Sample data can be helpful, but in my experience, usually isn't. What users actually want is a quick way to work with their own data. A specialized "first lau

Sample data can be helpful, but in my experience, usually isn't. What users actually want is a quick way to work with their own data. A specialized "first launch wizard" that makes entering inital data really quick and painless is often a better choice. It can also make sense to allow trying the product out with existing data, but for this I would offer a "demo" mode where you get bootstrap data, can play around with it, and have a big banner on top that allows launching the real thing. This depends on the product of course, but I prefer those two options above.