The availability of free samples allows consumers and professionals to evaluate the quality, texture, and suitability of paper and art materials before committing to a purchase. For UK-based artists, designers, and hobbyists, several international companies provide mail-in sample programmes, though it is essential to understand the specific terms, shipping costs, and geographic restrictions that apply. The following information details the sample programmes offered by PaperDirect, Print Dirt Cheap, Qin Printing, and Legion Paper, based solely on the provided source data.
PaperDirect Free Sample Programme
PaperDirect operates a structured free sample programme for its paper products, providing a budget-based system for customers to request samples. The programme is designed to allow customers to see and feel the quality of the paper before placing a larger order.
To request samples, customers must first shop for the desired product on the PaperDirect website. Not all products are eligible for free samples; eligible products are indicated in the "Products Included" section. Once an eligible product is identified, the customer clicks the "Order Free Sample" button, which automatically adds one item to their cart. Each customer receives a $20 sample budget. Most samples are priced at $2 each, meaning customers can request up to ten samples for free within this budget. Additionally, customers may receive up to three greeting cards for free, along with free shipping and handling, through the affiliated site paperdirect.cardsdirect.com.
The programme explicitly excludes non-paper products such as trophies and wooden frames. For paper products with specialty foil colours and inks that are not available as free samples, the base product will be shipped. Customers are advised to call 800.272.7377 to discuss potential accommodations for these specialty items.
Shipping for free samples within the continental US incurs a $5 ground shipping charge. However, customers receive a $5 coupon to be used towards their next order from PaperDirect placed within 30 days. Free samples ship separately from paid orders via 1st Class Mail, with an average shipping time of 5 business days depending on location. Express delivery options such as Next Day Air or 2nd Day Air are available for an additional charge, which must be determined by calling the customer service number.
For delivery outside the continental US, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, other US territories, and APO/FPO addresses, shipping charges apply. Additional charges also apply for Canada and other international addresses. Specific shipping charge information for these destinations must be obtained by calling 800.272.7377. For the fastest possible service, customers are encouraged to call this number directly for their free sample request.
Print Dirt Cheap Free Sample Pack
Print Dirt Cheap offers a free printed paper sample swatch pack to demonstrate the quality of their printing work. This programme is available to customers in the US and Canada. The sample pack contains pre-printed jobs from other work, including many different generic unbranded samples, allowing potential customers to assess the print quality. It is important to note that these sample packs do not include shirts, pens, pins, buttons, printer paper, or self-inking rubber stamps.
To receive the free sample pack, customers must add the sample product to their shopping cart and proceed to checkout. While the samples are free, the checkout process requires the customer to provide a mailing address. Customers can choose to create an account or check out as a guest. The company specifies that customers should not use the PayPal checkout option for this process.
The standard shipping method for these free samples is USPS Priority Mail, which is provided at no cost to the customer. For those who wish to expedite the process, alternative shipping options are available, including UPS 2 Day Air or Next Day Air, for a small fee. No payment is required for the standard samples when using USPS Priority Mail.
Qin Printing Paper Sample Manual
Qin Printing provides a comprehensive free paper sample manual designed to help customers make informed decisions about paper stocks for print projects. The manual is described as a beautifully bound book that showcases all the company's stock papers, special surface finishes, and a range of popular weights. This allows artists, designers, and customers to see and touch the paper before selecting the best option for their specific needs.
The sample manual itself is free of charge. However, customers are responsible for the shipping costs from Shanghai to their address. Shipping costs vary depending on the destination. For shipments to the US, FedEx or DHL shipping costs start from $28. The source data does not provide specific shipping costs for other destinations, including the UK.
Once the sample manual is received, customers are encouraged to thoroughly examine the papers. This includes touching the samples to assess texture and weight, comparing different stocks, and evaluating how the papers "take" print for both images and text. Customers should consider the paper weight in relation to the final product's page count and binding options. It is also recommended to examine special finishes and how they create specific effects. The process can be collaborative, and customers are advised to share the samples with colleagues or design teams for feedback. Qin Printing's paper stock experts are available to answer any questions.
Legion Paper Art and Paper Samplers
Legion Paper offers a variety of paper samplers for artists, designers, teachers, and framers. These samplers are curated to provide a tactile experience with different paper surfaces suitable for various artistic disciplines. The company provides several types of samplers, including Legion Collections, Mill Books, Mini Artist Pads, and Sample Sheets.
Legion Collections are 8.5”x5.5” books handpicked from over 4,000 papers, designed to get select papers into the hands of creators for experimentation and testing. Specific collections mentioned include: * Black Papers: A showcase of black papers in various sizes and textures. * Bookbinding Papers: Durable, strong, flexible, and resistant papers with an ideal weight for turning pages while preventing show-through. * Letterpress Papers: A collection of luscious papers designed for making a bold entrance with letterpress printing. * Printmaking Sampler (Silkscreen & Hand Litho): Designed for artists who need crisp lines, smooth ink laydown, and solid registration. These papers are resistant to warping and bleeding. They range from single ply to 8 ply and weigh 350gsm or more.
Legion Paper also offers samplers for watercolour, where brightness, texture, and absorbency are crucial factors. The company encourages customers to explore all available samplers to find the one that best suits their needs. The source data does not provide specific details on how to request these samplers, their cost, or shipping policies. For the most accurate and current information, including availability and request procedures, customers should visit the Legion Paper website directly.
Conclusion
For UK consumers and professionals seeking free paper and art material samples, the available programmes from international companies offer valuable opportunities to assess product quality. PaperDirect provides a budget-based sample request system with specific shipping costs and geographic limitations. Print Dirt Cheap offers free printed swatch packs to US and Canadian addresses, with an optional expedited shipping fee. Qin Printing supplies a free paper sample manual, with shipping costs from Shanghai starting at $28 for US destinations, though UK shipping costs are not specified. Legion Paper provides a range of curated art paper samplers, but details on acquisition must be verified on their official site. It is crucial for interested individuals to review the specific terms, costs, and eligibility criteria for each programme before making a request, paying close attention to shipping charges and geographic restrictions.