For UK-based designers, printers, and stationery enthusiasts seeking to evaluate premium paper quality before purchase, the Conqueror brand offers a structured sample programme. This initiative allows interested parties to request physical samples of their creative paper range, including the traditional Laid finish, the modern Wove, and the smooth CX22 textures. The programme is designed to assist consumers and professionals in selecting the appropriate paper for their projects, providing tangible samples to assess colour, texture, and watermark registration. The following article details the process, costs, and specific terms of accessing these samples based on the available information from official Conqueror channels.
Understanding the Conqueror Sample Programme
The Conqueror sample programme is a mail-in service focused on providing prospective customers with a tangible representation of the paper's quality. According to the information, samples are offered to "assist you in determining paper texture and colour" and to "assist you in choosing / matching the correct texture and colour of your Conqueror." The programme is fully automated through the brand's website, allowing users to browse the product range and request specific sample sheets.
The core offering consists of single sheets of A4 paper (210 x 297mm) corresponding to the various Conqueror finishes. The source material indicates that samples are available for products such as "Conqueror Laid A4 Sheet" and "Conqueror CX22 A4 Sheet." Additionally, samples for envelopes are also listed, specifically "Conqueror Laid Envelope" samples. Each sample item is clearly marked in its product code as "SAMPLE:**" to distinguish it from standard product listings.
Eligibility and Geographic Restrictions
A critical piece of information regarding eligibility is the geographic limitation of the sample programme. The source explicitly states that the service is "Only available in mainland UK." This restriction applies to the delivery of the samples, which is dispatched via Royal Mail standard post. Therefore, consumers residing in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Isles, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands may not be eligible to receive these samples under the standard programme terms.
No other specific eligibility criteria, such as professional status or minimum order requirements for future purchases, are mentioned in the provided source data. The programme appears to be open to any interested party within the mainland UK who follows the request process.
The Request Process: Step-by-Step
Accessing Conqueror samples involves a straightforward, self-service process through the official website. The instructions are clearly outlined in the source material, ensuring users can navigate the system efficiently.
- Browse the Product Range: Interested individuals should first browse the Conqueror website for the specific products they wish to sample. The product pages for items like Conqueror Laid and Conqueror CX22 will contain sample options.
- Locate the Sample Button: Within the description of each eligible product, a dedicated "SAMPLE button" is available. Clicking this button opens the sample request interface for that specific paper type.
- Add to Cart: Once the desired sample is selected, it can be added to the online shopping cart. Users can request multiple different samples by repeating this process for each product of interest.
- Checkout: Proceed to the checkout to complete the sample request. The system also offers an alternative navigation path: users can browse all available samples by selecting the "SALE > Samples" menu located in the top right corner of the website.
- Payment and Refund: The checkout process requires payment for the samples, which is later refunded under specific conditions. This cost structure is detailed in the following section.
Costs, Fees, and Refund Policy
The Conqueror sample programme operates on a partially funded model. While the samples themselves are nominally priced, associated delivery fees and a refund mechanism are in place. The source data presents two slightly different fee structures, which may indicate an update in policy or a variation between the two official Conqueror websites (conqueror-paper.co.uk and conquerorpaper.com).
First Fee Structure (from conqueror-paper.co.uk): * Handling Fee: A one-off handling fee of £4.99 is applied to all sample orders with a total value under £100.00. Orders totalling £100.00 or more qualify for free samples (presumably, the sample items themselves are priced, and the £100 threshold refers to the total value of samples requested). * Delivery: Delivery is via non-tracked Royal Mail standard post, with an estimated delivery time of 5 to 10 days.
Second Fee Structure (from conquerorpaper.com): * Sample Cost: There is a fully refundable charge of £1.99 per sample item. * Delivery Charge: A separate, fully refundable delivery charge of £4.99 is applied per order. * Refund Condition: The total fee (sample cost + delivery) is refunded when the recipient returns to place a full order on the same website. The source does not specify a minimum value for the subsequent full order to qualify for the refund.
Important Note on Refunds: The refund is explicitly conditional upon the customer returning to place a full order. It is not an unconditional free sample programme. The funds are held as a deposit against future purchase.
Sample Specifications and Product Range
The samples provided are designed for evaluation purposes. Each sample is a single sheet of A4 paper, ensuring consistency and ease of comparison. The product range covered by the sample programme includes the key finishes in the Conqueror portfolio:
- Conqueror Laid: The traditional, textured finish known for its classic feel.
- Conqueror Wove: A more modern, smooth finish.
- Conqueror CX22: A smooth, high-quality finish.
- Conqueror Laid Envelope: Samples are also available for envelopes in the Laid finish, allowing users to assess the complete stationery set.
The source material from Antalis (a distributor) reinforces that the Conqueror range includes consistent shades across all finishes, from whites to creams, and that the watermark is a key feature conveying sophistication. The sample programme allows for the direct assessment of these attributes.
Delivery and Logistics
Samples are dispatched via Royal Mail standard post. The service is non-tracked, and delivery is estimated to take approximately 5 to 10 working days. This timeframe accounts for processing, packing, and postal transit. Given the non-tracked nature, customers should allow the full estimated period before considering a sample as lost in transit. The programme's limitation to mainland UK ensures that Royal Mail standard post is the applicable and most cost-effective delivery method.
Considerations for UK Consumers
For UK consumers and professionals considering the Conqueror sample programme, several points are essential for a smooth experience:
- Plan for the Refund: The fee structure means that accessing samples requires an initial outlay. The refund is contingent on placing a future order, so participants should be serious about potentially purchasing the paper in bulk.
- Evaluate Multiple Finishes: To make the most of the programme, users should consider requesting samples of multiple finishes (e.g., Laid vs. CX22) to compare texture and appearance side-by-side.
- Check Product Codes: When browsing the website, look for the "SAMPLE:**" designation to ensure you are selecting a sample and not a full product.
- Allow Sufficient Time: With a 5 to 10 working day delivery window, samples should be ordered well in advance of any project deadlines requiring the physical paper.
Conclusion
The Conqueror paper sample programme provides a valuable, structured method for UK mainland consumers to physically evaluate premium paper products before committing to a purchase. The process is automated and user-friendly, allowing for the request of individual A4 sheets and envelope samples across the brand's key finishes. However, it is not a completely free service; it involves a handling fee or a refundable deposit, with the refund conditional upon placing a subsequent full order. This model positions the samples as a serious tool for informed decision-making rather than casual freebies. By understanding the costs, geographic restrictions, and step-by-step process, interested individuals can effectively utilise this programme to select the ideal Conqueror paper for their specific needs.