Hi,

I had once received 8 samples of a interface chip from MAXIM.

Most of the companies that provide free samples cater only to prospective customers.

For example here in India, If you order free samples from MAXIM, the details are sent to ARROW Electronics India - they process the request and if they feel that the customer is a prospective customer, then they place an order to MAXIM and you get the free samples.

Rgds
Raj