Ulta Beautys Free Sample Programs In-Store Online And Checkout Opportunities

Ulta Beauty, one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, offers multiple avenues for customers to access complimentary product samples. These programs vary between online and in-store experiences, with specific procedures for obtaining samples at checkout. Understanding these opportunities allows beauty enthusiasts to maximize their benefits while exploring new products without committing to full-size purchases.

Online Sample Offers at Checkout

Ulta's approach to online samples differs from some retailers that provide complimentary samples with every order. According to available information, Ulta does not explicitly include complimentary samples with all online transactions. Instead, the company frequently offers complimentary gifts with qualifying purchases during specific promotional periods. These offers are typically communicated during the checkout process, where customers can view available samples and add them to their orders if desired.

When samples are included with online orders, they are automatically added to the shipment at no additional cost. This streamlined approach distinguishes Ulta from some retailers that require customers to manually add samples to their carts or navigate through separate sample request processes. The convenience factor is significant, as online shoppers receive complimentary products without extra steps.

The selection of online samples generally focuses on travel-sized versions of popular products, allowing customers to test items before committing to full-size versions. These samples may include skincare products, makeup items, or fragrances, depending on current promotions and brand partnerships. To determine if samples are available with a specific order, customers should review the offer details presented during checkout, as availability can change based on inventory, promotions, and other factors.

Notable promotional examples include the 11-piece beauty bag offered with an $85 shipped purchase, which included a selection of products from various brands. These promotions are limited in availability and typically require that the customer adds the free gift to their cart during checkout. Failure to do so may result in the gift being charged at retail price.

In-Store Sample Practices

In-store sample opportunities at Ulta Beauty operate differently from their online counterpart. According to Ulta's official policy, sampling is offered on a case-by-case basis and is ultimately up to each store's discretion. This means that while some locations are happy to provide small samples of products like foundation upon request, others may reserve samples for special promotions or loyalty members only.

Shoppers have reported success with certain strategies when requesting in-store samples:

• Polite requests to store associates
• Timing visits around major sales or promotions
• Focusing on prestige skincare and makeup brands

Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty sale is noted as a particularly fruitful period for obtaining samples, as brands tend to send extra samples and gifts with purchase during these events. Higher-end brands like Clinique, Lancôme, and Benefit are more likely to have samples on hand compared to drugstore brands. Additionally, skincare and foundation samples are reportedly more common than items like lipstick or eyeshadow.

It's important to note that Ulta employees are not required to provide samples, and their willingness to do so may vary based on store policy, product availability, and individual associate discretion.

Ulta Beauty Rewards and Sample Programs

Ulta offers a rewards program that is free to join. Customers can earn points for free products by showing their rewards card to the cashier whenever they check out. Salon services also earn rewards points, which can accumulate to provide access to various free items. Rewards certificates are mailed out quarterly, and with each certificate, customers receive a menu of free items they can redeem based on their point balance.

The rewards program operates on a flexible point system, allowing customers to choose from different redemption options. For example, with 6 points, a customer could get one item from the six-point list, six items from the one-point list, or any other combination they prefer. This flexibility enables customers to select products that best meet their needs and preferences.

Joining Ulta's email list provides additional opportunities for accessing free samples and special discounts for both in-store and online shopping. Subscribers receive free sample information and exclusive offers directly to their inbox. Ulta's Facebook page is another resource for exclusive coupons and promotional information.

Sample Kiosk Program

Ulta Beauty has implemented a sample kiosk program at select locations across the United States. These kiosks allow Ultamate Rewards members to obtain a new free sample every week. Currently, these kiosks are available at only 10 stores:

• 9844 Chapman Ave Garden Grove, CA 92841
• 2250 Bridgepointe Pkwy San Mateo, CA 94404
• 4860 Big Island Dr Jacksonville, FL 32246
• 425 Washington St, Ste 5 Woburn, MA 01801
• 383 North Central Ave Hartsdale, NY 10530
• 76 Rockland Plaza, Space 26 Nanuet, NY 10954
• 5207 Brodie Ln, Ste 180 Austin, TX 78745
• 2314 West University Dr Denton, TX 76201
• 3000 S Hulen St, Ste 130 Fort Worth, TX 76109
• 16637 Coit Rd Dallas, TX 75248

The process for obtaining samples from these kiosks is straightforward: 1. Tap 'Tap to Vend' on the kiosk screen 2. Choose one sample from the available options 3. Tap 'Get Free Sample' 4. Enter the phone number associated with your Ulta Beauty Rewards account 5. Check the 'Agree to Privacy Policy' box 6. Hit 'Submit' 7. Collect your sample from the drop box at the bottom of the machine

This entire process typically takes approximately 30 seconds to complete. The samples provided through these kiosks are travel-sized products, which can have significant value. For example, a Too Faced Better Than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer sample (0.13 oz) is identical to the travel-size version sold for $16 at Ulta. If a customer visits the kiosk once weekly, they could potentially collect up to $64 in free product each month, assuming all samples have similar value.

Mailer and Email Subscription Benefits

Ulta Beauty regularly advertises free sample offers in their monthly mailer. Customers who join the mailing list receive these promotional materials, which include information about current sample opportunities and special offers. Along with sample information, mail subscribers also receive valuable coupons that can be used both in-store and online.

Email subscribers receive additional benefits beyond what mail subscribers receive. They get free sample information and special discounts for in-store and online shopping. Ulta's email communications often include exclusive offers that are not available through other channels.

Special Promotions and Events

Ulta periodically offers special promotions that include free samples or gifts with purchase. These promotions are often tied to specific events, holidays, or brand collaborations. For example, Ulta has offered a free shampoo and blowout at their salons along with a free gift during specific promotional periods.

The 11-piece beauty bag promotion, which required an $85 shipped purchase, demonstrates how Ulta structures special sample offers. These curated collections provide customers with the opportunity to try multiple products from various brands at once, often at significant savings compared to purchasing the items individually.

Tips for Maximizing Sample Opportunities

Based on available information, customers can increase their chances of obtaining free samples through several strategies:

1. Join the Ulta Beauty Rewards program to access exclusive sample opportunities, including those at kiosk locations.
2. Subscribe to Ulta's email list and follow their social media channels for updates on sample promotions.
3. Time shopping trips around major sales events like 21 Days of Beauty, when additional samples are typically available.
4. When shopping online, carefully review the checkout process for any available sample offers or gifts with purchase.
5. For in-store samples, focus on prestige skincare and makeup brands, which are more likely to have samples available.
6. Politely request samples from store associates, understanding that availability varies by location and product.

Conclusion

Ulta Beauty offers multiple pathways for customers to access free samples, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. Online shoppers can take advantage of complimentary gifts with qualifying purchases during promotional periods, with samples automatically added to orders at checkout. In-store experiences vary by location, with samples available upon request at some locations and during special events. The Ulta Beauty Rewards program provides additional opportunities for earning free products, while the limited sample kiosk program offers a convenient way for members to obtain travel-sized products weekly.

Understanding these different sample programs and their eligibility requirements enables customers to make informed decisions about how to access complimentary products. Whether through online checkout, in-store requests, rewards redemptions, or kiosk interactions, Ulta's various sample initiatives provide value to customers while encouraging brand exploration and loyalty.

Sources

1. ULTA Coupons, Free Samples and Rewards Program Freebies
2. Ult Beauty Free Samples: A Complete Guide to In-Store and Online Sample Opportunities
3. How to Access Ulta Beauty's Free Sample Offers and Beauty Bag Promotions
4. Does Ulta Give Samples?
5. Ulta Beauty Sample Kiosks
6. Ulta Free Samples