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Grab the Freebies!
Everyone likes receiving things for free!
Recent research has highlighted the increasing number of companies using product samples as part of their online marketing strategy.

Olay, Ariel, Garnier, Pampers and L'Oréal are just some of the household names distributing samples in an effort to drum-up support for their products. So far this year, anti-wrinkle cream, tea bags, perfume, moisturiser, along with numerous other items have been offered free of charge via the Web.

According to the recent study approximately 50% of people who sample a product will likely purchase the item in future. Of these, 25% can be expected to purchase the product more than once. Figures also show that over 65% of respondents would feel more confident recognising the sampled item 'on the shelf'.

The research found the trend is particularly prominent in the beauty industry. Two in three cosmetics companies are now offering samples or competitions as part of their online promotional campaigns. In 2004 the number was only one in three. The study also found that word of mouth is an important factor, with over 25% saying they would recommend sampled products to friends and family.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.