Samples

Never buy from anyone who refuses to provide samples.

They have them, they just don't want you to see them.

These days, especially if on Alibaba, suppliers will want you to pay for your samples.

Not only pay for them, but they're usually at a stiff price.

The shipping costs are growing more expensive, but they also use it as a test.

Are you serious or are you in your cubicle daydreaming? (it can be both!)

They want to know when the time comes, are you going to put your money where your mouth is.

When first starting out with a supplier, you'll probably be paying for them.

After you have a couple of orders together you can revisit the issue.

What you should do though is get them to agree to credit the entire cost of the sample to your order balance if you end up placing an order.

These are the two most important samples to make sure you get ahold of.

PP Sample (Pre-Production)

This is the approval sample you'll receive to make sure all is good to go for going into full production.

This might be done in stages for some products, while others will not have as many components to look at and approve.

After this series of approvals, you are left with the PP sample.

It is the last chance to make any changes or catch any problems before it is too late.

So it is crucial you go over every inch and bring up any issues with the supplier.

TOP Sample (Top of Production)

This is one of the first of the finished product from the factory line.

So you have a copy of the completed item. You'll want this for marketing purposes such as photography for your Shopify store, using the specs to confirm shipping and handling costs, and many others.

I go into more depth on samples in my guide How to source product like it is your damn job , which you can find here if you want to know more.