Guide To Obtaining Free Cork Samples By Mail In The United States

Introduction

Cork flooring has gained popularity in home improvement projects due to its sustainability, durability, and unique aesthetic appeal. For homeowners considering cork flooring for their projects, obtaining samples is essential to visualize how the material will look in their space. Several companies in the United States offer cork samples through mail-in programs, with varying policies on availability, eligibility, and costs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the options available for obtaining cork samples by mail, focusing on free sample programs, eligibility requirements, and request processes.

Companies Offering Cork Samples

Globus Cork (CorkFloor.com)

Globus Cork stands out as one of the most accessible options for obtaining free cork samples in the United States. The company offers up to three free 4" x 4" color cork flooring samples to interested customers within the continental United States. These samples allow potential buyers to experience the texture, color, and quality of Globus Cork's products before making a significant investment.

The company's product line includes tiles that are described as "Not Brown Squares," featuring various colors and patterns suitable for floors, walls, or ceilings. Globus Cork highlights the thermal and acoustical insulative properties of their tiles, which contribute to their appeal for home improvement projects.

Customers can request samples through the official CorkFloor.com website by providing their name, phone number, mailing address, and specifying their preferred sample colors and textures for each selection. Alternatively, requests can be submitted via email to [email protected].

For customers requiring more than three samples, additional pieces are available at a cost of $1.50 each for domestic shipments. Payment for extra samples can be made through PayPal to the company's ID ([email protected]), with color preferences noted in the payment notes section.

Bangor Cork

Bangor Cork maintains a different approach to sample distribution. According to their official policy, the company does not participate in free sample programs or provide samples through free sample websites. Instead, samples are exclusively supplied to verified customers residing in the United States who request directly through the Bangor Cork website.

International customers are not eligible for free samples from Bangor Cork. The company changed its sample policy due to receiving numerous SPAM requests from free sample websites, as stated in their official documentation.

Bangor Cork provides standard product samples for most of its product line to qualified customers in the United States. Most samples measure 4" x 5" in size. The company does not send samples of adhesive products, placemats, trivets, or coaster collections (including bird, forest, farm, or boxed sets). However, they will provide samples of blank coasters.

Notably, Bangor Cork does not charge for samples shipped via ground shipping. There may be a small charge for non-standard and custom product samples, but customers must contact the company directly to inquire about specific samples. The company emphasizes that standard samples do not need to be returned and encourages recipients to pass them along to others who may be interested.

Forbo Colored Cork

Forbo Colored Cork offers a different approach to sample distribution. The company provides a sample board featuring all 12 colors of their colored cork, with each individual sample measuring 1.5" x 1.5". Additionally, they offer 3" x 5" pieces in steel gray and denim colors.

Requesting samples from Forbo requires a different process than the other companies. Customers must provide their name, company, fax, phone, and address. Due to a high volume of requests, Forbo requires customers to authorize shipping via UPS or Federal Express collect shipments. This necessitates providing an account number and preferred shipping method (next day, 2nd-day, 3-day express saver, or ground for UPS only).

UPS Ground is noted as the most economical option but requires a UPS account number. Federal Express offers pickup services, with their 3-day service costing $10 to $20. Customers without an account with either shipping company can have the cost billed to their credit card through Federal Express, with a minimum charge of approximately $15 for the three-day express saver option.

Forbo does not ship by postal service or Federal Express Ground. The company recommends requesting samples via email, though faxes are also accepted. For custom color requests beyond the standard sample board, Forbo requires a 3-day lead time before shipping.

Eligibility Requirements and Geographic Restrictions

When seeking cork samples by mail, it's important to understand the eligibility requirements and geographic restrictions imposed by each company:

• Globus Cork provides free samples only within the continental United States. No international shipping options are available for free samples. Customers must provide their name, phone number, mailing address, and specify their preferred sample colors and textures.

• Bangor Cork restricts samples to verified customers residing in the United States who request directly through the company website. International customers are not eligible. The company explicitly states that requests from free sample websites will be deleted.

• Forbo Colored Cork does not specify geographic restrictions in their sample policy but requires customers to have a shipping account (UPS or FedEx) or agree to have shipping charges billed to their credit card.

The eligibility criteria vary significantly among companies, with Globus Cork having the most accessible policy for individual consumers, while Bangor Cork appears to prioritize business customers or those with established relationships. Forbo's requirement for a shipping account suggests their primary focus may be on business clients or contractors rather than individual homeowners.

Sample Sizes and Types Available

The size and type of cork samples available vary among the companies:

• Globus Cork provides 4" x 4" samples that are sufficiently large to get a good sense of the color, texture, and quality of their cork flooring products. The samples represent the company's colorful and patterned tiles that are described as "Not Brown Squares."

• Bangor Cork offers slightly larger samples measuring 4" x 5" for most of their product line. They specifically note that they do not provide samples of adhesive products, placemats, trivets, or certain coaster collections, but will send samples of blank coasters.

• Forbo Colored Cork provides two options: a sample board with 12 colors (each sample measuring 1.5" x 1.5") and individual 3" x 5" pieces in steel gray and denim. For custom color requests, they can obtain samples from the manufacturer with a 3-day lead time.

The smaller sample size from Forbo (1.5" x 1.5") may be less useful for visualizing how the cork will look in a larger space compared to the larger samples offered by Globus Cork and Bangor Cork. However, Forbo's comprehensive sample board featuring all 12 colors provides an excellent opportunity to compare multiple options side by side.

Processing and Delivery Times

When requesting cork samples by mail, it's important to consider processing and delivery times:

• Globus Cork does not specify exact processing times on their official website. However, one source indicates that customers should allow 4-10 weeks for delivery and processing, suggesting that sample requests may take up to two and a half months to arrive.

• Bangor Cork does not provide specific information about processing or delivery times in their sample policy.

• Forbo Colored Cork mentions a 3-day lead time for custom color requests, but does not specify overall processing and delivery times for standard sample boards.

The lack of clear delivery timeframes from most companies suggests that sample requests may be processed as they are received, potentially leading to variable delivery times. Customers planning home improvement projects should request samples well in advance to ensure they have adequate time to evaluate the materials before making purchasing decisions.

Request Processes

The process for requesting cork samples varies among companies:

Requesting from Globus Cork:

1. Visit the official CorkFloor.com sample request page
2. Enter your name, phone number, and mailing address
3. Specify your preferred sample colors and textures (up to three)
4. Submit the request through the online form or via email to [email protected]
5. For additional samples beyond the free three, indicate the number needed and be prepared to pay $1.50 per sample
6. If paying via PayPal, send payment to [email protected] with color preferences noted in the payment notes

Requesting from Bangor Cork:

1. Visit the Bangor Cork website
2. Look for the sample request option (specific instructions not detailed in provided sources)
3. Provide your project specifics, company information (if applicable), full shipping address, and specify which samples you would like
4. Note that requests from free sample websites will be deleted
5. Be aware that samples are only provided to qualified customers in the United States

Requesting from Forbo Colored Cork:

1. Contact Forbo via email (preferred) or fax
2. Provide your name, company (if applicable), fax, phone, and address
3. Authorize shipping by providing a UPS or FedEx account number and preferred shipping method
4. If you don't have a shipping account, agree to have charges billed to your credit card (minimum $15)
5. Specify if you want the standard sample board with 12 colors or individual 3" x 5" pieces
6. Allow 3 days for custom color requests beyond standard options

Each company has its own specific requirements and processes, so customers should carefully follow the instructions provided on the respective websites or in communications with the companies.

Additional Considerations

When obtaining cork samples by mail, several additional factors should be considered:

• Sample Limitations: Most companies restrict the number of free samples that can be requested. Globus Cork limits free samples to three per household, while Bangor Cork and Forbo have their own policies that may vary based on the requester's qualifications.

• Costs for Additional Samples: While some companies offer a limited number of free samples, additional samples typically come with a cost. Globus Cork charges $1.50 per extra sample, while Forbo's pricing depends on shipping method and whether a shipping account is available.

• Sample Return Policies: Bangor Cork explicitly states that standard samples do not need to be returned and encourages recipients to share them with others. Other companies do not address sample return policies in the provided information.

• Product Exclusions: Some companies exclude certain products from their sample programs. Bangor Cork, for example, does not provide samples of adhesive products, placemats, trivets, or certain coaster collections.

• Communication Channels: Companies offer different methods for requesting samples. While most accept email requests, some may also accept fax or have online forms available.

• Processing Timeframes: The time it takes to receive samples varies, with some companies providing estimated delivery windows while others do not. Customers should plan accordingly, especially if they have time-sensitive projects.

Conclusion

Obtaining cork samples by mail in the United States is possible through several companies, each with its own policies and procedures. Globus Cork offers the most accessible free sample program, providing up to three 4" x 4" samples to customers within the continental United States. Bangor Cork, while not participating in free sample websites, provides samples to qualified customers in the US directly through their website. Forbo Colored Cork offers sample boards with multiple colors but requires the requester to arrange and pay for shipping.

When requesting cork samples, customers should be prepared to provide their contact information, specify their color preferences, and understand any limitations on the number of free samples available. Additional samples beyond the free offerings typically come with a cost, and processing times may vary.

For homeowners considering cork flooring for their projects, obtaining samples is an essential step in the decision-making process. By understanding the options available and following the proper request procedures, consumers can make informed decisions about which cork products best suit their needs and preferences.

Sources

1. CorkFloor Sample Request Page
2. VonBeau Free Cork Color Samples
3. TV Guide to Obtaining Cork Tile Samples
4. Bangor Cork Sample Request
5. AHutton Cork Samples
6. MoneyPantry Free Samples by Mail
7. YOFreeSamples Cork Samples