How To Get Free Cardstock Samples From Printing Companies A Complete Guide

Free cardstock samples are valuable resources for individuals and businesses looking to evaluate paper quality before making larger purchases. Several printing companies across the United States offer free sample packs that allow consumers to see and feel the actual products before committing to a bulk order. This article examines the various programs available, detailing the process for obtaining samples, the types of products included, and any associated costs or restrictions.

Overview of Free Card Sample Programs

Printing companies typically offer free samples as a marketing strategy to demonstrate their product quality and encourage future business. These sample programs serve as an opportunity for potential customers to physically examine the paper, evaluate the texture and weight, and determine if the product meets their specific needs. Most companies require customers to submit their information through an online form or add samples to a virtual cart for checkout.

The availability and terms of these sample programs vary significantly between companies. Some offer completely free samples with no shipping costs, while others may charge a nominal fee for shipping and handling. Certain programs impose budget limitations or restrict the number of samples a customer can request. Additionally, some companies limit their sample offerings to specific product lines or exclude certain categories from their free sample program.

Printing Brooklyn's Free Sample Program

Printing Brooklyn provides customers with the opportunity to request free sample packs containing a variety of card stocks and finishing options. The company makes these samples available to allow potential customers to evaluate products firsthand before making larger purchasing decisions.

To obtain samples from Printing Brooklyn, customers must fill out a form on the company's website. After submitting the request, the company will ship the sample pack directly to the customer using USPS couriers. The shipping service covers all locations throughout the United States.

One notable feature of Printing Brooklyn's sample program is the flexibility it offers to customers. Individuals may request specific products or materials to be included in their sample pack by indicating their preferences in the message area of the request form. This customization option allows customers to focus their evaluation on products that align with their specific project requirements.

The company does not specify any limitations on the number of sample packs a customer may request or impose any budget restrictions on the samples themselves. The program appears designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the company's product offerings without financial barriers to entry.

PaperDirect's Sample Program

PaperDirect operates a sample program that provides customers with a $20 budget for requesting free samples. The company structures its program to allow customers to experience multiple products while maintaining reasonable cost controls for the business.

When requesting samples from PaperDirect, customers first shop for the products they would like to sample. It is important to note that not all products available through PaperDirect qualify for free samples, as indicated in the 'Products Included' section of the company's website. For products that do offer samples, customers click on an "Order Free Sample" button, which automatically adds one item to their shopping cart.

The sample budget of $20 per customer serves as the primary limitation of the program. Most samples are priced at $2 each, meaning customers can request up to ten samples without incurring additional costs. The program specifically allows customers to receive up to three greeting cards free of charge, with shipping and handling included at a dedicated URL for greeting card samples.

PaperDirect clearly defines the scope of its sample program, specifying that samples consist of single pieces of paper products. Non-paper products such as trophies and wooden frames are not available through the sample program. Customers should be aware that while the samples themselves may be free up to their budget limit, some products may incur a $5 shipping or handling charge.

Small Business Printing's Sample Selection

Small Business Printing offers an extensive range of paper products available as free swatch samples. The company's sample program covers numerous product types that serve various business and personal needs.

The available sample options include: - Appointment Cards - Bookmarks - Door Hangers - Flyers - Folded Cards - Greeting Cards - Hang Tags - Holiday Cards - Menus - Presentation Folders - Rack Cards - Response Cards - Rip Cards - Sell Sheets - Table Tents - Thank You Cards - Tickets - Custom Orders / ETC...

This comprehensive selection allows customers to evaluate specific paper products that match their intended use cases. Unlike some competitors, Small Business Printing does not appear to impose budget limitations or quantity restrictions on sample requests.

For customers with questions about the sample program or specific product requirements, Small Business Printing provides a customer service phone number (1-800-454-1092) available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific Standard Time. This direct contact option can be valuable for customers seeking clarification about product specifications or sample availability.

Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts' Limited Time Offer

Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts previously offered a time-limited promotion for a free cardstock sampler and catalog bundle. While this offer appears to have expired, understanding its terms provides insight into the types of promotions printing companies may run.

The cardstock sampler featured new colors that were scheduled to be released on September 1, 2021. To obtain this sampler, customers needed to log in to an existing account or create a new account on the company's website. Once logged in, customers were prompted to add free catalogs to their order during the checkout process. The cardstock sampler would then be shipped separately via first class mail.

This offer was subject to specific restrictions: - It was only valid through Allisa Steinlicht-Independent Close To My Heart Maker - The offer expired on August 31, 2021 - Limited to one sampler per person - Digital-only orders were excluded from the promotion

The program required customers to place a shipped order to qualify for the free sampler and catalogs. This bundling of free samples with paid orders is a common strategy in the printing industry, as it encourages trial of the company's products while simultaneously generating revenue from the initial purchase.

PrintDirtCheap's Sample Pack Option

PrintDirtCheap offers customers the opportunity to request a free pre-printed sample pack to evaluate the quality of the company's printing work. The company emphasizes the immediacy of sample fulfillment, stating that sample packs will be sent out "right away" after request submission.

To obtain samples from PrintDirtCheap, customers must add the sample product to their virtual cart and proceed through the checkout process. The company provides several shipping options, each with different cost implications:

• USPS Priority mail to the US and Canada: Free
• UPS 2 Day Air: Available for a fee
• Next Day Air: Available for a fee

This tiered shipping structure allows customers to choose the option that best balances their need for speed with their budget considerations. The free shipping option to both the United States and Canada makes this program accessible to a broader North American audience compared to some competitors that restrict free shipping to domestic orders only.

PrintDirtCheap does not specify any limitations on the number of sample packs a customer may request or impose budget restrictions on the samples themselves. The program appears designed to provide a straightforward, no-obligation opportunity for potential customers to evaluate the company's printing quality.

Comparing Sample Program Features

When evaluating the various free cardstock sample programs, several key differences emerge that may influence a customer's decision:

1. Cost Structure:

   • Printing Brooklyn: Completely free samples with no shipping charges
   • PaperDirect: Free samples up to a $20 budget, with most samples costing $2 each
   • Small Business Printing: Free samples with no specified cost limitations
   • Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts: Free samples with qualifying order (offer expired)
   • PrintDirtCheap: Free samples with free USPS Priority shipping to US and Canada

2. Request Process:

   • Printing Brooklyn: Form submission on website
   • PaperDirect: Add samples to cart through product pages
   • Small Business Printing: Process not explicitly detailed
   • Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts: Add to cart with qualifying order (offer expired)
   • PrintDirtCheap: Add sample product to cart and checkout

3. Product Range:

   • Printing Brooklyn: Various card stocks and finishing options
   • PaperDirect: Paper products only (excludes non-paper items)
   • Small Business Printing: Extensive list of specific paper products
   • Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts: Cardstock sampler with new color releases
   • PrintDirtCheap: Pre-printed sample packs

4. Shipping Options:

   • Printing Brooklyn: USPS only, to USA addresses
   • PaperDirect: Not specified for general samples, free shipping for greeting cards
   • Small Business Printing: Not specified
   • Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts: First class mail (offer expired)
   • PrintDirtCheap: USPS Priority (free), UPS 2 Day Air, Next Day Air (fees apply)

5. Restrictions:

   • Printing Brooklyn: No explicit restrictions mentioned
   • PaperDirect: $20 budget limit, up to 3 free greeting cards
   • Small Business Printing: No explicit restrictions mentioned
   • Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts: One per person, expired August 31, 2021
   • PrintDirtCheap: No explicit restrictions mentioned

These comparative highlights demonstrate that while all companies offer free samples, the terms, conditions, and overall value propositions differ significantly. Customers should consider their specific needs—such as the types of paper required, shipping location preferences, and budget constraints—when choosing which sample program to utilize.

Conclusion

Free cardstock sample programs provide valuable opportunities for consumers and businesses to evaluate paper quality before making larger purchasing decisions. The printing companies examined in this article—Printing Brooklyn, PaperDirect, Small Business Printing, Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts, and PrintDirtCheap—each offer distinct sample programs with varying features, limitations, and processes.

When selecting a sample program, potential customers should consider factors such as cost structure, product range, shipping options, and any associated restrictions. Some programs offer completely free samples with no shipping charges, while others operate on a budget system or require qualifying purchases. The variety of paper products available as samples also varies significantly between companies, ranging from general cardstock to specialized items like greeting cards, menus, or business cards.

For those seeking to maximize the value of sample programs, it is advisable to: - Review the specific products included in each company's sample program - Understand any budget limitations or quantity restrictions - Consider shipping options and associated costs - Take advantage of customization options when available - Be mindful of expiration dates or limited-time offers

By carefully evaluating these factors, consumers can make informed decisions about which printing companies' products best meet their needs and preferences, ultimately leading to more satisfying purchasing experiences.

Sources

1. Printing Brooklyn Free Samples
2. PaperDirect Free Samples
3. Small Business Printing Free Paper Samples
4. Rocky Mountain Paper Crafts Free Cardstock Sampler
5. PrintDirtCheap Free Sample Pack