Sample Order: What to Ask Before You Commit
The six-item sample checklist
| # | Ask for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 pcs, not 2 | two samples hide batch variation |
| 2 | Carton dimensions + gross weight | needed for freight and CIF |
| 3 | Drop test from 1.2 m, 10 samples | predicts complaint rate |
| 4 | Lid fit after 20 open-close cycles | predicts re-closure failures |
| 5 | DoC + migration report | needed before customs, not after |
| 6 | 30-second video of the line | reveals real capability |
What a sample can and cannot tell you
Can: wall uniformity, rim flatness, hinge quality, lid fit, surface finish, dimensional accuracy.
Cannot: batch consistency, lead time reliability, how the factory handles a complaint. Those need either a small trial order or a video call.
Sample cost expectations
- Stock sample: free or USD 30–80 including courier
- Custom colour or print: USD 100–300, usually credited against the first order
- Anything "free" that takes more than two weeks to arrive is usually not in stock
FAQ
Should I pay for samples? Yes, pay — a supplier who cannot be bothered to invoice you will not be bothered to ship on time.
How many samples for a real evaluation? 20 pcs per SKU, from at least two production batches if possible.
Next step
Send the SKU list and the destination country. We will quote samples with courier cost and include the six items above.
Related reading
- How to Buy Disposable Food Containers Wholesale from China: MOQ, Pricing and Lead Time
- How to Import PP Containers from China: 8 Steps
- LCL vs 20GP vs 40HQ: Choosing the Right Load
Models covered on this site: 2500 ml PF-RW2500 · 1000 ml PF-SQ1000S · 1000 ml PF-RW1000 · see all models in this category.
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