Do brands actually send free products to influencers, and how do I get them?

Brands send samples every day — here's how to be the one they choose.

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A: Yes. Brands send free samples to influencers through Creator Connections every day. How you create your outreach determines how successful you will be with getting them

The most efficient way to request samples is through the Oink extension. Use code Barb for 10% off. The free plan lets you message brands one campaign at a time with unlimited messages. The Pro plan unlocks bulk messaging, Agent Oink category runs, and the ability to search and reach out at scale — at $29.99 a month, it costs significantly less than comparable tools.

What sets Oink apart is the ability to build and save multiple pitch templates. Most influencers send one generic message to everyone. Oink lets you keep a library of category-specific templates ready to go — one for pet products, one for kitchen, one for outdoor, whatever your content focus is. When you find a product that fits, you pull the right template, and Oink auto-fills the brand name, ASIN, and product link. The message looks tailored because it is.

The feature that separates good outreach from great outreach is the category-specific template. Build one for each niche you actively create in. I currently have about 5 specific ones. A widget pitch and a pet product pitch should read completely differently. Reference the type of content you plan to make. Point to videos you’ve already done in that category. That’s what tells a brand they’re getting someone who already knows their niche.

Here’s what that looks like in practice. A generic template covers the basics:

Hi [Brand Name],

I’m actively adding new shoppable videos to my storefront and would love to feature your widget — ASIN [ASIN].

My videos go live on the US Amazon store within 14 days of receipt. I also cross-post to international storefronts where your product is available, and to YouTube, which extends shelf life and reach. (only if you actually do, if you don’t, tell them if or where you will cross post)

You can see examples of my work here: [storefront link]
Full media kit: [media kit link] (Oink will help you make one)

Shipping details: [Name, address, phone]

Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your name]

Generic pitches are fine to use especially if you just did an Agent Oink run and the products are all over the place but when you’re looking in a specific category, tighten the pitch around it:

Hi [Brand Name],

I’m building out a series of videos around [niche — e.g., home organization, outdoor cooking, large breed dogs] I already have content live in this category that you can check out on my storefront. (if you don’t already, go film a few things in your house related to this before you send!)

I’d love to include your “widget” — ASIN [ASIN] — in the series.

Videos go live within 14 days of receipt. I cross-post to international storefronts where available and to YouTube for added exposure. (again, put in your terms and cross posts)

Storefront: [link] | Media kit: [link]

Shipping: [Name, address, phone]

Appreciate your time,
[Your name]

The category version converts better because it shows you already cover this category, it gives them a chance to watch you in action and it shows you are a serious creator, not someone just asking for free stuff.

Action:

• Download OINK if you don’t already use it.

• Write two templates in Oink today — one generic, one for the niche you create in most. Save them both. Use the category-specific one any time you’re requesting something that fits your content focus.

• Fizz (the creator of Oink) has a huge library of videos to walk you through every part of this in his free Facebook groups-one for free members and one for paid. Make sure and request access as soon as you download OINK.

Our Facebook group, Storefront Launch, is for AIP creators who want a place to support one another that’s not full of spam or noncompliant information. This group is all about doing things right and helping you build your storefront toward whatever goals you have.