Mailing free samples

[brodysmama]

I am a female motorcyclist who finally put an end to "helmet hair" I have a new product that I have a patent pending on. It is a one size fits most hair accessorie for ponytails. This product is mainly for the powersports industry but I plan on marketing it to the motorcycle industry, sporting goods suppliers as well as restaurant sanitation industry as it acts as a hairnet too.
The product wraps around your ponytail and prevents wind from tangling it. I know you've all seen a similar product made out of leather. Mine is made out of cotton and is very sporty looking for those of us on sportbikes and dirtbikes. It is made to fit, long, short, thick and very thin ponytails, while all of the leather ones are sold in multiple different sizes.
My question is: Upon receiving my first order from my manufacturer in about 1 1/2 months, I plan on mailing out samples to the purchasers at motorcycle gear stores and sporting goods suppliers, etc. Is this a valid way of getting business or are the people who open the mail going to just throw it away?

[rogercbryan]

If they don't know its coming they will throw it away. Do you have a target marketing list yet? Have you started calling potential customers to see if they would be interested in the product? I think you would be better off going to a few trade shows in any surrounding big city. Every major city has a Motorsport Show every year. Setting up a booth there where people from the industry will see you would be more beneficial then mailing out samples.

I like your product. I rode for years (before I got old). Women would always complain after a 140mph ride down the highway that their hair was a mess. I think you have a very marketable product. I would spend the next month developing a leads list as well as a list of local trade shows. Then start working that list. I see a great opportunity here!

[brodysmama]

140 mph WOW. I'm too old to go that fast.lol
But honestly, I think once you go over 35mph, be it in a convertable, a motorcycle, dirtbike, jeep, or hopping out of planes. (I can only imagine.) Your hair is a mess. I just love seeing girls in motorcycle advertising with their hair all perfect....Yeah right!

I have been building a prospect list and I do plan on making my mark at the tradeshows. In fact, I will be going to the Int'l motorcycle show in Dec and I don't even have my product yet. I haven't made any calls yet, but will go ahead and start doing that. Any other suggestions? I've spent so much time and money on finding a manufacturer and the whole patent process that I feel I've neglected the most important part, the marketing. I appreciate any help I can get. Thanks

[ndrom]

I think the trade show idea would show a better return.

You could also consider talkign to a dealer in a local area.

My question is, is there only one level of your product?

If you give away free samples, do these people have any incentive to buy another? Or a better one? Or is the plant o give away samples to build buzz and word of moth marketing?

If it's the latter, maybe you should consider a more concentrated target. Bloggers? Magazines?

[brodysmama]

I look forward to the trade shows most of all as I know the right people will be there and my product is highly demonstratable (It's fun to watch someone put on.) The free sample idea is just something I'm throwing around. If I give 1 away to a dealer and they like it, then they might buy more for their store. If they buy more, they will consider different colors, If I have a good amount of colors available they will want to buy multiples of each right? I just want my products on everyones shelves everywhere!