The Cost of Samples: What They Don’t Tell You

Maybe it’s the era I grew up in, but I still remember walking through the mall food court, grabbing those “free” samples on toothpicks. That little piece of chicken or bite of pretzel cost me nothing. But when it comes to designing a clothing line? Sampling is not free—far from it.

One of the hidden challenges of this journey has been the sheer cost of getting samples. I’ve ordered samples for everything: shipping bags, stickers, business card paper, and multiple variations of hoodies. Each item comes with a price tag, and let’s just say it adds up quickly.

What makes it even trickier is that while you’re selling your current products—things you know work and are in demand—it’s easy to fall into the trap of staying comfortable. Sales can lull you into thinking, Why fix what isn’t broken? But here’s the thing: just because something works doesn’t mean there isn’t room to improve.

That’s where having clear goals saves me. I’ve promised myself that until I hit 100 sales in a month, I’m going to keep leveling up. Whether that’s refining the customer experience, improving packaging, or experimenting with new designs, I’m committed to growth.

For anyone starting a brand and stumbling across this blog, here’s my advice: budget for your samples. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but trust me, not preparing for that cost can set you back. Sampling isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment in the quality and future of your brand.

So, while I miss those free mall samples, I’m learning to embrace this process. Because every dollar spent on a sample brings me one step closer to creating something my customers will love.