In-store sample dispenser

A sample dispenser comprising:

• (i) a dosing unit having a mechanical pump and a nozzle for dispensing sampling amounts of a flowable substance, the mechanical pump communicating with the nozzle;
• (ii) a cradle assembly comprising a cap and a dock, the dock having a receiving area and therein a floor from which projects an upwardly oriented hollow connector with a plastic wall piercing mouth, the cap being fittable over a product container;
• (iii) tubing connecting the pump and the hollow connector allowing communication of the flowable substance between the product container and the pump
• (iv) a merchandise display unit, the merchandise display unit having a front end connected to the dosing unit and a rear end connected to the cradle assembly;
• and
• wherein the merchandise display unit comprises an elongate tray having a trough with multiple product containers standing upright therein.

A method to allow a consumer to sample a product, the method comprising:

• (A) providing a sample dispenser for dosing a flowable substance, the dispenser comprising:
• (i) a dosing unit having a mechanical pump and a nozzle for dispensing sampling amounts of a flowable substance, the mechanical pump communicating with the nozzle;
• (ii) a cradle assembly including a cap and a dock, the dock having a receiving area and therein a floor from which projects an upwardly oriented hollow connector with a plastic wall piercing mouth, the cradle cap being fittable over a product container;
• (iii) tubing connecting the pump and the hollow connector allowing communication of the flowable substance between the product container and the pump;
• and
• (iv) a merchandize display unit having a front end connected to the dosing unit and a rear end connected to the cradle assembly, the merchandise display unit comprising and elongate tray having a trough with multiple product containers stacked upright therein,
• (B) activating the dosing unit to deliver a portion of the flowable substance to the consumer.