Sampling Lab

Cool that you can try various products for free in exchange for your honest review. Too bad the Williams Ave. location closed and at times, there just wasn’t very many items to sample. But I enjoyed it while it lasted. Which reminds me I have a number of samples to still try and write reviews for. Sometimes you would get a free beer for coming in to browse and select a sample to try (this was a great motivator to come in). I suppose the location and meager selection at times wasn’t helping the business stay afloat.
I certainly liked the concept of the shop and hope the owner will re-​format and relocate somewhere else in Portland.

What a wonderful concept the Sampling Lab is. You get an item for free as long as you subsequently take a survey. The store is in North Portland and the employees are friendly.
Unfortunately, I have only been here long after opening. I tried an energy drink, among other choices being pasta and crackers. I walked back and I completed that survey in a jiffy.
You should try this.

I have been a sporadic customer of Sampling Lab since a short time after they opened.
Almost without exception I have enjoyed the products they have offered. One of my all time favorites was Dave’s Killer Bread. I had already been a fan, but this was a new variety that was offered. I have purchased it several times after being able to try it free. Justin’s peanut butter cups were pretty memorable as well.
My most recent samples have been a Fishpeople comfort bowl, which I didn’t care for at all, but since all I had to do was give feedback it was still worth trying. I picked up Italian herb panzanella crackers a couple of days ago that are very tasty!
I would highly recommend signing up for Sampling Lab. It is really a fun way to try new products without shelling out cash until you know it’s something you love. The check out process takes about 3 seconds. It’s so easy! They used to allow testers to have 2 samples per visit after establishing that you would review the products.
The only suggestion I would make would be to list what is currently available on their website. It might be kind of a pain for the business, but it helps the consumer decide if it’s worth a trip (4 miles for me). Sometimes the shelves are pretty bare, others there are several products I would love to try. That’s the only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5.

Sampling Lab is in a nice space. It is a ways for me, but I think I will go when I am in the neighborhood. As it is there are several places I like in the area so I will go again.
When I was there they had a range of food item from single serve Ketchup packages to small coffee creamers to heat and serve meals.
There is seating though I do not know what for (maybe on future visits I will) but everything is well laid out.
One thing to note, they are changing their hours and will no longer be open on Sundays.
I have seen survey people standing in malls etc trying to get you to try something but not like this. Here come in find something you want from a selection and you decide what you want to try for free and review it. The survey was quick and easy. I hope they get busier then when I was there, I had the place to myself and I want them to do well! I had signed up online but it had not processed but they could just sign me up there.

Free stuff! That’s pretty much the long and the short of it.
Sampling Lab wants one simple thing from your. Your opinion! In exchange they will give you free products to enjoy (or not enjoy) and review. Said reviews are passed on to the makers of the products. Viola, it’s that simple. What’s not to love? I have gotten a sugar scrub, many products from FishPeople, candies, all types of little goodies that I wouldn’t otherwise have tried.
There is literally no downside to this place. The space is beautiful. TOO beautiful to be giving out free things, what did we do to deserve this? If you were giving me free stuff out of a dark shack I would still take it happily. My understanding is that you can rent the space, which would be great for an intimate something or other, it has a very PNW vibe. Employees are friendly and helpful.
The Sampling Lab doesn’t have a ton of stock as of late. It’s hard to keep free stuff on the shelves I would imagine. It is literally next door to my gym so I can peek in if I see something that catches me eye. I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here, but if your in the area it’s worth stopping by.

Hello, new favorite place in Portland.
Seriously though… you can come here any time and choose one of the many available products on display to take home and try yourself, and all they ask in return is for you to leave a review (not even public — unless you want it to be) — and for a membership — which is free. As a consumer who LOVES trying new things (and loves free things — the inner Jew prevails again) — I can’t give this place enough praise.
Oh and did I mention they have FREE BEER for your enjoyment/​consumption while you’re browsing?! Yes please!
I only wish they were open later since I can almost never make it there before 7. They recently got written up in the WSJ so had super low stock last time I went, but I know they are going to explode soon. Staff is also super friendly and awesome, and you can leave your reviews in the store. Limit 1 product per day, or else i’d hang out and drink beer and sample URRYTHING.
/​the fact that this is on my bike ride home doesn’t hold any weight. NONE!

Not as cool as I thought it would be. I’m not sure how this place pays the rent with what they have going on there. If you live in that area and can stop in on a regular basis it might be fun but as it is I’m not interested.
Somewhere I had read about them having full sized products and I’m sure if it comes in a bottle its a full size product like a drink or such but everything else were miniature tiny trial size items and not a lot of them very sparse, big area not much in it

The vibe of this place fits in great with the neighborhood, but I think this type of place could really fit in most anywhere. I’d love to see a booth or kiosk at the mall or state fair where new members could sign up and get free samples on the spot.
The service here was friendly and professional. The man in charge let us browse as long as we wanted. He was knowledgeable about the products and offered helpful advice and suggestions. I didn’t think there was much of a selection, but I had a hard time choosing.
Living out in the burbs, my friends, especially the non-​motorized ones, ask me if it’s worth the trip to NoPo. Think of it like this: your favorite bulk warehouse store has great samples, but are they with driving across town for if there was nothing to buy in the store? Now ad the fact that you can only sample ONE of the dozen or two items available. Worth it? If I lived or worked in the neighborhood, I would be there every day.
I LOVE the idea of Sampling Lab. But for me, living 15 miles away, it’s not worth the trip across town for one small sample. A friend of mine went over and snagged a full size loaf of Daves Killer Bread. For a $ 5 item, maybe I’d consider it worth the trip, but for one 50 cent sample, the fun-​factor doesn’t quite make up for my time and gas.

This place is rad. You walk in and pick something new to try. And it is FREE! Yes, shopping that doesn’t cost any money. I have found some great new products. All you have to do is fill out a questionairre discussing what you like and don’t like about the chosen item. I am never gonna turn down the opportunity to share my opinions with the world… oh, and be the first to try cool new products for FREE.

the idea behind Sampling Lab is pretty cool.
come in, pick a product to try (sorry just 1, they offered 3 when they first opened but demand was too much). this can be anything from bread to coffee, snacks to full meals. It’s mostly food products for sampling. Also, if you stop by you can ask for a free beer, usually a widmer! how awesome is that?
does require submitting a survey of the product to be eligible to sample future ones. it’s not really worth driving far away for this place but if you live close or come to the neighborhood — stopping by is a no brainer.

Awesome idea! You sign up and get to sample anything you want for free, and as long as you review the item you try, you can go in next time to pick up another item. It’s limited to one item a day. Too bad it’s so far from me otherwise I would check it out more often since they did have some stuff I’ve never seen before in stores. Reviews are pretty simple too since they’re in a multiple choice format and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Sign up, get free stuff and complete a multiple choice survey. Some days they have more samples than others. There’s always something food related that I’m interested in trying. And they tend to be full sized. Last time I wast here, these things drew my attention: 12 K-​cup pods of coffee, full serving of oatmeal, a bag of seaweed chips, full bag of Bob’s Redmill gluten free baking flour… Last time I went there were about 6 – 7 items? The time before that was probably more like 5 items.
Widmere provides beer for your enjoyment while you’re in the store, which I assume is free. The location is also great. I like to stop by if I’m eating/​shopping in the area.
Despite the freeness, the store is never packed (yet) so it’s easy to walk around and check out samples.

Oh man, I love this! It’s a way to try new and interesting product, give your opinion, and not spend any money.
I’ve tried oatmeal, crackers, sodas, and tons of other fun things.
I really like the staff too. Really chill people that really seem to like where they work and what they do.
I once went in and they had some beers from Widmer to enjoy while you were there. Awesome.
They don’t always have a ton if stuff, but usually, what they do have is pretty interesting.

What’s not to love about this concept? It seems made for avid Unilocalers, and general lovers of free stuff. And free beer?! I’m sold.
You come in, browse the store, have a beer, and pick a sample. Then you go to the front and they’ll send you a receipt with the survey link. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
The product turnover isn’t terribly fast, so if you come by every day you might run out of things to try. I also recently came in, and there was a sign posted stating that you could only pick one sample a day, even for frequent customers. This was so they could maintain the system — of course an idea like this is going to get popular! They did say though that they’re figuring out a reward system for frequent customers, such as invites to private events or more free things occasionally, so look out for those. Great concept guys!

You know when someone has a really awesome idea and you think, «Why didn’t I think of that!?». That’s how I feel about Sampling Lab. Whoever came up with this place is a genius. It seems to be a win-​win for everyone involved. Certainly a win for me! Where else can I walk into a thoughtfully decorated space, be offered a free beer, and be able to take home anything I want… for FREE? Answer: No where. There is just not anywhere else quite like Sampling Lab.
The staff are incredibly friendly. I’ve gone in a few times and they are already welcoming me back and recognize that I’ve been there before. Yesterday they apologized that their inventory was a bit low and that they would be receiving new products soon. In my head I was like, «Why are you sorry… you’re giving me free stuff!».
I actually really care about filling out the surveys as well, because I know local companies are depending on people to give their opinions in order to improve their products.
So far I’ve been able to try delicious Lemon Ginger syrup from RAFT, Throat Cozy Tea from Choice Organic Tea, Organic Steel-​cut Oatmeal from Pacific Foods, and Albacore Tuna in Yellow Coconut Curry from Fishpeople. I also picked up some Bacon Biscuits from Portland Pet Food Company.
Visiting Sampling Lab makes everyday awesome. I can’t wait to go back!

My second visit to SamplingLab didn’t have the magic of the first. I love the décor and layout of the place– very warm and inviting with cozy chairs and even a free microbrew. My second visit, however, there was an extreme shortage of product (only 4 items to choose from if I counted correctly) and two staff who were not engaging. I am afraid this place might have taken off too soon without getting the right distribution. They also have new policies that only allow 1 item per guest no matter how many times you visit– clearly feedback from what has happened due to its popularity. I love the concept of this place — I just hope they can get back on their feet and make it the wonderful experience it could be.

Let’s see if I get this straight: you sign up, go to the store, pick out an item, take it for free, and all they ask is that you share feedback on the product? Um. .. telling people about things I buy and places I go is what I do. I suppose the only reason this place isn’t called The Store That Is Made Specially For Yvett is because it isn’t catchy enough.
The space is pretty and the employees are friendly. The kinds of samples that were available on the day I went included olive oil, chocolate baking chip, tuna, beer, soda, dog food, soap, crackers, and other stuff I’m sure I’m forgetting. I looked around for a bit, but since it was before Christmas (baking season) I chose the gluten free chocolate chips. You don’t pay, but instead give them the email address you used to sign up (or sign up at that time). A receipt with a link to the questionnaire is then emailed to you. I have since used the chocolate chips and completed the survey, but I haven’t gone back to Sampling Lab only because I don’t live in the area and haven’t made it out there. Maybe if this works out for them, they’ll consider a location in my side of town.
It’s been mentioned that Portland is a good place for this sort of business and I completely agree. This certainly wouldn’t work in other cities, but it can work anywhere, it’ll work here.

Imagine this: You are leisurely strolling up N Williams and like stumbling into a rabbit hole, you pass through what seems an ordinary a door, only to find yourself in a magical place where you are instantly greeted with a warm smile and a cold beer, and instructed to take anything you like without laying down a single penny. Sound too good to be true? Well, thanks to Sampling Lab, this can actually happen.
Like many, I was initially quite skeptical and signed up only because I was curious to see if such a place existed or if it was all just another clever marketing scheme. I discovered that although their innovative approach to collecting consumer feedback was clever, there was nothing devious going on here.
The process is as simple as people say. Just sign up online, then go to the store and pick out products to try. After you submit your feedback, you can return for more free stuff! The Sampling Lab team is always super friendly and appear happy to see every person who walks through the door, even if it’s on a daily basis.
Thank you Sampling Lab. You had me at Sample…

My coworker came in one day and told us about a store that had just opened up near her. It’s a store where they don’t actually sell anything. You just go in and choose something that appeals to you and take it. All they ask is that you fill out a brief questionnaire. I really didn’t know what to think and it sounded too crazy to be true.
I signed up online and went in on the weekend. I talked to the owner briefly and a couple of the employees and they were all eager to chat and very helpful. They also had beer to drink while deciding between all the choices. I got the survey immediately after leaving and it was pretty easy to complete after using my item a couple times. I’ve gone back a second time now and had another pleasant experience. On your third visit you get two items.
So yeah there really is no catch here. Just a bunch of nice people giving out a bunch of cool stuff. The only downside is that I work when it’s open on weekdays so my visits will be limited to mostly weekends.

This is a cool concept store. Samples. Free samples at that.
I had actually passed by about a month ago while the place was still under construction and signed up on their website then and there. This isn’t a store that would succeed in Dallas or New York City, but in Portland, I can see it working.
There were all types of food, beauty items, beverages and dog biscuits to try. For the initial trial you only get one item to try. The more you go in, the more you can sample, up to five items when you’ve been around for a while.
Very friendly staff and laid back atmosphere. I think they will be successful and the brands will get some good feedback.
Enjoy.