Some shoppers tend to stick to what they know, while others treat every shopping trip as a chance to try something new and interesting. These shoppers bring strong potential value, yet their interest can fade quickly if not nurtured, leading them to try a product once or twice before disappearing.

The good news is that advanced shopper analytics platforms such as Liquid Data Engage^® empower retailers to identify product samplers, track loyalty patterns, and launch timely re-engagement campaigns that turn these serial product samplers into far more consistent repeat customers.

This post is the seventh in a series of eight shopper profiles.

Today’s focus:

Sampler Sara: the type of customer who loves to experiment but rarely sticks with a product beyond the first few tries.

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What Drives Shoppers Like Sara?

Sara thrives on discovery and sees trying out new products as a big part of her overall shopping experience. She’s curious, adventurous, and all about novelty. For retailers, Sara may represent volume in first-time purchases, but she’s unlikely to become a repeat buyer without targeted re-engagement.

Sara is motivated by:

• Curiosity and new experiences: She wants to be the first to try something different, whether it’s a new flavor, product line, or a limited-edition item.

• Value in variety: Sara thrives on choice and would rather explore new options than settle into a routine.

• Low switching costs: Because she has no strong ties to any particular brand, she’s quick to explore alternatives when a new option appears.

• Curiosity over commitment: Sara tends to try new products once or twice, but is unlikely to stay loyal to any particular brand without some added encouragement.

How Can Retailers Re-engage with Sampler Sara?

While experimenting with new products is a natural part of the customer journey, letting shoppers like Sara drift away means missed opportunities. By analyzing patterns from first purchase to repeat behavior, retailers can pinpoint where conversion drops off and apply targeted re-engagement strategies that encourage stronger, lasting relationships.

1. Spot the Difference Between Samplers and Loyal Shoppers

Sara doesn’t shop the way a loyal or habitual customer does. She might grab an energy drink once and never pick it up again, or she’ll try a face mask a few times before moving on to another beauty product. With loyalty data, retailers can spot these patterns and clearly see the difference between quick experiments and lasting habits.

For instance, Liquid Data Engage can flag when Sara buys a protein bar during launch week but doesn’t return within 90 days, delivering clear trial behavior insights that help retailers distinguish her from loyal buyers and time the right re-engagement strategy.

2. Trigger Timely, Targeted Re-engagement Campaigns

Timing is crucial with shoppers who like to sample. Wait too long, and you risk losing Sara’s interest. The key is to reach her when she is most likely ready to consider another purchase, matching the natural rhythm of her experimentation. Research shows that making a meaningful connection with customers in the ideal post-purchase window can significantly increase the chance of a repeat purchase. Personalization can boost results even further.

Targeted, time-sensitive offers like “buy again and save” coupons are more likely to reconnect shoppers and prompt a second purchase. Companies that tailor coupons to individual behavior see notably higher redemption and re-engagement. By aligning timing with sampling patterns and pairing reminders with incentives, retailers can turn experimentation into repeat purchases.

For example, sending Sara a friendly reminder that she recently tried a product, paired with a small incentive, can make a repeat purchase more likely. If Sara buys a new yogurt brand once, sending her a personalized “buy again and save” coupon within two weeks can give her just the nudge she needs to pick it up again.

3. Analyze Drop-off Points To Optimize Conversion

Not every product fails to convert on its own. Often, there’s a barrier in the shopping experience. Retailers can analyze shopper behavior insights to identify why Sara didn’t come back. Was it the price? Availability? The lack of a timely reminder?

For instance, if Liquid Data Engage shows that samplers often drop off after the second purchase of a snack bar, it may point to missed promotion support. By reinforcing messaging at that crucial second-to-third purchase stage, retailers can strengthen repeat conversion rates.

4. Build Predictive Models To Boost Repeat Purchases

Shoppers like Sara follow recognizable sample-and-drop patterns. Retailers who build predictive loyalty models can anticipate where disengagement happens and intervene proactively, improving trial-to-repeat shopper conversion across categories.

Tip: Group shoppers by category sampling behavior to see where conversion is most at risk. If Sara tends to disappear after two purchases in skincare but three in beverages, trial and repeat analysis helps tailor re-engagement marketing strategies for each category cycle.

Spot Sampling Breaks Early and Strengthen Repeat Conversion

Shoppers like Sampler Sara are worth taking care of. Research shows that repeat customers generate 300% more revenue than first-time buyers, making it clear that converting serial samplers into loyal shoppers pays off. Through first-time versus repeat purchase tracking, analyzing drop-off points, and deploying personalized re-engagement strategies, retailers can turn curiosity-driven experimentation into consistent loyalty.

With Circana’s Liquid Data Engage shopper patterns, you can identify product samplers, re-engage them with relevant offers, and boost repeat conversion across categories. From food and beverage to personal care and household essentials, Liquid Data Engage helps you capture more value from these shoppers and strengthen long-term retention.