Free Matcha Tea Sample Programs How To Request Mail-In Samples In 2017

Introduction

Free matcha tea samples by mail became increasingly popular in 2017 as both established and emerging tea brands sought to introduce consumers to their products. This article examines the various matcha sample programs available during that period, focusing on how consumers could request samples, the eligibility requirements, and the benefits these programs offered to both consumers and brands. Key programs included Digitry's partnership with Lipton for Magnificent Matcha Green Tea samples and Seiwa Matcha's offer of authentic ceremonial grade matcha directly from Japan. Additionally, we explore the broader context of free tea sampling programs and the marketing strategies that brands employed to distribute these samples effectively.

Digitry: The Lipton Matcha Sampling Program in 2017

One of the most notable matcha sample programs in 2017 was the Lipton Magnificent Matcha Green Tea offer distributed through Digitry. Digitry operated as a sampling program where consumers could sign up for an account and register for various samples, including the Lipton matcha product. This program was particularly significant as it represented a partnership between a major tea brand and a specialized sampling service.

The Digitry program functioned through a structured process. Consumers first needed to create an account by providing basic information and completing a survey. This survey allowed Digitry to build a member profile tailored to the consumer's preferences, which helped match them with appropriate samples. After account creation, consumers would receive email notifications about available samples. They could then select which samples interested them and would be notified if they qualified to receive those samples.

For the Lipton Magnificent Matcha Green Tea offer specifically, qualified participants received the product in exchange for providing an honest review. This review process was a key component of the program, as Digitry required consumers to rate and review the samples they received through their website. The reviews served multiple purposes: they provided valuable feedback to the brands, created authentic user-generated content, and helped Digitry maintain its position as a legitimate sampling program.

Digitry was explicitly identified as a division of Brand Connections, one of the largest product sampling companies in the U.S. This affiliation lent credibility to the program and suggested a professional, established approach to product sampling. The company emphasized that their goal was to offer free samples that fit consumers' lifestyles, indicating a targeted approach to product distribution.

The Lipton matcha sampling program exemplified how established tea brands utilized third-party sampling services to introduce new products to consumers. By partnering with Digitry, Lipton could efficiently distribute samples to a pre-qualified audience interested in tea products, while collecting valuable consumer feedback through the review process.

Seiwa Matcha: Authentic Japanese Matcha Samples

Seiwa Matcha offered another notable matcha sample program, though their availability was more limited than the Digitry/Lipton offering. Seiwa Matcha specialized in providing authentic ceremonial grade matcha directly from Japan, positioning their product as a premium, traditional experience.

The company offered a free sample of their exquisite, organic ceremonial matcha, with each sample containing 10 grams (0.35 oz) of product. This generous sample size was particularly valuable for matcha, as it provided enough material for multiple traditional preparations, allowing consumers to properly experience the product's quality and characteristics.

However, Seiwa Matcha's sample program had significant limitations. According to their website, their free sample offer had reached its capacity at the time of documentation. The company indicated they would resume their sampling program in March 2024, suggesting that the samples were in high demand and potentially limited in quantity. This created a sense of exclusivity around their product.

Seiwa Matcha differentiated their matcha through several quality claims. They described their product as handpicked with "utmost care," selected for "unparalleled authentic matcha flavor and silky smooth texture, with no bitterness." These quality claims were central to their marketing approach, positioning their matcha as superior to commercial alternatives.

The company also emphasized the cultural and spiritual aspects of matcha, describing it as connecting consumers to "centuries-old ritual" while celebrating its place in modern life. This positioning appealed to consumers interested not just in the product itself, but in the authentic cultural experience associated with traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

Despite the unavailability of samples at the time of documentation, Seiwa Matcha's program represented how specialty tea brands could leverage free samples to introduce premium products to consumers who might be hesitant to invest in full-sized packages of unfamiliar, high-end products.

General Strategies for Obtaining Free Tea Samples

Beyond specific matcha programs, 2017 saw various strategies for obtaining free tea samples through mail-in programs. These methods reflected different approaches to product sampling, from limited-time offers to ongoing loyalty programs.

One common strategy was the monthly sample giveaway, exemplified by HerbalGoodnessCo. This company offered 100 free tea samples each month to the first 100 people who requested them through their online form. The program had specific requirements: participants needed to verify their email and mailing address, and samples were only available within the continental United States. The program also enforced a one-sample-per-household limit to prevent abuse. This approach created urgency and regular engagement with potential customers.

Another sampling strategy involved loyalty point systems, as demonstrated by August.la. This company allowed customers to redeem 40 reward points for a free sample of their tea blends. The point system encouraged ongoing engagement with the brand, as customers needed to accumulate points through purchases or other interactions before they could access free samples. This approach built long-term customer relationships rather than one-time sampling opportunities.

Some tea companies structured their sample programs around minimum purchase thresholds. OpenDoor Tea, for example, offered free samples with the option to receive two free samples per order, with an additional free sample included for purchases over $10. This approach incentivized larger orders while still providing free sampling opportunities. The company also offered free shipping on orders over $35, further encouraging larger purchases.

Tea companies also implemented substitution policies for their sample programs. OpenDoor Tea, for instance, noted that selected varieties might not be available at fulfillment time, in which case they would substitute with a similar tea. This policy allowed companies to maintain their sampling programs despite potential inventory limitations while still providing value to consumers.

These various strategies reflected different business objectives and target audiences. Monthly giveaways created broad accessibility and excitement, point systems built loyalty among existing customers, and purchase-threshold sampling encouraged higher order values.

Other Tea Sample Programs

While matcha samples received particular attention in 2017, numerous other tea sampling programs were available during this period. These programs expanded the range of tea experiences consumers could access without financial commitment.

HerbalGoodnessCo represented one approach to tea sampling, offering a variety of tea options including English Breakfast Tea and Moroccan Mint Tea. Their program was straightforward: the first 100 people to request samples each month would receive them, provided they verified their email and mailing address. The continental US restriction and one-sample-per-household limit helped manage the program's scope and cost.

August.la provided a more specialized sampling experience, offering a diverse selection of tea blends that appealed to sophisticated palates. Their available options included Biarritz (velvety rooibos with amaretto and orange blossom), Black Metallic, Cabaret, Combray (creamy organic green tea with vanilla and cardamom), and several other distinctive blends. Their sampling program was integrated into a broader rewards system, requiring customers to accumulate points before redeeming samples. This approach built long-term customer relationships while allowing consumers to explore different tea varieties.

OpenDoor Tea took a "try-before-you-buy" approach, offering sample bags containing 2-4 servings of tea (6-7 grams). Their program allowed customers to select specific varieties they wanted to try, with the option to receive up to two samples per order. They further incentivized purchases by including a third free sample with orders over $10. Their substitution policy ensured operational flexibility while still providing value to consumers.

These programs collectively demonstrated the diversity of tea sampling opportunities available in 2017, ranging from straightforward giveaways to integrated loyalty programs. They reflected the broader tea industry's recognition that sampling was an effective way to introduce consumers to new products and encourage trial of premium or unfamiliar varieties.

Marketing Benefits of Free Matcha Samples

Free matcha sampling programs served multiple marketing objectives for brands beyond simply distributing product. These benefits were particularly valuable for matcha, which represented a somewhat specialized product category for many American consumers at the time.

One primary benefit of free samples was building trust and credibility. For matcha brands, allowing consumers to experience the product firsthand helped establish authenticity and quality. This was especially important for premium matcha products like Seiwa Matcha, where the value proposition relied on claims of superior quality and traditional preparation methods. By providing free samples, these brands could demonstrate their quality claims without requiring consumers to make a financial commitment.

Free samples also served as educational tools. Matcha preparation differs significantly from regular tea brewing, requiring specific techniques and equipment. Sampling programs allowed consumers to learn proper preparation methods, enhancing their overall experience with the product. This educational aspect was crucial for converting curious consumers into regular users.

From a marketing perspective, free samples generated valuable consumer data. Programs like Digitry collected detailed information about consumer preferences through their registration surveys, allowing brands to better understand their target audience. This data could inform product development, marketing messaging, and distribution strategies.

Free sampling also facilitated the collection of authentic user-generated content. Digitry's requirement for sample recipients to review products created a repository of authentic consumer feedback that brands could leverage in their marketing. These reviews served as social proof, helping to build credibility with potential customers.

Sampling programs also enabled brands to identify and cultivate brand advocates. Consumers who had positive experiences with samples were more likely to become repeat customers and recommend the product to others. This word-of-mouth marketing was particularly valuable for matcha, which relied on community education and adoption.

For established brands like Lipton, sampling programs served as a market research tool. By distributing new product variants like matcha through controlled sampling programs, brands could gauge consumer response and gather feedback before broader commercial rollout. This approach reduced the risks associated with new product introductions.

Conclusion

Free matcha tea sample programs in 2017 represented a diverse range of approaches to product introduction and consumer engagement. From Digitry's structured sampling program in partnership with Lipton to Seiwa Matcha's premium ceremonial samples, these programs offered consumers various ways to experience matcha without financial commitment. The broader tea sampling ecosystem included monthly giveaways, loyalty point redemptions, and purchase-threshold incentives, reflecting the industry's recognition of sampling as an effective marketing tool.

These programs delivered multiple benefits to both consumers and brands. Consumers gained access to premium products they might not otherwise try, while brands built trust, collected valuable data, and generated authentic user content. As matcha continued to grow in popularity in the U.S. market, sampling programs played a crucial role in educating consumers and driving adoption of this traditional Japanese beverage.

For consumers interested in exploring matcha, these 2017 programs demonstrated several pathways to obtaining samples: through third-party sampling services like Digitry, directly from specialty producers like Seiwa Matcha, or through broader tea sampling programs that included matcha among their offerings. Each approach had its own advantages and limitations, reflecting the diverse strategies brands employed to introduce their products to the market.

Sources

1. Riching Matcha - Free Matcha Samples Elevate Experience
2. MW Freebies - Possible Free Lipton Magnificent Matcha Green Tea from Digitry
3. Seiwa Matcha - Free Matcha Samples
4. OpenDoor Tea - Free Tea Samples
5. Free Tea - Sample Programs