Free samples :/ advertising advice please

What are you doing when you call a hair shop to take free samples of cake?

You are asking them to do the hard work of advertising your business for free.

No wonder that they are saying no politely.

When you start offering free samples to the right places, people will say yes.

When I go to the hair salon/nail shop, I'm trying to relax and don't want to be sold to. Perhaps that's just me.

I'm not sure if your target market includes families, but here are some ideas:

1) The library runs a summer reading program. For kids that read the specified number of books, they get a coupon booklet. I put a coupon in the booklet.

2) Malls have these free concerts for kids, they advertise them months in advance. I haven't done it, but I know a local bakery gives out free samples at these.

3) We have a couple of family bloggers in the area, then often do promotions/giveaways on their websites.

4) We have an independent book store that often has book signings, if the author agrees you can do giveaways at the book signings. Often times, word of free cupcakes brings more folks out than the author. Win-win!

5) Although I don't do consignemt sales, I know a few bakers that have done that. 

6)Our community center has family days/events, you can do giveaways for family days at the community centers. 

7) Local schools are always looking for bakeries to do a bake sale and give a % of sales to the school. Many schools do this for sporting events as well. 

8) Radio giveaways, find a radio station you like and do a giveaway. I've spoke with some that will do an advertising  fee swap for goodies to giveaway. Wasn't a good fit for me, so I didn't choose it. 

9) Community festivals, art festivals, home and garden shows are typically looking for exhibitors. Can be pricey depending on the show.

10) Private schools fairs or summer camp fairs.

11) Visit your local chamber, they often are great at giving ideas and lists of upcoming events. They can introduce you to potential partners too. 

I should note for most giveaways you need to have insurance. 

I have to agree, unless it brings something to the table for them, it isn't worth it.

If I had a totally unrelated business, like an accountant, call me up and ask if they could do people's taxes for free in my shop, I would say no.

Would people like having their taxes done for free? Sure! But I'm trying to sell wedding cakes, they won't come in, file their quarterlies and take home a tiered cake :)

Same as a salon or clinic, people probably won't come in to try your cupcakes and stay for a hair cut. Those also aren't very food friendly places, and the business owners could possibly get in trouble for handing treats out.

I've owned a dog grooming shop, and I would have been shut down in an instant if I had been giving out cookies and bylaws found out, lol.

I would try coffee shops, cafes, diners, anywhere that needs foodsafe certification. Even then, chances are you won't get it for free. The old adage you have to pay money to make money is very true.

When I first opened I supplied a coffee shop with cupcakes, I sold them at cost to the shop, which sold them at a mark up, for 6 month contract, and they displayed my business cards.

It sucked working for nothing, but after 6 months, I had a pretty faithful following, and we wrote up a new contract that had me making a profit.

People went in specifically for a cupcake and would usually get a drink as well, owners were happy, I was happy.

Gosh, sorry for rambling so much!

I should also add, don't call around, visit, but be prepared to wait.  Introduce yourself, ask about special events. Try to find something in common about your businesses, if there are no commonalities, it's probably not a place for you to advertise. Think about how you can provide service to them as well, it helps determine if it will be a good fit. 

I live in a smaller town, and the downtown businesses like to support each other. I have friends who own a clothing shop, and a photography studio in the same building. When they do their grand opening for their businesses, they would like me to supply refreshments. Yes, I will be supplying free food, but they want me to come with stuff to sell, a portfolio of work, and business cards. Hopefully, if you think about it, you know someone who may need you to supply refreshments?