Should We Expect Free Samples with Orders?

[seldom]

Being in Germany I decided to order some HU. My order of 100g Director's Cut and 50g Daddy Gefftl (hopefully the wife will like the smell) came today. On a positive note it arrived very quickly. It came without free samples which is a disappointment as I would love a taste of other blends. Rather than tobacco a Twix bar was included (blech!).
Should we expect free samples? I'd gotten accustomed to this and looked forward to trying new blends out. If I like them I would likely order a full 50 or 100g next time.
Also I had some problems with the way the HU product arrived. The tin of Director's Cut came with the seal broken. Not like it just tore a little, but it had clearly been opened after sealing with the paper seal torn in half and the paper not aligned on the top and side. Also the tin of Daddy Gefftl is very badly dented with most of the bottom half of the tin bent in, making it difficult to open. So this is disappointing. Makes me wonder why the DC tin was opened and if it is the full 100g. And what caused the DG tin to be so badly dented? Ah well. The Daddy Gefftl is a new one for me so I look forward to giving it a spin.
Anyhow, I know it is unbecoming of a man of my age to complain like a spoiled school kid. Still, I like trying different blends without having to invest a lot of money in something I might not like.
Edited by jvnshr: Title capitalization (please check Rule #9)

 

[bassbug]

Unless the tins were damaged in shipping, there's no excuse for getting broken seals and opened tins. NONE.
As far as samples go, I understand why some retailers might not include them in orders. Where I live, I believe free samples are against the law. Other criteria might be cost and the low return on investment.
Lets say I ordered a tin of a vanilla aromatic made up of virginia and cavendish. Would the retailer include a sample of a similar blend? How about a perique laden or a latakia heavy blend? For me, those last two would go directly in the trash can.
I'm lucky enough to live in a big city with a pipe club that meets a few times a year, so we get a chance to offer and accept a bowl of something new between members.I know that's not possible in some places, but maybe you can find a few local pipe smokers and start up a little exchange program.
Oh, and just for the record, I live in a country with obscenely high tobacco taxes, so I have to think three times before I order a new unknown blend. For example, a 100g tin of MacBaren that is $10-$12 on most internet retailers balloons to more than double that by the time it arrives here. If I get dinged for customs, the price more than triples.

 

[pipebuddy]

The best thing to do in order to get one is ask for a sample of a specific tobacco. If the retailer is keen, he will include one.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Not sure why one would expect a free sample. Do you send the retailer $10 in a card now and then as a top for good service or for providing free samples? The best way to sample a product that looks interesting is to buy a tin. If you don't like it, then give your own free samples away.

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I know here in the United States you can't do free samples anymore, because of the FDA regulations that were recently implemented.
Dented tins are usually because they weren't packaged very well for transport. I mostly order from SmokingPipes and they do a great job packaging the orders. There's always tons of paper and air bags and what not so the tins can't shuffle around and get dented.
I remember some US places were having problems with tins denting in transit and they typically replaced it if you took pictures and sent them to the company in an email.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Tin opened? Gestapo action??
Free samples aren't done in many lines of trades; in some they are, and that depends on where the purveyor is, and perhaps how large the order.

 

[johnbarleycorn]

I have never even considered expecting a free sample. But an opened tin is another matter. That is absolutely unacceptable in my opinion. Dents are one thing but a broken seal is a bit much.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Coming from HU, I get the sense Hans often includes extrasym with orders. Weight is a big factor in shipping, so if it's a light order he will throw some samples in.
I suppose there's a slight chance US Customs opened your tin.

 

[seldom]

Perhaps I've just been very fortunate on past orders coming with little tasters of other blends (Peter Heinrich's et al). The cardboard box was perfectly okay so the tin must have been dented prior to packing. Anyhow, it's not that big of a deal. I'm still a little put off by the broken seal but I'll get over that. The tobacco looks nice and the "tin note" on both are great. I know from experience that I enjoy Director's Cut so it's nice to have it back on hand.
Edit: No chance that US customs opened it. I'm in Germany.

 

[kola]

Buy a pipe from JM Boswell (here in the states) and get a free ounce of tobacco of your choice, a pipe tool, about 20 pipe cleaners and a box of matches. Free. It adds a nice touch to Mon-n-Pop business.
As far as you damged goods go? It happens. I'm sure they'll make it right.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Buy a pipe from JM Boswell (here in the states) and get a free ounce of tobacco of your choice, a pipe tool, about 20 pipe cleaners and a box of matches. Free. It adds a nice touch to Mon-n-Pop business.

Don't kid yourself, it isn't free. It's simply built into the cost of the sale.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Edit: No chance that US customs opened it. I'm in Germany.

I should have read more carefully.

I'm sure Hans would replace the opened tin if you wanted.

 

[seldom]

I regret naming HU in this forum. Mostly wanted to know if others have had similar experiences in ordering online and perhaps to vent a bit. I'll point out that the order was placed on Friday and arrived on Monday. Yes we are in the same country but there is a considerable distance between us. They packed it quickly, had it sent off lickity-split, and I'm sure the quality will be top notch. And even though twix isn't my cup of tea it was a nice thought. I'll look forward to trying out more of the HU blends in the future.

 

[seldom]

A better way for me to address a potential problem is in private, in this case directly to HU; certainly not on a public forum. It's not fair to HU and I regret it.

 

[opus777]

good company, will make it right I'm sure.

 

[mso489]

In my purchases, samples are a pleasant surprise but never expected. From online retailers, I think I've gotten samples maybe twice over ten years or so. Before that, I shopped at brick-and-mortar and got no samples. My best samples have come from generous Forums members, but I don't expect those, they're just a treat.

 

[judcole]

( have gotten samples a couple of times with the purchase of a new pipe. Not otherwise.

 

[mikethompson]

I never expect anything for free, online or otherwise.
If your tin was opened you should bring that to their attention though.

 

[Waning Embers]

Prior to the FDA regulations, lagniappe was a welcome addition to purchases, but was never expected. Just a nice little perk that would often guarantee repeat business.

 

[paulfg]

Indeed, I have recently made a couple of purchases from Estervals pipe house in Germany.The first was some parts for my old boy lighter and a sample of Dunhill 965 was included.The second some Dunhill tins ( including 965 as a result of the sample) and a sample of Grousemoor and a Vauen blend was included.The third was some more items for my lighter,only a few euros worth,no sample.

It was not expected and was a welcome surprise.

Incidently the Vauen tobacco was not my cup of tea and went straight into the bin (it was an aromatic)
I too suggest contacting your supplier re the open tin.I dont think HU sell direct anymore so assume there was a third party retailer involved