Device and method for distribution of consumer samples with publications

A container for the distribution of a product sample to consumers along with a publication, wherein an outer transparent protective coating surrounding said publication and container is provided, said container comprising:

• a body being substantially planar and having lateral edges defining the outer shape of said container and having a predetermined thickness, said body comprising:
• an inner core comprising a compressible material for absorbing shocks and forces exerted on said container;
• a bottom covering adhered to the bottom surface of said core comprising a backing;
• an upper covering adhered to the upper surface of said core;
• and
• a recess in said core of said body and having an opening through said upper covering, said recess receiving and containing a product sample;
• and
• an inner transparent protective coating entirely surrounding and closely conforming to the shape of said body, whereby said product sample is securely and visibly retained within said recess,
• said container being snugly packaged together with said publication and within said outer transparent protective coating, said backing being adjacent said publication so that said product sample is visible through said inner transparent protective coating and through said outer transparent protective coating and
• said shape of said container conforming closely to the shape of said publication in order to prevent slack in the protective coating of said publication and to evenly distribute forces exerted on said container, whereby said product sample is protected from damage.