Abstract: A paperboard container for use in direct mail advertising or in direct sampling of products, in which product samples are distributed to the consumer in a container which includes side panels held closed upon a sample-carrying plastic foam body by a transversely oriented closed loop disposed in encircling relation thereabout, so that while protecting the samples against breakage the container can flex to a limited degree because of limited relative movement of the side panels beneath the closed loop. The flexuring significantly contributes to proper handling of the container during distribution through normal channels of trade to the consumer.