Don’t pay to give your product for free!

If you are in the business of selling a product, I’m sure you’ve received those incredible offers “Have your product included in our gift bags! Only $10,000 in addition to the complimentary product you’re offering.”

When I first started my business, I was lead to believe that paying to get my product out there was a given. Until I used my networking skills to discover that not everyone wants a fee to give away your stuff for free.

I mean, hello! We are doing these event coordinators a favor by providing them with free product that they can then pass on to their customers/clients/friends/associates as a complimentary gift. So, really, everyone is doing everyone a favor, everyone looks good and everyone reaps the rewards.

I was once approached by a company offering to send my product to film and television studios. Not only did they want a fee to do this, but then if your product appeared on screen, you were expected to pay them a fee again. The image they sent of past product placement consisted of a bar scene. Picture this – a huge bar with bottles behind the barman, out of focus and blurry to boot. One of their poor clients had to pay them a fee because their sad little bottle was amongst the others in the scene.

Unless you are certain that your product is going to get priceless press exposure (and certainty does not exist when it comes to the press) I do not recommend donating your product to anyone who demands cash in return.

I have had my product placed in countless gift bags, party restrooms, Sundance tents and Oscar parties – all without paying a cent. Find a caterer or party planner in your area and get talking to them. The too good to be true offers of press and celebrity endorsements are just usually that, too good to be true.

Editor’s Note: Jacqui Rosshandler is the maker of eatwhatever breath fresheners – the only breath freshener that works in your mouth AND your stomach, truly eliminating bad breath. A native of Australia she now calls New York City home. Eatwhatever is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and filled with organic oils. www.eat-whatever.com