In my practice, I sent samples sometimes by free and and sometimes by charge. And I found those paying the sample led me the purchase order mostly, however those I gave free sample sometimes just no any reply. So I understand those whould pay the sample are the serious buyers and those would not pay the sample sometimes just wanted to collect the source.

Is there any friend experienced same story? Could you agree with me?

While there are certainly some serious buyers that do require free samples which makes your statement somewhat inaccurate, I do agree with the essence of what you are saying.

The large multi-national retailers in almost all cases require multiple free samples before they will consider doing business with a supplier. But in those cases the supplier is dealing with a known entity and a trusted name. The stakes are high as the supplier knows that he/she could lose the sample money if no order comes in, but if an order comes in then it has huge potential.

The majority of buyers cannot offer the above volumes and therefore the cost of samples vs. chance of orders becomes a very valid concern for some suppliers.

I agree entirely with you that a buyer that is willing to pay for samples gets instant credibility with a new supplier. This is why I am such an advocate of paying for samples. I know that that I can go to almost any supplier and I don't need to worry about sample production.

I am sure that my actions are much to the chagrin of those who want free samples as I make it just that much harder for them to get free samples, but I can't make apologies as I truely believe that samples come at a cost whether you pay that cost upfront in cash or not!

Replying to [looo]:hi,my dear friends, i have meet the same situation,then when i send the samplest to their comply,there are no reply,so i don't know what to do also.

Replying to [looo]:hello!
i agree with the first floor!! usually,the buyer who want the sample desir he will pay the sample charge and the post charge. because they want to business with you sincerelly. someone who want the free sample is not want to the product really i think.

Replying to [mose]: I have a customer asked for 5 pics samples couple of days ago , of course, we didn't charge any sample fee but freight afforded by buyer who gave me his Fedex account.
I have no idea if he seriously want to purchase or just compare price. but if he paid the express fee ,i do believe he is really interested in our products. course the express freight about $100 ,but our samples just cost less than 200rmb.

Replying to [looo]:

Hi I was hoping if you could send me some details of the samples that you have to offer I would like to talk personaly.

Best regards,
Bj Goldsmith

Replying to [looo]:i have the same experience. right now i am dealing with one of customer. though we are the first time in touch, i really believe him.

Replying to [looo]: I agree with your point. if the buyer would like to pay for the sample, we all think he's willing to do business with you.

Replying to [looo]:
Replying to [looo]:I guess you are right. However, I have a story to tell: as a buyer. A supplier from Pakistan approached me through Alibaba offering to sell me some items. We communicated a few times and I agreed to purchase from him. After paying him, he didn't respond to my emails, phone calls to his phone went unanswered. That's 4 weeks now. I guess it works both ways: Buyer pays for goods, but seller cheated him...

Replying to [looo]:Hmmm. I don't know. I'm a serious buyer and would welcome the opportunity to see a free sample - that would help to satisfy me that the seller is also genuine! I think it works both ways!

www.house-of-cool.com

Replying to [looo]: I think both the buyer and the seller should burden the charge to further the cooperation progress.If the sample is not so expensive,The seller burden the sample fee,the buyer burden the postage fee.That's fair.