Interested in joining Endless Aisle as a Brand? Apply here.
Endless Aisle Sample Program overview
Sampling is critical for buyers and sellers in the grocery industry. For retailers it is a great way to try a product before committing to an order. For suppliers, the sample program serves as an excellent opportunity to increase brand awareness, attract new buyers, and gain direct feedback from your target audience.
The Endless Aisle Sample Program for brands adds a ‘Try a Sample’ button to your Endless Aisle catalog, and supplier page.
How do I fulfill a sample request?
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Get Notified: When a buyer places a sample request, you will be sent an email that includes a few details about the prospect and the request.
The request will also appear in the Samples tab in your seller portal with a “New” status.
Once you receive a sample request, a channel is opened in Messages where you can communicate with the buyer who placed the sample request to confirm their sample preference, shipping details, and get their feedback.
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Review the Request: To accept or reject a sample request: you can review the sample request through the sample notification email or directly in your Mable seller portal
Through the sample notification email:
Click the Manage sample request button in the email
Through the seller portal:
- Visit the Samples tab in your seller portal. The Samples tab is where you can track all of your sample requests.
- Click into the sample request
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Accept or Reject: Within the sample request, either click I will fulfill it or Cancel request depending on how you'd like to proceed.
To accept the request: click ‘I’ll fulfill it’
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Package it up, Add shipping info, and Send it out:
Within each sample shipment, suppliers must include the UNFI Branded Packing Slip. Once you accept the request you can download the packing slip.
It's also strongly recommended to include a sell sheet about your product.
Add Tracking: If you accept the sample request, you'll be prompted to add shipping (tracking) information and the date it was shipped once you have it. You can also self-deliver a sample.
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You’re all set! Once you’ve added in your shipment tracking information, you're done fulfilling the request!
Now the sample request will be shown as shipped on your Mable Seller portal.
Buyer feedback:
Upon receiving your request, buyers are asked to provide feedback.
You'll receive an email once the prospect shares their feedback. You'll be able to see feedback on the sample request in the seller portal. The status will be changed to ‘feedback received’.
Endless Aisle Sample Program FAQs
How are sample requests received?
Sample requests will come through Mable's Seller Portal.
Why fulfill sample requests?
- Visibility: Samples are a great way to get products in front of buyers.
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Feedback: Expect valuable feedback from retailers in exchange for samples.
Endless Aisle retailers are required to provide feedback before requesting samples from more than 5 suppliers at a time.
This is an excellent opportunity to test products with a target audience and gather customer insights.
Please refer to the UNFI Endless Aisle Service Level Agreement for more information about Brand requirements.
Remember, fulfilling sample requests is crucial in promoting your products and gaining visibility among UNFI buyers!
What does the sample program cost?
It's free to join the sample program. Once your brand receives a sample request, you'll (your brand) cover all costs related to the sample. This includes the cost of the product and any shipping costs.
In exchange for paying for the sample, your brand will either receive:
- Direct feedback from the prospect about why the product isn't a fit, or what would make it a fit - if the buyer doesn't intend to place an order.
- A new relationship, if they do place an order after trying the sample!
Do Brands pay for the samples?
Yes, Brands are responsible for the cost of goods and shipping for all sample requests. Retailers do not pay for samples.
Is my brand automatically enrolled in the sample program?
No, but all Endless Aisle suppliers are eligible to join the program. Follow the steps to enroll below.
How can my brand join the sample program?
- Log into the Mable seller portal
- Visit the Store tab in the portal (or use this link)
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to the "Settings" section
- Under "Sample program" select "Yes" to join!
- You can also opt into the sample program at the top of the ‘Samples’ tab
Please note:
- For suppliers who are a part of more than one marketplace including UNFI, McLane, and/or Mable marketplace - if samples are enabled then it is enabled for all 2 or 3 marketplaces that the suppliers are a part of.
- I.e if a supplier is a part of both Endless Aisle and Mable Marketplace then they may receive requests from both Endless Aisle and Mable marketplace buyers.
- Suppliers who are a part of McLane’s Emerging Brands program are automatically opted into the sample program and must accept and fulfill all requests.
- Suppliers who are not a part of McLane’s Emerging brands program but are a part of Endless Aisle, and/or Mable marketplace do have the option to toggle samples on or off at any time.
Should I add a sample SKU to my Endless Aisle catalog?
Not necessary! Retailers can currently request a sample of any of your products, but you'll choose what to send to the prospect. We recommend either fulfilling what the buyer is asking for or sending your top seller.
Can I offer a paid sample SKU in my catalog?
No, at this time Endless Aisle does not support paid sample SKUs.
What information does my brand get about the prospect (who requested a sample)?
Retailers fill out a self-introduction when requesting a sample. Typically they'll share their store's story, location, and why they're interested in trying your brand. They'll also include a request - like what product they'd like to try.
What should be included with the samples?
When fulfilling UNFI sample requests, Brands must include the UNFI Branded Packing Slip for the specific request.
Instructions for the UNFI branded packing slip will be available when fulfilling the sample request through Mable's seller portal.
It's also strongly recommended to include a sell sheet about your product within the sample package.
Can I reject a sample request?
Yes. You can reject a sample request if it's not the right fit for your brand. We just ask that you give us a reason. You can reject (or accept) sample requests from the Samples tab in your seller portal or via the email you'll receive when you get a new request.
Is there a deadline on when the sample request should be fulfilled?
Sample requests must be accepted or rejected within 9 days of receiving the request. If the request isn’t accepted after 9 days then it auto cancels.
If accepted the sample must be marked as shipped within 30 days of receiving the request. Otherwise it also auto cancels.
Where can I manage my sample requests?
Manage sample requests in the Samples tab in your seller portal!
https://www.meetmable.com/vendor/samples
Who can I contact with questions?