To get samples from Chinese suppliers, send your written specification, request a sample against it, and expect to pay the sample cost plus shipping (often refundable on a production order). Evaluate the sample against every point of your spec, document required changes in writing, and only approve in writing once a sample fully matches before production begins.
Sample Types You Should Know
- Stock / existing sample — an off-the-shelf example of the factory's current product; fast and cheap, but not customised.
- Custom / pre-production sample — made to your specification; the one that matters for approval.
- Production sample — pulled from the actual production run to confirm consistency.
What Samples Cost and Why
Custom samples usually carry a charge covering materials and setup, plus express shipping. Many factories refund or credit the sample cost against a production order. Be wary of factories that refuse any sample charge on a custom item — and equally of free samples that don't reflect real production quality.
How to Evaluate a Sample
Check the sample against every line of your specification: dimensions, materials, weight, finish, function, labelling, and packaging. Test it the way your customer will use it. Photograph and document anything that deviates, and list the required changes precisely. Vague feedback produces a vague second sample.
Sample Evaluation Checklist
- Dimensions and tolerances match the spec
- Declared materials and weight are correct
- Finish, colour, and print match the approved reference
- Function and durability meet the use case
- Labelling, markings, and packaging are correct
Approve in Writing — Then Lock It
Do not move to production until you have a sample that fully matches your spec, and approve it in writing. The approved sample becomes the quality reference for the production run and for pre-shipment inspection. Keep a retained copy of the approved sample.
Key Takeaways
- Custom/pre-production samples are the ones that matter.
- Expect a sample charge, often refundable on order.
- Evaluate against every line of the spec and test in use.
- Approve in writing; the sample becomes your quality reference.