source material is focused on the US market, and no international shipping details are provided for Havwoods samples.
Treefrog Veneer: Free Wood Veneer Samples
Treefrog Veneer offers an online sample ordering system that is described as being similar to online shopping, except that samples are free. This system is ideal for design professionals who regularly order individual samples. To order samples, customers must create an online sample account, which does not require a credit card or payment. The account works for Chemetal, Treefrog, and InteriorArts products.
The process for ordering samples online is as follows: - Add samples from individual product pages. - Select size and quantity. - Create an online sample account (no credit card or payment required).
There are limits on the number of samples that can be ordered: a maximum of 20 samples total and 5 per SKU. If more samples are needed, customers must email [email protected] and explain why they require additional samples.
For international orders, including to the United Kingdom, the process differs. Customers in Europe or Asia cannot order samples for shipment through the shopping cart. Instead, they must contact the company via email at [email protected]. While samples are free, free shipping is at the company’s discretion due to the high cost of international shipping. The company may ask to qualify the customer as a designer or design firm and may request a UPS or FedEx account number. If DHL is preferred, the customer is responsible for scheduling their own pickup. Additionally, shipping to other countries may require payment of duties, which are the responsibility of the designer or recipient.
Treefrog Veneer also provides options for ordering samples by phone or email, particularly for customers who prefer this method or need expedited shipping. By phone or email, customers must provide their name, company name, full shipping address, email address, phone number, project name, and the samples needed by product number. For expedited shipping, customers must provide their preferred shipping company (FedEx or UPS), an active account number, and the desired service (e.g., overnight, 2-day). The company also occasionally creates custom-sized samples for regular customers or special needs, though charges may apply for these. Architectural sample boxes and wallboards require direct contact, as they are more expensive materials, and the company will need to qualify the customer.
Comparing the Two Programmes
Both Havwoods and Treefrog Veneer provide free samples, but their approaches cater to different needs. Havwoods focuses on wood flooring for residential and commercial projects, with an emphasis on visualising products in real spaces. Their sample programme is designed for ease of use, with free next-day delivery within the US. However, the documentation does not address international shipping, making it unclear how UK consumers can access these samples.
Treefrog Veneer’s sample programme is more structured for design professionals, with specific limits and an online account system. It explicitly addresses international ordering, providing a clear process for customers outside the US, including those in the UK. The requirement to contact the company directly for international orders and the potential for shipping costs or duties are important considerations for UK consumers. The programme also offers flexibility through phone or email ordering and expedited shipping options, albeit with the need for a customer’s own shipping account.
For UK consumers, Treefrog Veneer’s programme appears more accessible, as it outlines an international ordering process. Havwoods’ information is limited to the US market, so UK customers would need to seek additional information from the company’s website or contact them directly to confirm availability and shipping terms. Neither source provides details on how to sign up for sample programmes via email newsletters or promotional offers, focusing instead on direct product page orders or direct contact.
Eligibility and Limitations
The eligibility requirements are straightforward but vary. Havwoods does not specify any eligibility criteria beyond being a customer interested in their products. Treefrog Veneer requires an online account for its shopping cart system but does not impose fees or credit checks. For international orders, Treefrog Veneer may qualify customers as designers or design firms, which could imply a preference for professionals, but the documentation does not state this as a strict requirement. Sample limits are explicit for Treefrog Veneer (20 total, 5 per SKU), while Havwoods does not mention any limits in the provided material.
Both companies emphasise the importance of samples for decision-making. Havwoods highlights testing samples in different rooms and times of day to see how lighting affects the appearance. Treefrog Veneer notes that samples are essential for understanding the product, though it does not elaborate on usage scenarios.
Practical Advice for UK Consumers
UK consumers interested in free wood samples should consider the following based on the available information: - For wood flooring samples, check Havwoods’ UK website (if available) for specific international shipping policies, as the provided data only covers the US. - For wood veneer samples, use Treefrog Veneer’s email contact ([email protected]) to request samples for shipment to the UK. Be prepared to provide detailed information and potentially cover shipping costs or duties. - When ordering, review product pages carefully to select the correct samples, as both companies offer multiple collections and styles. - If samples are needed urgently, Treefrog Veneer offers expedited shipping, but this requires using the customer’s own shipping account and may incur costs.
It is important to note that the provided source material is limited to two specific companies. UK consumers seeking samples from other brands or categories (such as beauty, baby care, pet products, etc.) would need to consult additional resources, as this article is based solely on the given documents.
Conclusion
Free wood veneer and wood floor samples are valuable tools for making informed decisions about flooring and veneer products. Havwoods provides free wood floor samples with an emphasis on visualisation and quality, primarily for the US market. Treefrog Veneer offers a structured online sample ordering system for wood veneer, with clear international processes, including for the UK. Both companies allow customers to order samples without payment, though Treefrog Veneer has specific limits and may require direct contact for international orders. UK consumers should review the respective company policies for shipping costs, duties, and eligibility to ensure a smooth sampling experience.