Top Knobs Free Sample Program How To Request Hardware Samples And Save On Purchases

Top Knobs offers a free sample program that enables customers to evaluate decorative hardware in their own spaces before making purchasing decisions. This program allows homeowners, designers, and dealers to physically examine knobs and pulls to determine how they complement kitchen, bath, or closet designs. The service helps reduce uncertainty when selecting hardware while providing additional value through discount coupons.

Program Overview and Benefits

The Top Knobs free sample program serves as a valuable tool for customers who are uncertain about which hardware styles best suit their spaces. By offering physical samples, the program addresses common concerns about appearance, size, and feel that cannot be fully assessed through online images or descriptions alone.

Each sample ordered includes a $5 discount coupon redeemable at local participating Top Knobs dealers. This effectively offsets the $5 shipping and handling fee, making the evaluation process cost-neutral while still providing the opportunity to save on future purchases. The program is particularly beneficial for customers who are deciding between multiple styles or uncertain about the appropriate size for their specific applications.

Eligibility Requirements

The Top Knobs free sample program is accessible to all customers, though with certain limitations and requirements. To request samples, individuals must have access to the internet and a valid mail receptacle at their delivery address to receive packages.

For industry professionals including designers and dealers, additional options exist. These individuals can request samples through the website using a registered account or via email for their customers. This professional access streamlines the process for those who regularly source hardware for clients or projects.

Product Eligibility

Not all Top Knobs products qualify for the free sample program. Items that are eligible are clearly marked on the website with an "Order Free Sample" button visible next to qualifying products. The specific product categories that qualify include:

• Any knob, regardless of price (excluding crystal knobs)
• Pulls that measure less than 7 inches from center to center, regardless of price
• Items specifically indicated as part of the Free Sample Program in the Item Details section

The program explicitly excludes bath products from participation. When ordering multiple samples, each additional sample must have a different part number, ensuring variety and preventing the ordering of identical items.

Ordering Process

The ordering process for Top Knobs free samples is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly:

1. Visit the Top Knobs website at www.TopKnobs.com
2. Search for desired items using the Product SKU
3. Locate qualifying products, which will display an "Order Free Sample" button
4. Select one to three different knobs and pulls for sampling
5. Provide shipping information during checkout
6. Pay the $5 shipping and handling fee per sample
7. Samples will be shipped to the provided address

For industry professionals, the process involves logging into or creating an account on the website, browsing the hardware selection, and requesting samples either through the website or via email for customers.

Shipping Information

Free samples from Top Knobs are shipped through standard mail services. Within the United States, samples are sent via USPS (United States Postal Service). For customers in Canada, samples are delivered through UPS. Each sample incurs a $5 shipping and handling fee, which is applied regardless of the number of samples ordered in a single transaction.

The shipping process requires that customers have a mail receptacle at their delivery address. This standard delivery method ensures accessibility while keeping shipping costs reasonable for both the company and customers.

Discount Coupons

Each sample ordered includes a $5 discount coupon that enhances the value of the program. These coupons are provided with each sample shipment and offer:

• $5 off the list price of items
• Redemption at local participating Top Knobs dealers specified on the coupon
• One coupon per sample ordered

The coupons effectively eliminate the net cost of the samples while providing immediate savings on future purchases. This incentive structure encourages customers not only to evaluate products in their homes but also to proceed with purchases through authorized dealers.

Program Limitations

Customers should be aware of several limitations within the Top Knobs free sample program:

1. Product exclusions: Crystal knobs and all bath products are not available as free samples
2. Size restrictions: Only pulls measuring less than 7 inches from center to center qualify
3. Ordering restrictions: Multiple samples must all have different part numbers
4. Sample quantity limit: Customers can order up to three different samples per request
5. Sample purpose: Sample parts are intended for evaluation and not for display or permanent use
6. Geographic availability: While shipping to the United States and Canada is available, international shipping to other regions may not be supported

Comparison with Industry Programs

The Top Knobs free sample program shares similarities with offerings from other decorative hardware manufacturers. For instance, Berenson Hardware also provides a sample program allowing customers to request up to five free decorative hardware samples. Berenson's program includes:

• Free samples for knobs and pulls of 160mm center-to-center or less
• Complimentary USPS shipping for all free samples
• Options for longer lengths and certain product lines at 50% off MSRP with a $4 flat rate shipping fee
• Exclusions for hooks, latches, and appliance pulls

Both programs require customers to log in or create accounts to request samples and specify that sample parts are not for display purposes. These common practices suggest that free sampling is a standard industry approach that benefits both customers and manufacturers by facilitating informed purchasing decisions.

Practical Considerations for Sample Requests

When requesting free samples, customers should consider several practical factors to maximize the value of the program:

1. Plan ahead: Request samples well in advance of installation deadlines to allow time for evaluation and reordering if needed
2. Compare samples side by side: Order multiple samples simultaneously to directly compare different styles and finishes
3. Consider placement: Evaluate samples in the actual lighting conditions and against existing finishes in the space
4. Account for scale: Understand that samples may appear different at full size than they do in hand
5. Keep coupons organized: Store the discount coupons in a safe place to ensure they can be redeemed when making purchases

Conclusion

The Top Knobs free sample program provides a valuable service for customers evaluating decorative hardware for their homes. By offering physical samples with a straightforward ordering process, clear product guidelines, and discount coupons that offset shipping costs, the program facilitates informed purchasing decisions while minimizing financial risk.

Customers can request up to three different knobs and pulls that meet specific size and category requirements. While limitations exist regarding product eligibility and sample quantities, the program remains accessible to homeowners, designers, and dealers alike. The inclusion of discount coupons enhances the value proposition, effectively making the evaluation process free while providing savings on future purchases.

For those undertaking home renovations or upgrades involving decorative hardware, the Top Knobs free sample program represents an opportunity to physically evaluate products before committing to larger investments. This balanced approach benefits consumers by reducing purchase uncertainty while potentially strengthening retail partnerships through coupon redemption at participating dealers.

Sources

1. Annapolis Kitchen and Bath Free Sample Program
2. Top Knobs Most FAQ
3. Berenson Hardware Sample Program