Guide To Obtaining Free Paper Samples From Printing Companies And Paper Suppliers

Introduction

Free paper samples play a crucial role in the design and printing process, allowing professionals and consumers to physically examine paper quality, weight, texture, and color before making purchasing decisions. Historically, paper companies and distributors would provide these samples freely to designers, agencies, and studios, often through sales representatives who delivered sample books and brochures showcasing various paper options. Today, while the availability of free samples has evolved, numerous printing companies and paper suppliers continue to offer sample packs and individual swatches to help customers make informed choices. This guide explores the options available for obtaining free paper samples from various companies, what to expect when requesting samples, and any associated costs or limitations.

Methods for Obtaining Free Paper Samples

Several approaches are available for obtaining free paper samples from printing companies and paper suppliers. The most common method involves visiting company websites and ordering samples directly through their online systems. Many printing companies have dedicated sample request forms or pages where customers can select specific paper types they wish to receive.

Historically, reaching out directly to local printers has been recommended, as the paper stocks commonly carried can vary significantly by region. According to industry discussions, while samples may be available for free, customers might encounter shipping and handling fees unless they establish a relationship with a local printer and arrange for in-person meetings. Paper samples are often considered part of job considerations in professional settings, with certain projects requiring specialty papers that may need to be specially ordered.

Additionally, some paper companies maintain sample swatch decks at their physical locations, though these typically cannot be removed from the premises. Designers and businesses seeking to maintain their own sample collections may need to contact paper companies directly and potentially pay for their own sample books or swatch decks.

Paper Companies Offering Free Samples

Several printing companies and paper suppliers currently offer free sample programs to potential customers:

PaperDirect

PaperDirect provides a comprehensive free sample program with specific terms and conditions. Customers can request single pieces of paper products for a $5 shipping and handling fee within the continental United States. The company notes that not all products have free samples available, particularly non-paper items such as trophies and wooden frames. For paper products with specialty foil colors and inks, the base product will be shipped instead of the specialty version.

PaperDirect offers customers a $20 sample budget, with most samples priced at $2 each. This allows customers to request multiple samples within their budget. Additionally, customers may receive up to three greeting cards for free with free shipping and handling through the company's CardsDirect division. Free samples from PaperDirect ship separately from paid orders via 1st Class Mail, with an average shipping time of five business days depending on the customer's location. Customers who order free samples also receive a $5 coupon to be used toward their next PaperDirect order placed within 30 days.

Little Rock Printing

Little Rock Printing offers free paper sample kits containing a variety of paper types to assist customers in making informed decisions. Their sample kits include: - 60#, 70# and 100# Uncoated Text - 13PT, 16PT & 22PT Uncoated Cover - 80# and 100# Text - 8.4PT, 11PT & 18PT - Matte Roll Labels, Gloss Roll Labels & Unlaminated Roll Labels - Poly Stickers - Permanent Vinyl Decals, Removable Vinyl Decals - E-Flute 1-16″, 48PT Poster Board & 4mm Coroplast - 15PT and 18PT Soft Touch Laminated

These sample kits are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the company's paper offerings, making it easier for customers to select the most appropriate paper for their specific needs.

PrintDirtCheap

PrintDirtCheap offers free pre-printed sample packs that allow customers to evaluate the quality of their printing work firsthand. The company ships these samples via USPS Priority Mail to customers in the United States and Canada at no charge. For customers needing expedited delivery, PrintDirtCheap provides UPS 2 Day Air or Next Day Air options for an additional fee.

To request samples, customers add the sample product to their cart and proceed through the checkout process, creating an account or checking out as a guest. Notably, no payment is required for standard samples when choosing the USPS Priority Mail option. The company specifically advises customers not to use the PayPal checkout option when requesting free samples.

Print.work

Print.work offers free sample packs of recycled paper stocks, allowing customers to physically examine the paper before making purchasing decisions. The company emphasizes the importance of feeling the paper's texture, weight, and observing how different inks appear on various paper types. These sample packs are provided at no extra cost when added to an order.

Print.work's sample packs serve as valuable tools for helping customers make more informed decisions about paper choices. By experiencing the physical properties of different paper stocks, customers can better determine the appropriate paper weight for their projects and understand how various inks interact with different surfaces. The sample packs also contain detailed information about each paper stock in the company's range.

Traditional Paper Companies

Historically, major paper companies such as Mohawk, Neenah, Cranes, Hammermill, Strathmore, and French distributed sample books freely to design agencies and studios. These companies employed sales representatives who would visit agencies with boxes containing expensive marketing books and brochures highlighting the capabilities of various papers. Many designers still maintain collections of these sample books, which have become valuable resources over time.

While the distribution method has evolved, these traditional paper companies may still offer sample programs, though often through more formal request processes or potentially with associated costs. Industry professionals seeking these traditional sample books may need to contact the companies directly or work through authorized distributors.

Types of Samples Available

Free paper sample programs typically offer several types of samples to help customers evaluate different aspects of the paper:

Individual Paper Swatches

Individual paper swatches consist of single pieces of paper products that customers can request to see and feel the quality. These samples are particularly useful for evaluating color, texture, and weight. Most companies limit the number of individual samples customers can request, often within a specific budget or quantity limit.

Sample Kits and Packs

Many companies offer comprehensive sample kits that include multiple paper types in a single package. These kits are designed to provide a broad overview of the company's offerings, allowing customers to compare different weights, finishes, and textures side by side. Sample kits often include a variety of paper types commonly used for different applications such as business cards, brochures, posters, and labels.

Specialty Samples

Some companies offer samples of specialty papers, including those with unique finishes, coatings, or characteristics. These might include metallic papers, recycled stocks, textured papers, or papers with specific environmental certifications. While specialty samples may be available, some companies note that papers with specialty foil colors or inks may not be available as free samples, in which case the base product will be provided instead.

Printed Samples

Several companies provide printed samples that showcase not only the paper itself but also how printing appears on that particular stock. These printed samples can be particularly helpful for evaluating color reproduction, ink absorption, and overall print quality. PrintDirtCheap, for example, offers pre-printed sample packs that demonstrate the quality of their printing work.

Costs and Shipping Considerations

While the term "free samples" implies no cost to the customer, many paper companies do charge for shipping and handling. These fees typically range from $5 to $10 depending on the company and shipping method selected.

Standard Shipping Options

Most companies offer standard shipping options at a reasonable fee. PaperDirect charges $5 for ground shipping in the continental United States, with samples shipping separately via 1st Class Mail and typically arriving within five business days. PrintDirtCheap provides free USPS Priority Mail shipping to customers in the United States and Canada for standard sample requests.

Expedited Shipping

For customers needing samples more quickly, many companies offer expedited shipping options for an additional fee. PrintDirtCheap, for example, provides UPS 2 Day Air or Next Day Air options for customers willing to pay for faster delivery. These expedited options can be particularly useful for time-sensitive projects or when comparing papers for an upcoming deadline.

Value-Added Benefits

Some companies include additional benefits with their sample programs to offset shipping costs. PaperDirect, for instance, provides customers with a $5 coupon to be used toward their next order placed within 30 days of receiving samples. This effectively reimburses customers for the shipping cost if they proceed with a purchase.

International Shipping

International availability of free samples varies by company. PrintDirtCheap explicitly states that they ship free samples to the United States and Canada via USPS Priority Mail. Companies not explicitly mentioning international shipping may limit their sample programs to domestic customers only, so international customers should check with individual companies about their specific policies.

Special Considerations and Limitations

When requesting free paper samples, customers should be aware of several limitations and special conditions that may apply:

Product Availability

Not all paper products are available as free samples. PaperDirect specifically notes that non-paper products such as trophies and wooden frames are not available as samples. Additionally, products with specialty foil colors and inks may not be available as free samples, though the base product will typically be shipped instead.

Sample Quantity Limits

Companies often impose limits on the number of samples customers can request. PaperDirect provides customers with a $20 sample budget, with most samples priced at $2 each, effectively allowing up to ten standard samples. Other companies may limit customers to a specific number of samples or sample packs per request or per time period.

Account Requirements

Some companies require customers to create an account before requesting samples. PrintDirtCheap, for example, takes customers through a shopping cart checkout process where they are asked to create an account or check out as a guest, though no payment is required for standard samples.

Checkout Process

Customers should pay attention to specific checkout instructions when requesting samples. PrintDirtCheap explicitly advises customers not to use the PayPal checkout option when requesting free samples, suggesting that alternative payment methods or guest checkout should be used instead.

Sample Purpose

While most companies don't restrict who can request samples, some may prioritize requests from business customers or those with immediate printing needs over casual browsers. Professional designers, businesses, and individuals with specific projects in mind are generally better positioned to receive comprehensive sample assistance.

Conclusion

Free paper samples remain valuable resources for designers, businesses, and individuals making informed paper purchasing decisions. While the distribution methods have evolved from the days when sales representatives would deliver sample books to agencies, numerous companies continue to offer sample programs with varying terms and conditions.

Customers can obtain free samples through various methods, including direct requests from printing companies like PaperDirect, Little Rock Printing, PrintDirtCheap, and Print.work. These samples come in different forms, from individual swatches to comprehensive sample kits, and may include printed examples showcasing print quality on specific stocks.

While most samples are provided free of charge, customers should expect to pay for shipping and handling, typically ranging from $5 to $10. Some companies offer expedited shipping options for additional fees, while others include value-added benefits like discount coupons to offset shipping costs.

When requesting samples, customers should be mindful of product availability limitations, quantity restrictions, and any specific checkout requirements. By understanding these considerations and carefully evaluating the samples received, customers can make more confident paper selections that meet their specific needs for texture, weight, color, and print quality.

Sources

1. Graphic Design Forum Discussion on Free Paper Samples
2. Little Rock Printing Free Sample Kits
3. PaperDirect Free Samples
4. PrintDirtCheap Free Sample Pack
5. Print.work Sample Pack