Getting Free Samples From Crestline A Guide For Businesses And Organizations

Crestline Promotional Products offers a free sample program designed to help businesses and organizations evaluate their promotional products before making a purchase decision. This program allows potential customers to physically examine the quality, materials, and printing of items they might use for marketing purposes, employee gifts, or promotional events. The free sample service represents Crestline's commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction in the promotional products industry.

Eligibility for Free Samples

Crestline's free sample program is accessible to two categories of customers: existing customers and potential new customers. For registered customers, the company provides up to $20 worth of samples within a twelve-month period. This value cap includes both the cost of the products themselves and the associated shipping expenses. Existing customers can request samples through their designated Account Manager, who serves as a dedicated contact point for their promotional product needs.

For organizations that are not yet customers of Crestline, the company offers an equally accessible pathway to obtain free samples. Potential customers can fill out a form available on Crestline's website or contact the company directly by phone at 1-866-488-4975. After initiating the request, a Crestline Account Manager will reach out to assist with the sample request process. This approach ensures that even businesses unfamiliar with Crestline's offerings can experience their product quality firsthand before committing to a purchase.

Sample Request Process

The process for obtaining free samples varies slightly depending on whether the requester is an existing customer or a new contact. For established customers, the procedure is straightforward and direct. They simply need to communicate their sample needs to their Account Manager, who can then facilitate the request efficiently. This streamlined process reflects the personalized service that Crestline provides to its long-term clients.

For new customers, the initial step involves either completing the online form available on Crestline's website or making a phone call to the company's dedicated line. After this initial contact, an Account Manager will follow up to discuss specific sample requirements, answer questions, and guide the requester through the next steps. This personal touch ensures that even first-time interactions with Crestline result in a positive experience and provide valuable information about the company's products.

Crestline's Account Managers play a crucial role in the sample request process, serving as knowledgeable guides who can help organizations select appropriate samples based on their specific needs, budget considerations, and intended use of the promotional products. This expertise is particularly valuable for organizations that may be new to promotional product marketing and unsure about which items would best serve their purposes.

Sample Details and Limitations

When requesting free samples from Crestline, organizations should be aware of certain characteristics and limitations that apply to all sample products. Most notably, all sample items include a pre-imprinted Crestline logo rather than the customer's own design. This practice allows the company to efficiently produce and distribute samples while maintaining brand consistency.

Additionally, while Crestline makes every effort to accommodate sample requests, the company may not be able to provide samples in specific colors. This limitation stems from the fact that promotional products often come in multiple color variations, and maintaining samples of every possible color option would be logistically challenging. However, the company does indicate that the samples provided will accurately represent the product's quality, material, and general appearance.

The value of samples is capped at $20 per twelve-month period for existing customers, which includes both product costs and shipping. This policy ensures fair access to the sample program while preventing potential abuse of the service. For organizations requiring multiple samples or higher-value items, Crestline may have alternative options available through their Account Managers.

Product Categories Available for Sampling

Crestline offers an extensive range of promotional products across various categories, many of which are available for sampling. The company's product line encompasses practical items that serve multiple purposes for businesses and organizations. Among their most popular categories are:

• Apparel and Accessories: This includes items like t-shirts, caps, and jackets that can be customized with organizational logos or messages. The Gildan® Heavy Cotton™ T-Shirt represents one of their top-selling apparel items, available in various sizes and colors.
• Writing Instruments: Pens, notebooks, and other stationery items remain popular promotional products. Their Nature-Friendly Notebook & Pen combination serves as a practical giveaway for seminars, trade shows, or workplace use.
• Drinkware: Custom coffee mugs and other drinkware items offer everyday utility while promoting brand visibility.
• Bags and Totes: Custom drawstring bags, backpacks, and reusable bags provide practical solutions for carrying items while featuring organizational branding.
• Accessories: From belts to shoe charms, Crestline offers a variety of accessories that can be customized to reflect organizational identity.

While not all products in these categories may be available for sampling, Crestline's Account Managers can guide organizations toward appropriate sample options based on their specific needs and interests.

Quality Guarantee and Return Policy

Crestline stands behind the quality of its products with a clear guarantee statement: "Your custom imprinted items will be delivered exactly as you approved in your proof, free from material defects, or Crestline will issue you a refund." This commitment to quality assurance provides customers with confidence in their purchasing decisions.

However, it's important to note that due to the customized nature of promotional products, Crestline has a specific return policy. The company does not accept returns on products once they have been printed with a customer's design, with the exception of items with material defects. This policy is standard in the promotional products industry, where customization makes items non-returnable for resale or reuse.

For customers who do encounter issues with their orders, Crestline maintains an expert resolutions team dedicated to making things right. This team works to address any concerns and ensure customer satisfaction, whether through replacement products, refunds, or other appropriate solutions.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Crestline demonstrates a commitment to product safety and regulatory compliance through its manufacturing practices. The company states that its product manufacturers monitor their supply chains and use third-party laboratories to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including:

• Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards
• State-specific regulations

For products sold in California, Crestline adheres to California Proposition 65 requirements, which may necessitate warning labels on certain products or packaging. The company provides advance notice to customers when such labels are required, offering the option to select product substitutes if desired. This proactive approach to compliance ensures that customers receive products that meet all applicable safety and legal standards.

Additional Services Beyond Free Samples

Beyond the free sample program, Crestline offers several services designed to support organizations in their promotional product needs:

• Custom Online Stores: Crestline builds and hosts online stores exclusive to an organization's employees or clients at no additional cost. These stores facilitate the management and distribution of corporate swag.
• Art and Logo Services: For organizations without existing logos or needing design assistance, Crestline's experienced graphics team provides creative support to transform ideas into effective imprints.
• Shipping Flexibility: The company offers the ability to ship promotional products directly to individual addresses across the United States, such as to clients' or employees' homes. This service requires providing a list of recipient addresses, with shipping charges determined through consultation with sales experts.
• Payment Options: Crestline accepts multiple payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card, as well as checks and purchase orders (subject to credit approval).

Customer Experiences with Crestline Products

Crestline showcases customer testimonials that highlight satisfaction with their promotional products. These real-world examples provide insight into the quality and utility of the items:

• Customers have praised the high-quality embroidery work on items like the Eddie Bauer® Full Zip Microfleece Jacket and the Carhartt® Watch Cap 2.0.
• The material of table covers has been noted for being wrinkle-resistant and maintaining color quality after washing.
• Coasters have received positive feedback for their impact and quality at an accessible price point.
• Reusable plastic bags have been appreciated for their practicality in student giveaway programs.

These testimonials reflect Crestline's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction across their product range.

Conclusion

Crestline's free sample program offers businesses and organizations a valuable opportunity to evaluate promotional products before making purchasing decisions. The program is accessible to both existing and potential customers, with a straightforward request process and clear guidelines on sample value and limitations. While samples feature the Crestline logo rather than custom designs, they provide accurate representations of product quality and materials.

The company's commitment to quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction further enhances the value of their offerings. Combined with additional services like custom online stores, design support, and flexible shipping options, Crestline provides comprehensive solutions for organizations seeking promotional products.

For businesses looking to enhance their brand visibility through promotional items, Crestline's sample program represents a risk-free first step in exploring their extensive product catalog and experiencing their quality standards firsthand.

Sources

1. Crestline Homepage
2. Crestline Free Samples Page
3. Crestline Deals Page
4. Crestline Top Sellers Page