Polymer extrusion and tubing company Zeus seems to be taking a page out of the sales playbook of software companies and direct marketers.

Zeus (Orangeburg, S.C.) is telling medical device companies interested in switching to its peelable heat shrink tubing that they can initially try it out for free.

The “Switch Suppliers and Save” program, announced today, features  Zeus’ FluoroPeelz peelable heat shrink. Companies that qualify for the program receive:

• A free custom run of the product;
• Up to half off Zeus’ list/minimum order quantity price on up to two repeat validation orders;
• Price bundling involving Zeus’ heat shrink and its etched liners.

The program appears to be a first of it’s kind when it comes to medical device industry suppliers, said Mark Bonifacio, president of Bonifacio Consulting Services, a contract manufacturing consultancy based in Natick, Mass.

“It will be interesting to see how this works out and what interest it attracts. Certainly a new and different approach for medtech,” Bonifacio said.

The program is a “low-risk, economical opportunity” for manufacturers wanting to evaluate Zeus heat shrink and etched liners, said Daryl Leach, director of global market management at Zeus Industrial Products.

“The manufacturers can enjoy preferred pricing when transitioning to Zeus from their existing supplier,” Leach said in a news release. “By switching to Zeus, companies can consolidate suppliers, bundle better heat shrink with better liners, and save money in the process.”

Zeus claims that its FluroPeelz peelable heat shrink simplifies catheter manufacturing because heat shrink removal requires one simple linear tear.