EDINA, Minn.—Young America, www.young-america.com, an engagement marketing, loyalty and incentive firm, and Citi Prepaid Services have announced a new way for packaged goods manufacturers to distribute product samples to consumers. Through a patent-pending sampling method using specialized prepaid cards, manufacturers can now drive consumers to trials of specific products in full-size packaging, regardless of size, weight or degree of perishability.
Working in coordination with retailers and manufacturers, Young America’s new product sampling process allows their clients to send customers a prepaid card which in turn allows the customer to pick up free, full-size product samples at participating retail locations or grocery stores, rather than receiving a “trial size” version of the product by mail.
“Our new product sampling process not only reduces shipping costs and packaging waste, but it also significantly increases the ability to build brand awareness, brand preference and market share,” said Joe Custer, President of Young America. “We expect our new product sampling process to increase consumer product trial interaction by at least three to four times as compared to traditional methods.”
Custer also noted that the company’s new sampling method benefits manufacturers in two ways: they can cost-effectively increase their sample size and they can offer trials of any kind of product, including beverages, fresh, frozen and ready-made foods, and heavy items such as laundry detergent, breakable items like light bulbs or even over-the counter medications.
“Consumers today are smart, and they demand value,” said Custer. “Our new trial process helps our clients tap into that demand as broadly as possible at minimal cost to them and the consumer.”
“We’re proud to have a strong partner like Young America,” said John Kohari, Citi’s Global Head for Prepaid Cards.
“Through our combined efforts, we are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of companies by adding convenience, reducing costs, and increasing brand recognition through an innovative payment solution.”
For more information about Young America’s new prepaid card sampling solution, please visit www.young-america.com or call 800-533-4529.
About Young America Corporation
With 40 years of experience and more than 300,000 marketing programs, Young America provides the full range of customer engagement and incentive services for its clients, including data analytics, strategy, rewards, and communications and program management. From acquisition to growth and retention, YA creates Engagement Marketing solutions that drive greater brand awareness, invite more customers and generate more sales for their clients. Young America provides a single platform that integrates strategies in support of driving incremental behavior from consumers, employees and channel partners. Young America Corporation is based in Young America, Minnesota and is one of the largest rebate and loyalty program fulfillment providers. Visit us at www.Young-America.com.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.
Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://new.citi.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi
About Citi® Prepaid Services
Citi Prepaid Services, a division of Citi’s Global Transaction Services, is a leading provider of innovative corporate prepaid solutions. Through a consultative approach, Citi Prepaid provides clients with comprehensive electronic payment programs that reduce costs, enhance operational efficiencies and provide an unmatched user experience. Leveraging an extensive payment platform and proprietary prepaid technology, clients around the world depend on Citi Prepaid’s custom programs for all types of payments including compensation, promotions and disbursements. www.citiprepaid.com
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