There Is No Such Thing As a Free Sample
“There is an obligation to give, an obligation to receive, and an obligation to repay.” — Robert B. Cialdini
Going to Costco used to be one of my favorite weekend activities.
Now before you laugh, there isn’t a person out there that doesn’t love going there for the samples. For those unaware, at the end of every food aisle, some sweet old lady or man is handing out delicious cheese or bacon-wrapped something. And you know what happened 96% of the time I took that sample?
I bought whatever the heck they were selling.
People have a deep subconscious need to reciprocate for anything that is done to or for them.
In his book “Influence,” Robert Cialdini says that the first psychological principle of persuasion is the fule of reciprocation; we feel obliged to return favors.
For example, in 1974, sociologist Phillip Kuntz sent Christmas cards to around 600 strangers. Despite not knowing him at all, over 200 of those people sent return cards to Kuntz.
You see the law of reciprocation happening all the time in sales and marketing.
It occurs when you land on a website that offers a free eBook or “The 100 Best Subject Lines Ever” in exchange for your email and hopefully a sale down the road.
It is essential to understand this. You don’t want to get taken advantage of, but you need to make sure you don’t abuse this powerful rule.
When you are giving away something for free online or in person, do it because it truly provides value or you genuinely think it could help them.
You can never go wrong, always giving before receiving. Just make sure you are giving for the right reasons.
For more tips on marketing strategy and design follow me on Twitter @MentalWeapons or check out https://sleek.bio/max
