This is an interesting concept for sampling. I’ve signed up to see what it’s like:
London-based Matter is taking an unconventional approach to direct marketing by sending out boxes of “interesting stuff”. Matter works with product manufacturers to compile collections of items for specific audiences, and it sends them out to consumers at no charge. Each participating company creates and contributes an item, something that explains what the company does, says something about its ideas or values, or can be tried out. Matter then sends the boxes so that they arrive on a Saturday, when consumers are more likely to spend some time with them. The pilot box, which hit consumers’ doorsteps on February 2nd, included items from Sony Ericsson, Stolichnaya, Nintendo, Nissan, Penguin and Virgin Atlantic, among others. The next edition of Matter will be aimed at males aged 25-35 and is scheduled to ship out this summer. Matter is a collaboration between Artomatic and Royal Mail, and for now targets consumers in the UK only.