The TryIt Sampling Community, operated by Bazaarvoice, presents a distinctive opportunity for consumers to receive complimentary products from leading brands in exchange for honest reviews. This programme is specifically designed to gather authentic consumer feedback on items, many of which are newly launched, to assist other shoppers in making informed purchasing decisions. While the initiative offers high-value freebies across various categories, it is currently exclusive to US residents and operates on a waitlist basis following a recent merger with Influenster.
Understanding the TryIt Sampling Community
The TryIt Sampling Community is a product testing initiative managed by Bazaarvoice. Its primary function is to facilitate the distribution of free samples to members who subsequently provide unbiased reviews. These reviews are intended to benefit both consumers seeking reliable product information and brands looking for genuine market feedback.
According to the source material, the programme is characterised by the following: * Membership Exclusivity: Participation is not open to the general public. Membership is granted by invitation only, and interested individuals must join a waiting list by submitting an application form. * US-Centric Operations: The programme currently supports shipping only within the United States. This geographical restriction is a critical factor for UK-based consumers to note. * Review-Driven Model: The core requirement of the community is the provision of authentic reviews. Members are expected to share their honest opinions on the products they receive, which are then posted as-is without compensation. * Data Usage: Personal information collected during the sign-up process is stated to be used solely for administrative purposes and not for marketing.
The types of products available through TryIt Sampling are diverse. While the source material specifically mentions a category for "Free Perfume Samples," anecdotal evidence from members suggests a much broader range. Products reportedly received include everything from food items like chocolate milk to high-value electronics such as laptops, as well as fashion items, home goods, and pet products. The element of surprise is a noted feature, as members often do not know exactly what they will receive until they are offered a specific product match.
The Merger with Influenster
A significant development regarding the TryIt Sampling Community is its merger with Influenster. This update, confirmed in source material dated September and October 2021, has altered the landscape of the programme.
- Current Status: As of the provided information, TryIt is still operating, but it is in the process of merging with Influenster. This has led to some uncertainty regarding the future of the standalone TryIt platform.
- Joining the Programme: The merger has impacted the ability to join. While the TryIt website may still accept applications, the primary route for new members appears to be through Influenster. The source material directs users to a separate post for details on how to sign up for an Influenster account and the specifics of the merging process.
- Implications for Applicants: Prospective members should be aware that the application process is now tied to the Influenster ecosystem. The exclusivity and invitation-only nature of TryIt likely continue under the Influenster framework, emphasising the need for a detailed profile to be considered for product matches.
How to Access Free Samples
Accessing products through the TryIt Sampling Community involves a multi-step process, beginning with the application and ending with the submission of a review.
1. Application and Waitlist
The first step is to express interest by completing the official application form. This form places the applicant on a waiting list. The source material indicates that acceptance is not guaranteed and is handled on an invitation-only basis. To increase the likelihood of acceptance, the programme seeks "engaged consumers" who are willing to provide detailed demographic information.
2. Profile Completion
Once a member is accepted, they are required to build a comprehensive profile. This profile is the key to receiving relevant product offers. Members are asked to provide extensive details about themselves and their households. The information collected is used to match members with products that suit their lifestyle and interests. For example: * Parents may be offered baby products. * Pet owners may be offered pet food or accessories. * Individuals with specific interests may receive related items.
The source material stresses that the more information a member provides, the better the programme can curate offers.
3. Product Selection
When a product becomes available that matches a member's profile, an email notification is sent. This email contains a link to request the specific product. The process is highly time-sensitive; products are often claimed within minutes of the email being sent. Members must act quickly, log in to their account, and select the available product. Typically, a member can select one item per offer, though occasionally more may be available.
4. Review Submission
After receiving and trying the product, the final step is to submit a review. This is a mandatory part of membership. The reviews must be honest and unbiased. The purpose of the programme is to generate authentic feedback to help other consumers and to provide valuable insights to brands and retailers within the Bazaarvoice network. Members are not compensated for their reviews and are not pressured to write positive ones.
Eligibility and Membership Criteria
The TryIt Sampling Community has specific criteria for membership, which are crucial for potential applicants to understand.
- Geographic Eligibility: The programme is explicitly restricted to US residents. The shipping infrastructure does not currently support addresses outside of the United States. This is the most significant barrier for UK-based consumers.
- Engagement Level: The programme is actively seeking "engaged consumers." This implies a preference for individuals who are active online, likely to participate in social media, and committed to writing detailed and timely reviews.
- Authenticity: Members are expected to write authentic, unbiased reviews. The programme values genuine feedback over promotional content.
- No Compensation: Participation does not come with monetary compensation. The reward is the free product itself.
Categories of Freebies
While the source material is limited in detailing specific brands beyond Bazaarvoice and its network, it suggests a wide array of product categories are available. The overarching goal is to provide free products to test and keep.
- Beauty and Perfume: A specific category mentioned is "Free Perfume Samples." Given the involvement of Bazaarvoice, which works with numerous beauty brands, it is plausible that cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances are common offers.
- Food and Beverage: Anecdotal reports include items like "chocolate milk" and "Ohi Superfood Bars," indicating that food and drink sampling is part of the programme.
- Household Goods: High-value household items such as "Shark Vacuum" and "frying pans" have reportedly been distributed.
- Fashion and Apparel: Members have received clothing items, including a "$20 men’s polo shirt" and "$60 pair of Tommy Hilfiger pants."
- Electronics and High-Value Items: Perhaps most impressively, the programme has been known to offer significant electronics, such as a "laptop computer" and a "$300 Hunter fan with Alexa."
Important Considerations for Participants
Before applying, prospective members should be aware of several key points:
- Time Sensitivity: The opportunity to claim a product is extremely brief. Members must monitor their emails closely and be prepared to act immediately when a notification arrives.
- Data Privacy: The programme collects detailed personal information for profiling. While the source material states this is not used for marketing, applicants should always review the privacy policy of any service they join.
- The Influenster Transition: The ongoing merger with Influenster means the user experience and application process may continue to evolve. Applicants should be prepared to navigate the Influenster platform.
- Expectation Management: While some members receive high-value items, this is not guaranteed. The products offered are dependent on brand campaigns and member profile matches.
Conclusion
The TryIt Sampling Community, now integrated with Influenster, offers a legitimate and highly valued opportunity for consumers to receive free products in exchange for honest feedback. The programme is built on a model of mutual benefit: consumers gain access to new and exciting items at no cost, while brands receive crucial market intelligence. However, the programme is characterised by high exclusivity, a waitlist system, and a strict requirement for active participation in reviewing products. For UK-based consumers, the most critical limitation is the programme's current restriction to US shipping addresses. Until this geographic barrier is removed, the TryIt Sampling Community remains an opportunity exclusive to consumers in the United States.