The "Sampler Kit" advertising (Good or Gimmick?)

At this craft show in SF, I came across a business that have sellers donate their items on a monthly basis, and has a "sampler kit" of contributing items that they sell on their website from people around the world. At first, it sounds like a rip-off, but I think this might be a great vehicle for marketing your stuff and advertising. After you send them your donation, they photograph it and then post it on their website for sale to the public, starting at $18 and up to $50 per sampler kit. This is what they say...

Why should I place an ad in the Sampler?
The Sampler site is an especially good place to promote your indie crafts, zines, labels and sites, as it reaches a very specialized market – other indie businesses (contributors) and the people who love them!

Anyways..just thought this was interesting and I might just try it out. Some non-attractive things I found out from their website is that 1) the minimum donation is 25 items and 2) you can advertise on their site, but for $40! The min donation might be easy for someone who has smaller bulk items, but for me, I put a lot of detailed energy into my items and just coming up with 20 for my wholesale order was a feat! And, the advertising avatar is a bit steep for me right now, but at least it is optional. I'll let you know if I decide to do this, and if it works for me. Click on the pics above to take you to their website for more info.