With that attitude you won't get much from vendors, you can't expect them to both give away product AND mail it to you for free.
The "big names" generally sell samples because they get so many requests, but most mid and small size vendors will send you free samples if you ask nicely and offer to pay postage. Many of them won't even charge you postage, but that's a nice gesture on their part, not something you should expect.
I agree with Chris. I think the way to go is to write these companies, express interest in their scents, and ask their advice. Offer to pay for samples. An interested patron who doesn't immediately ask for freebies will likely get their attention as a serious potential customer. Usually, this is no act. I've mentioned purchase of a single product and been showered with samples.
Some of the stores will give you samples when you visit them. I understand Art of Shaving will, as will also their independent retailers. I also hear that Bath and Body Works has a sample size of the CO Bigelow cream.
you know the cost of the samplers is next to nothing considering what they send. gft and th were well worth the total 20 dollars split between the two companies.