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We had the great pleasure this week of talking with Jamie Espertin, General Manager of MAYVIEN. MAYVIEN is an app that helps you manage the samples you are sending out to magazines, bloggers and TV shows.
When I first saw the app’s website, I thought: “Oh great, this is a really pretty place to organize this stuff.”
But then Jamie wrote an article for our Expert series called “Better Sample Management of Your Press Samples Can Add Value” and she talked about data and tracking – you know my interest was piqued. Jamie is into metrics and data, and applying that to samples management.
We really appreciate Jamie taking the time to share some of her best practices and strategies with us. We covered loads of great content during this #TuneUp call including:
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Who are samples typically sent to? An intern? A photographer? How many hands can it pass through?
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When you send a sample these days who pays? Should one send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope or shipping slip for them to return it when they’re done?
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At which point should you gift a sample to someone at a magazine? Should you discuss this with them up front, before it gets sent?
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What type of information do you recommend tracking in your samples outreach?
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Do you think that businesses should send an inventory slip with their delivery so that people are clear what you sent (and know that you are as well)?
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How soon do brands typically get their samples returned to them? Should a business offer to include shipping materials for their item to be easily returned back?
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If a sample is lost, how hard core should one fight? Is it better to let it go and salvage the relationship with the editorial department?
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Some of our members have very expensive products, such as jewelry into the thousands of dollars. That said no matter the price point should more luxury items be sending release forms or some sort of insurance form?
- How does the MAYVIEN app help with all of this?
To get the full recap of this #TuneUp, head over to the Member Forum. Not a member yet? Check out our membership benefits including exclusive Members Only weekly #TuneUp calls like this one, and much more!
We have a discount available to members of Tin Shingle in the Member Discounts area. It offers Emerging Designer prices $200/mo vs $1000/mo), and a deeper discount just for Tin Shingle members.
