The UK-based brand SMOL offers consumers the opportunity to test its eco-friendly cleaning products through a structured free trial programme. This initiative allows new customers to receive a selection of samples, primarily focusing on laundry capsules and dish detergent, for a nominal shipping fee. The programme is designed to introduce users to SMOL’s subscription service, which delivers refills for reusable bottles. Information regarding the trial’s mechanics, costs, and product details is derived from the brand’s official website and third-party promotional content.
Understanding the SMOL Free Trial Programme
SMOL is a UK company specialising in concentrated, plastic-free cleaning products delivered directly to consumers. Its business model centres on a subscription service that provides refills for reusable containers, aiming to reduce plastic waste and chemical use. The free trial serves as an entry point into this system, allowing customers to experience the products before committing to ongoing payments.
According to the source material, the free trial is available to new users and includes samples of SMOL’s laundry pods and dish detergent. The process begins on the SMOL homepage, where users can navigate to the “our products” section. Here, they are presented with options for laundry and dishwasher products, each accompanied by a “GET FREE TRIAL” button. Selecting this option initiates the sign-up process.
The trial is not entirely without cost. While the products themselves are free, SMOL charges a shipping fee for the trial order. The sources specify a £1 shipping fee for free trial orders, after which all subsequent orders qualify for free shipping. This fee is a fixed amount applied to the initial sample delivery.
Eligibility and Sign-Up Process
Participation in the SMOL free trial is generally open to new customers within the United Kingdom. The sign-up process is conducted entirely online through the official SMOL website. The steps, as outlined in the source data, are as follows:
- Product Selection: Users visit the SMOL homepage and locate the “our products” header. From the top three options, which are typically labelled for laundry and dishwasher use, the user selects one and clicks the “GET FREE TRIAL” button.
- Subscription Calculation: The website prompts the user with questions. These questions are designed to calculate the appropriate quantity and subscription period for the user’s household needs. For instance, questions may cover the number of people in the household, laundry frequency, or dishwasher usage.
- Checkout and Account Creation: Once the system calculates a recommended subscription, the user proceeds to checkout. At this stage, an account must be created, which requires providing a valid UK postal address for delivery and inputting payment information.
- Order Submission: After completing the form and entering payment details, the user submits the order. The shipping fee for the trial order will be processed.
It is critical to note that providing payment information is a mandatory step, even for the free trial. The sources confirm that users must input their payment details during the sign-up process.
Trial Terms and Subscription Management
A key aspect of the SMOL free trial is its automatic enrolment into a subscription service. The sources explicitly state that accepting the trial sets the user up to order more products via a subscription automatically. This means that after the initial trial period, customers will be billed for and receive subsequent shipments of products unless they take action to cancel.
The subscription is designed to be flexible. Users are able to cancel their subscription at any time without incurring any charges beyond the initial £1 shipping fee. If a cancellation is made before the next scheduled shipment, no additional payments will be taken. However, if the subscription is not cancelled, the user will be charged for the next order when it is time for another shipment.
To avoid unwanted charges, it is recommended that users understand the cancellation process. The source material mentions that SMOL does not require a credit card for the free trial sign-up, but the standard process does involve providing payment information. One source discusses the use of a virtual credit card service as a method to manage automatic renewals, though this is presented as an external tool rather than an official SMOL procedure.
Product Details and Environmental Claims
The free trial samples primarily feature SMOL’s laundry capsules and dish detergent. These products are marketed as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional cleaning products. Key product claims from the source material include:
- Laundry Capsules: Described as revolutionary, these capsules are 100% plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. They contain fewer chemicals than competitor brands and are designed to dissolve without packaging waste, suitable for all fabric types and stains.
- Dishwasher Detergent: Also available as part of the trial, this product follows the same principles of reduced chemical use and sustainable packaging.
SMOL’s environmental impact is a significant part of its brand identity. The company’s 2024 report, as cited in the sources, highlights its achievements: 470 tonnes of plastic waste saved, 4,913 tonnes of carbon spared, and 970 tonnes of chemicals avoided. In 2024, SMOL became a certified B Corp, indicating it meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
The brand also offers a Home Bundle for purchase, which includes six of its best-selling products (laundry capsules, dishwasher tablets, multi-purpose spray, fabric conditioner, washing-up liquid, and bleach-free stain gel) for £10, a saving of over 50% compared to the recommended retail price of £23.
Important Considerations for UK Consumers
While the free trial presents an attractive opportunity, there are several factors consumers should consider:
- Automatic Subscription: The most important consideration is that the trial automatically converts into a paid subscription. Users must be proactive in managing their account if they do not wish to continue.
- Shipping Fee: The £1 charge for the trial order is a cost to be aware of, though it is relatively low compared to the value of the products received.
- Product Suitability: The trial allows users to test the products’ effectiveness and suitability for their household needs before committing to regular purchases.
- Environmental Benefits: For consumers prioritising sustainability, SMOL’s B Corp certification and plastic-free packaging are significant advantages.
The sources do not specify an expiry date for the free trial offer, nor do they list any geographic restrictions beyond the requirement for a UK postal address. The information is consistent across the provided materials, which include the brand’s official website and a shopping magazine article, suggesting high reliability for the core details of the offer.
Conclusion
The SMOL free trial programme offers UK consumers a low-cost way to sample a range of eco-friendly cleaning products, including laundry capsules and dish detergent. The process is straightforward, involving an online sign-up, a small shipping fee, and the provision of payment information for automatic subscription enrolment. Key benefits include the brand’s strong environmental credentials, such as its B Corp status and plastic-free packaging, and the flexibility to cancel the subscription at any time. However, the automatic subscription model requires users to be vigilant to avoid unintended charges. For those seeking to reduce household plastic waste and chemical use, the SMOL free trial provides a practical and accessible introduction to a sustainable product range.