SamplingLab Mobile

Ryde’s equity crowdfunding campaign to raise seed funding has launched on Fundable.com. See link to campaign profile in bio.

Because it’s an equity raise, it’s only open to accredited investors. We’re building something amazing for busy pet parents. 

       

Published in The Wall Street Journal six years ago today. Clearly the “holy grail” media placement for Samplinglab that generated a flood of attention and interest. Ultimately, however, not enough. . . . .

If you're curious to know more about our upcoming SamplingLab Mobile re-launch, visit a new interim site at www.samplinglabmobile.com

Why 2021 Will Usher in a New Wave of Product Sampling Investment

I had already started this post before seeing yesterday's Adweek article below, so the timing makes me happy.

Without a doubt, the past few years have kicked my butt.

In the wake of losing everything after my SamplingLab business closed several years ago, I found myself running in circles figuring out what's next. Projects were on again/off again to where my head was about to explode.

After recently concluding the financial model for a pet-related business I was exploring isn't viable, I’m turning to SamplingLab once again, this time as a mobile, experiential CPG sampling company that’s contactless and meets COVID-19 guidelines.

Seeing some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, combined with CPG brands experiencing pent-up demand to sample new products once again, now is the perfect time to re-ignite in-person product sampling that passes the "moment and manner" test.

By becoming SamplingLab Mobile, we can reach more consumers in more cities, allowing us to continue our legacy of reinvention. Wait until you see our new feedback tools.

I thank those who have continued offering encouragement.

Prepare Your Sampling Strategy Now Pass the 'moment and manner' test.

Six Years Ago Today

It's hard to believe that it was six years ago today when I opened the doors to SamplingLab in Portland.

The excitement of a year's worth of work to bring a radical retail concept to life was an amazing experience with every day offering something new.

While shutting it down after only 14 months was a tough pill to swallow, it shaped my thoughts on entrepreneurship and pursuing every avenue to keep the dream going, until you simply have to move on to new things.

But as they say, with failure comes experience and learning.

Thanks to all the brands who took the ride, and the people I met along the way, many of whom have become lasting friends.

I posted this article today on LinkedIn with my take on the new rules of product sampling. Help spread the word by liking and sharing.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-rules-cpg-product-sampling-contactless-world-jeff-davis

New Rules. CPG Product Sampling in a Contactless World. Countless marketing articles report CPG product sampling is on life support, and in some circumstances, they’re right. Or worse.

After a few false starts at bringing back SamplingLab, I’ll soon be sharing details of our new concept, and a crowdfunding campaign to help get it off the ground.

I can really use your help on this one, friends!

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It makes me happy to hear marketing hasn't been killed off during COVID-19, but rather brands are just retooling.

I do see one major exception, however, and that's in-store food sampling of open and prepared sample bites. It's an outdated tactic that's likely gone for good -- or at least finds itself in a life-threatening coma.

It's no secret I've never been a fan of traditional supermarket sampling. It's inefficient with misleading results, and worst of all, capturing meaningful consumer feedback is non-existent.

Getting CPG products into consumers' hands must be replaced with a safe and contactless way that makes sense for brands, but also brings some joy to a consumer's day.

So, that's exactly the road we're on right now with a retooled version of the brand experience that originally made SamplingLab the talk of the town.

Product trial with a deeper dive into what consumers think.

What a year (and more) it has been.

For those who have stuck with me to keep this crazy dream alive, all the work we did last year to relaunch SamplingLab as an experiential sampling platform was dashed by COVID-19.

Ironically, however, the health crisis that nearly killed us, may actually be what resuscitates us.

More to come, and thanks to those who've helped keep me inspired.

Here are the latest renderings of our mobile unit we’re planning for next year.

Imagine a rotating collection of products touring major cities where consumers can experience what’s new, then provide in-depth feedback to brands eager to listen.

What do you think? Is it Kickstarter-worthy?

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We've published a new website that defines our new vision, once we're completely up and running. The quest for funding is ongoing. Check it out.

www.samplinglab.studio

Some exciting news.

SamplingLab applied to another business accelerator, and just found out we made it past the first round interviews (yesterday) and are on to the second round next week

This is further than we got with the last accelerator, which is run by the same group, but a better fit for us.

We're not at the finish line yet (only 5 companies are chosen out of about 500 applications), and it looks like there may be about 50 companies in this new round, so we're beating the odds so far.

If we make it to the end, I'll be spending three months in Cincinnati starting in late Sept. immersed in a program with mentors from the likes of P&G and Kroger.

And, of course, an investment.