As a buyer it's part of dilligent research to order a sample before placing an order.


(This is NOT a topic on who should pay for samples, as it's been discussed here a zillion times before)



What methods do you use to evaluate a product sample?


What are the drawbacks of getting a product sample (if any)?


Is there anything that would compel you NOT to buy from a supplier because of a sample?


100 pts for the best response about product samples.

Replying to [Rizzob]: Iagree with you with regard to the sample story, I have brought samples in and 25% of them dont work or its the wrong item and to send it back - costs you more than the shipment is worth and a lot of China suppliers will only supply 50 or more - THAT is not a sample so one is forced to look to another supplier, and lets face it, our customers want quality and Im not prepaired to trash 49 units if only 1 works!!

Replying to [Rizzob]:Customer asks sample to check the quality, it's functioning, and it's outlook and get it tested for particular country for approval. & Show to clients to get order.
Like we ask samples several time to get Order and if our buyers confirm orders than get it tested and get approval that this product is right for the market.
Evaluating the product samples is on the basis of following terms
1) Is the offered price worth for that product and it can sell in the market after adding cost and profit...
2) Is functioning, finishing good.
3) The product sample is good as per the supplier provided approval certificates.
4) Get it tested for it's function..

Replying to [Rizzob]:First thing you should do is establish a standard to become your basis for evaluation and prepare a checklist. You may assign points to it. Write the criteria based on your experience or from somebody else, if we are talking of electronic item or appliance, or consumer item. You may request the vendor for the technical characteristics of the product and use this as your basis plus the criteria you have listed. When you get the actual sample, follow your checklist and grade the sample. Beware that samples may have higher tolerances than standard production.

For industrial equipment and materials, this is normally covered by standards, specifications, testing requirements, etc., and become the basis of evaluation.

Replying to [Rizzob]: By using it myself/ or by family member in practical life, I can say that product is worth for trade or not

Replying to [Rizzob]:

Replying to [Rizzob]:

Replying to [Rizzob]:As one of chinese suppliers for dehydrated vegetables,products samples can be sent to buyers by free but not include freight.At the begainning of our export business,we sent our products samples such as ad gaarlic powder/granules,onion etc. all by free,also no freight paid by buyers, However,these buyers even won't reply to u when they get samples.I don't know if they know all these samples cost a large amount of money.

Up to now,we learn from experience and can treat with these problems.To judge a real buyer or not,you should inform that samples can be sent to him by free but not include freight fee.

Replying to [Rizzob]:Is essencial to know better new companies. To start a good business relationship you must first ask or offer for a sample, depends on your position market, and never request a real order before a sample. The process requesting and receiving a sample you will know much better a company. You will realize if the company can attend your demands. If you are a buyer requesting a sample you can evaluate the lead time, the package quality, the quality of the product, ... If you are a seller you can evaluate the time that the buyer will take to pay for the bank fees, how long will take to give a position after receiving the sample, ... For the both parts it is an incredible tool. Who knows how to use this advantage will be sucessfull in the future with no doubt.

Replying to [Rizzob]: Before one orders a sample, he should have clear idea as to what the product should look like & what are the parameters it must pass through. This also should be clearly indicated to the supplier so that there is no communication gap on the product he is selling & the product we are looking for. Please ask for the test report for the sample supplied.

In addition please check as to how long the supplier takes to despatch the sample. If supplier is not despatching the sample promptly, it may be that the product is not his strength area.


When you receive the sample,test it in your own way & see if it is deviating from the test report supplied. 1-2% deviation may be common. More than this is an indication that the supplier does not have facility for testing.

Procuring a sample is no obligation to buy goods from the supplier. It is a common practice to procure samples from multiple suppliers to bench mark each sample against your own parameters.