Free Paper Sample Packs Available By Post In The Uk A Complete Guide

Free paper samples by post represent an excellent opportunity for UK residents to evaluate materials before making purchasing decisions for printing projects. Various companies across the United Kingdom offer complimentary sample packs, allowing consumers to physically examine paper quality, thickness, texture, and print results. These samples help businesses and individuals make informed choices about their printing needs, from business cards and marketing materials to packaging and specialty papers. This article explores the available options for obtaining free paper samples by post in the UK, detailing what each company offers, how to request samples, and any associated costs.

Overview of Free Paper Sampling in the UK

Paper sampling serves as a crucial service in the printing and design industry, enabling customers to experience materials firsthand before committing to larger orders. In the UK, multiple companies recognize the value of providing physical samples to potential clients, resulting in various free sampling programs. These programs typically include small snippets or larger sample packs containing different paper types, weights, and finishes.

The primary purpose of these free samples is to allow customers to evaluate the quality and suitability of various papers for their specific needs. By handling samples, individuals can assess factors such as thickness, texture, color, and how different inks appear on each surface. This tactile experience often proves more valuable than digital representations when making important printing decisions.

Sampling programs in the UK generally fall into two categories: those from printing companies that showcase their capabilities and those from paper suppliers that offer a range of materials. Both types provide valuable resources for different customer needs, from business owners looking for stationery to designers seeking specific substrates for creative projects.

Printing Companies Offering Free Sample Packs

Several UK-based printing companies provide free sample packs to prospective customers, allowing them to experience the quality of their products firsthand. These sample packs typically include a variety of the company's most popular items, demonstrating different paper types, finishes, and printing techniques.

Kent Print Sample Pack

Kent Print offers a comprehensive free sample pack designed to help customers make informed decisions about their paper selections. The sample pack contains eight different paper and card types, each showcasing various weights and finishes:

• Recycled Uncoated 90gsm A5 Flyer
• Recycled Uncoated 350gsm A5 Art Print
• Silk 150gsm DL Compliment Slip
• Creme 300gsm A6 Invitation
• Zen 270gsm A6 Postcard
• Birch 270gsm 90mm x 55mm Swing Tag
• Gesso 250gsm 85mm x 55mm Business Card
• Beer Mat Material 450gsm 105mm Coaster

These samples allow customers to feel the thickness and texture of different stocks while observing how ink appears on each paper type. The variety included in the pack provides a comprehensive overview of the materials available for different printing purposes, from lightweight flyers to heavy-duty beer mats.

Customers with additional questions about the papers can contact Kent Print directly via email at [email protected] for further assistance.

Instant Print Sample Pack

Instant Print provides a completely free sample pack that serves as an excellent "try before you buy" option. The company's sample pack includes:

• Business Cards: Premium to mini, spot UV to Kraft variations
• Flyers: Folded and flat flyers in five different stocks
• Stickers & Labels: Samples of their adhesive range
• Cards & Invites: A6 greetings card printed on Conqueror Wove Cream
• Business Stationery: 120gsm letterhead sample with a business update from the co-founders
• Stapled Booklet: Sample of their booklet offerings

The sample pack also includes artwork tips from Instant Print's in-house Studio team, providing added value beyond just physical samples. The company emphasizes that their paper is sustainably sourced and offers a 10-point artwork check to ensure optimal printing results.

Customers can order their free sample pack by filling out a form on the Instant Print website, after which the pack will be sent via post. The company highlights that they offer thousands of products beyond those included in the sample pack, suggesting that the samples represent just a small portion of their full capabilities.

Qin Printing Sample Packs

Qin Printing offers free paper sample book packs designed to help customers determine if they are the right printing partner. These sample kits provide a comprehensive understanding of the company's offerings through carefully curated materials.

For commercial printing products, Qin's sample packs include one paper sample book that showcases various paper types, weights, and finishes. For custom packaging products, the sample packs consist of several paper sample cards along with some product references for context.

To request a premium sample kit, customers need to fill out a form on the Qin Printing website. The company clarifies that while the paper sample book itself is free of charge, customers are required to cover the shipping fee. This cost structure allows customers to evaluate the materials without financial commitment beyond delivery.

Qin Printing invites customers with questions about sample kits or delivery costs to contact them directly for clarification, ensuring that potential clients have all the information needed to make informed decisions.

Paper Suppliers Offering Free Samples

In addition to printing companies, several UK paper suppliers offer free sampling services to help customers select the most appropriate materials for their projects. These suppliers typically focus on providing a wide range of paper and card options for various applications.

First for Paper Sample Service

First for Paper provides free paper and card sample snippets that customers can order to evaluate different materials before making a purchase. These small samples allow customers to check the color, finish, and substance of various papers.

The company's website features an image indicating which materials are available as samples. For customers requiring a variety of samples, First for Paper offers pre-made sample collections that can be selected with a single click.

While the sample snippets themselves are free, First for Paper charges a small amount toward postage and packaging costs. Alternatively, customers can order up to ten free snippets by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope along with a note specifying which ten paper and card snippets they require.

For customers needing larger sheets of material to test through printers or other equipment, First for Paper indicates that these must be ordered and paid for in the usual way. Most of their materials are available in single sheets, allowing customers to order small quantities for testing purposes before committing to larger orders.

First for Paper also offers a material matching service. Customers who wish to match a sample of paper or card they already have can post it to the company along with a stamped self-addressed envelope. The company will then identify the material and send samples of matching options from their inventory.

Antalis Sampling Service

Antalis provides a next-day sample, dummy, and swatch service designed to help customers choose the right print materials for their projects. The company emphasizes that ordering paper and material samples in the UK is quick and easy with their service, ensuring customers receive products that meet their exact specifications.

Antalis highlights that samples are delivered quickly and in perfect condition, using the latest automated sampling equipment and strong protective packaging to maintain quality throughout the shipping process. This attention to detail aims to provide customers with samples that accurately represent the final product.

Samples can be ordered online through Antalis's web shop, where they are displayed in the product information sections for applicable items. Alternatively, customers can contact their local Antalis sales office for assistance with sample requests and other inquiries.

For customers printing large documents, brochures, or magazines, Antalis offers the option to produce a mock-up (dummy) that accurately represents the end result according to exact specifications. These dummies are dispatched next day for approval, helping customers make confident decisions about paper selection for substantial projects.

The company encourages customers to contact their local sales office for assistance with sample orders, particularly for specialized requests or large projects requiring dummies.

Types of Paper Samples Available

The variety of paper samples available through UK sampling programs covers a wide range of types, weights, and finishes suitable for different applications. Understanding these categories helps customers identify the most appropriate samples for their specific needs.

Business Stationery and Cards

Business card samples represent one of the most popular categories in sample packs. Companies like Kent Print and Instant Print offer multiple variations, including different weights, finishes, and specialty options like spot UV and Kraft papers. These samples typically come in standard business card sizes (85mm x 55mm) and showcase how different printing techniques appear on various substrates.

Letterhead and compliment slip samples, such as those offered by Instant Print (120gsm letterhead) and Kent Print (150gsm DL compliment slip), demonstrate how paper performs for professional correspondence. These samples help customers evaluate paper quality for business communications where first impressions matter.

Marketing Materials

Flyer samples are commonly included in sample packs, with companies like Instant Print offering folded and flat options in five different stocks. These samples typically come in various sizes, such as A5 flyers from Kent Print, allowing customers to assess how marketing materials will look and feel when printed on different papers.

Postcard samples, like the 270gsm A6 postcard from Kent Print, provide insight into how paper performs for direct mail marketing campaigns. These samples help customers evaluate durability and print quality for applications that need to withstand postal handling.

Specialty Papers and Packaging

Specialty paper samples include materials like beer mat stock (450gsm 105mm coaster from Kent Print) and various finishes such as silk, creme, and zen papers. These samples showcase how different specialty papers perform for specific applications.

Packaging samples, particularly from companies like Qin Printing, focus on materials suitable for custom packaging solutions. These samples help customers evaluate paper options for product packaging, boxes, and other three-dimensional applications.

Paper Weights and Finishes

Sample packs typically include a range of paper weights, from lightweight options like 90gsm flyers to heavier stocks like 350gsm art prints. This variation allows customers to understand how different weights affect both the feel and durability of printed materials.

Finishes represented in sample packs include uncoated, recycled, silk, creme, and specialty finishes. These samples demonstrate how different finishes affect print quality, color vibrancy, and the overall aesthetic of printed materials.

How to Request Free Paper Samples

The process for requesting free paper samples varies slightly among UK companies but generally follows straightforward procedures. Understanding these processes helps customers efficiently obtain the samples they need for evaluation.

Online Sample Requests

Many companies offer online forms for requesting sample packs. Instant Print and Qin Printing both provide forms on their websites where customers can input their contact information and delivery details to receive free sample packs. These forms typically require name, address, email, and phone number to facilitate delivery.

Antalis allows customers to order samples directly through their web shop, where samples are displayed in product information sections when available. This approach integrates sampling with the broader product catalog, making it easy to request specific materials of interest.

Contacting Local Sales Offices

For specialized requests or assistance with larger projects, contacting local sales offices represents an effective option. Antalis explicitly encourages customers to reach out to their local sales offices for guidance on sample requests, particularly for dummy production or material matching services.

First for Paper also offers the option to contact them directly for sample requests, though they primarily direct customers to use their online system or mail-in option for standard sample requests.

Mail-in Sample Requests

First for Paper provides a unique mail-in option for customers who prefer not to pay for postage and packaging. Customers can order up to ten free paper and card snippets by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope along with a note specifying which samples they require. This option appeals to customers who may not want to share personal information online or who prefer more traditional methods of communication.

The company also accepts physical samples for matching purposes. Customers can send a sample of paper or card they already have along with a stamped self-addressed envelope, and First for Paper will identify matching materials from their inventory and send appropriate samples.

Costs and Shipping Information

Understanding the costs associated with paper sample programs helps customers make informed decisions about which options best suit their needs and budgets.

Completely Free Samples

Some companies offer completely free sample packs with no shipping charges. Instant Print explicitly states that their sample pack is "completely free" and requires only that customers fill out an online form to receive it. This no-cost approach makes sampling accessible to all potential customers without financial barriers.

Samples with Shipping Costs

Other companies provide free samples but require customers to cover shipping fees. Qin Printing offers free paper sample books but specifies that customers need only cover the shipping fee. This structure allows customers to access high-quality samples while the company recovers some of the distribution costs.

First for Paper provides free sample snippets but charges "a small amount towards the cost of post and packing." Alternatively, customers can avoid this charge by using the mail-in option with a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Next-Day Delivery Options

Antalis distinguishes itself by offering next-day sample delivery, ensuring customers receive samples quickly to facilitate project timelines. The company uses automated sampling equipment and strong protective packaging to maintain sample quality during rapid delivery.

This expedited service proves particularly valuable for customers working on tight deadlines or those who need to make prompt decisions about materials for upcoming projects.

Conclusion

Free paper sample programs in the UK provide valuable resources for individuals and businesses evaluating printing materials before making purchasing decisions. Companies like Kent Print, Instant Print, Qin Printing, First for Paper, and Antalis offer various sampling options ranging from comprehensive sample packs to individual paper snippets.

These programs enable customers to physically examine paper quality, thickness, texture, and print results, leading to more informed purchasing decisions. While some companies offer completely free samples, others require customers to cover shipping costs, reflecting different business models for distributing samples.

The variety of samples available covers business stationery, marketing materials, specialty papers, and packaging options across different weights and finishes. Customers can request samples through online forms, by contacting local sales offices, or via mail-in options depending on their preferences and needs.

For UK residents evaluating printing materials, these free sample programs represent an excellent opportunity to experience products firsthand without significant financial commitment. By taking advantage of these offerings, customers can ensure they select the most appropriate materials for their specific printing projects, ultimately achieving better results and greater satisfaction with their final printed materials.

Sources

1. Free Samples UK
2. Kent Print Free Sample Pack
3. First for Paper Samples
4. Instant Print Free Sample Pack
5. Qin Printing Sample Packs
6. Antalis Easy Choice Samples