Samples are your single most important investment before placing a bulk order. A $100 sample shipment can prevent a $5,000 defective order. Yet many importers order samples, give them a quick glance, and say "looks good" — missing critical issues that only surface in production. This guide covers exactly what to test, how to document results, and when to approve or reject.
1. How to Order Samples from Chinese Factories
| Stage | What You Get | Cost | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial samples (stock products) | 3-5 units of existing catalog products | Free or $10-30 (sample fee) | $30-60 via DHL/FedEx (3-5 days) |
| Pre-production samples (customized) | 5-10 units with your logo, color, or specification | $30-100 (covers setup cost) | $30-60 via DHL/FedEx |
| T0 mold trial samples | First shots from new mold (5-10 units) | Included in mold cost | $40-80 (heavier package) |
| Sealed sample (封样) | 2-4 units approved as production reference | Included in order | Kept by both parties |
Pro tip: Always request samples before placing a deposit. Any factory that refuses to send samples (even paid samples) should be eliminated immediately.
2. Sample Testing Checklist
Visual Inspection (5 minutes)
- Color match: Compare against Pantone reference under natural light and indoor light
- Surface quality: Check for scratches, sink marks, flow lines, flash, weld lines
- Logo/print quality: Alignment, sharpness, color accuracy. Rub test: scratch the print with fingernail 10 times — should not peel or fade
- Thread quality: Screw cap on/off 20 times — should remain smooth, no cross-threading
- Dimensional check: Measure diameter, height, weight with calipers (within ±0.5mm tolerance)
Functional Testing (15 minutes)
- Leak test: Fill with water, close, shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Invert and leave on paper towel for 24 hours. Check for leaks. Also test with oil (for oil sprayers).
- Spray pattern test: Spray at paper from 15cm. Check: even circular pattern, no dripping, no sputtering, consistent spray cone. Repeat 10 times and observe pattern consistency.
- Drop test: Drop filled bottle from 1.2m onto hard floor in 3 orientations. Check for cracks, leaks, and cap security.
- Pump durability test: Pump 100 times continuously. Check that spray pattern remains consistent and pump does not fail.
- Priming test: Leave dry for 24 hours. Count pumps to first mist: ≤3 = excellent, ≤5 = acceptable, >5 = reject.
- Chemical compatibility (optional): Fill with your actual product formulation. Leave for 48 hours. Check for discoloration, swelling, softening, or chemical odor.
3. Sample Report Template
Document every sample test. Create a spreadsheet with columns: (1) Sample ID, (2) Test name, (3) Result (Pass/Fail/Conditional), (4) Notes and measurements, (5) Photo reference. This becomes your production quality specification — if a sample passes but production doesn't match, you have documented proof.
FAQ
How many samples should I order?
For initial evaluation: 3-5 units. For pre-production approval: 5-10 units. If you need to do destructive testing (drop test, chemical compatibility), request 10-15 units. For mold trial, request 10 units to account for minor defects in T0 samples.
What if the samples don't match the specifications?
Document every deviation with photos and measurements. Send a clear rejection report to the factory specifying: which tests failed, what the issue is, what must change. Always request a second round of samples (T1 or revised pre-production) before proceeding to production. Do not accept verbal promises of "we'll fix it in production" — they rarely do.
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