When selling soft furnishings such as draperies, pillows and bedding a picture is helpful but a sample gives the customer something to touch and feel. You can talk about the benefits of adding interlining but to have an interlined sample shows the difference. Small details such as pleat styles, ruffle variations or welt cord does not show up well in a picture or sketch, having a sample saves time in explaining exactly what that detail is. If you are selling shades take along a small sample showing your favorite clutch or headrails system. For pillows keep small size pillow forms in down or polyester fill to compare. Educating the customer is part of the job of selling! Here are a two sample ideas:
Embellishment Sample
Panel Sample
Shows different pleat styles, lining options and fullness.
