There are many answers to this question. I would have to say they were fun to make and this was indeed a motivator and reason. But it goes way beyond that. These samples were a way to test new materials and methods, to practice our craft. As we built these samples there were no constraints and often no the limit, unlike most customer's paying projects. Sometimes we do samples to solve a problem or to create a tool to sell a project to a customer.
Our samples allow us to up sell in a big way. If I describe something to a customer, what they see in their mind's eye is based on their experience. That is not what I wish to sell them. If I can physically show them what I have in mind it is most often far more than they imagined... and more expensive too. Allowing a customer to see and touch a sample is far more effective than anything I might say.
In short I attribute our samples for a great deal of our success. They are a very sound investment!
