Bag Sample Development & Sealed Golden Sample
Sampling is where a bag programme succeeds or fails. We digitise the embroidery, pre-shrink the fabric, build the first prototype, and ship a sealed golden sample in 7–10 business days. That sealed specimen is the binding benchmark for every unit that follows.
What is included in a sample round
- Embroidery digitising — your artwork is converted into a machine file, with stitch direction and underlay set for the panel.
- Fabric pre-shrinking & dye lot check — canvas is washed and stabilised so the finished bag does not shrink after your customer washes it.
- Construction build — cutting, reinforcement, seam engineering and hardware fitting on the actual production pattern.
- Sealed golden sample — shipped by DHL Express, with a materials and measurement report so you know exactly what you approved.
Sampling timelines
| Route | First sample | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OEM from tech pack | 10 business days | Includes digitising and fabric prep |
| ODM from atelier silhouette | 5–7 business days | Pattern already graded |
| Reverse-engineered sample | 7–12 business days | We open and measure your sample first |
How the sample fee works
- The sample fee covers digitising, materials and labour for one prototype, and is quoted per style.
- Reach 200 pieces on that style and the sample fee is refunded in full against the bulk balance.
- A second sample round, when needed after your feedback, is charged at cost only.
- Sample freight is billed at the DHL/FedEx rate with no mark-up.
What the sealed sample actually proves
A sealed sample is a physical contract. It fixes stitch density, seam allowance, interlining weight, hardware finish, label placement and the final measurement of every graded size. Once it is signed and sealed, the factory copy stays in the archive and the bulk run is checked against it, not against a drawing.
That is why we ship the sample physically rather than approving it by photograph. Colour under a studio lamp, the hand of a 16oz canvas and the weight of a brass slider do not survive a JPEG. Buyers who sign off on images usually rediscover the difference when the bulk arrives.
Quick Answers: MOQ, Sampling & Lead Times
Short, self-contained answers to the questions buyers ask most about this programme.
- How long does a first sample take?
- Seven to ten business days from approved artwork for an ODM silhouette, and roughly ten to fifteen for a new OEM pattern where we still have to build and grade the block. Shipping time is separate and depends on the courier, usually three to five days by express.
- Can we change the sample after we receive it?
- A revision round is normal, and most brands use it for a stitch density or hardware adjustment rather than a redesign. Tell us the change in writing against the sealed sample so the revision is logged and the bulk run cannot drift back to the first version.
- What do you need to quote a sample?
- Four things: the silhouette or reference photo, the artwork or motif, the target quantity band, and the in-store date you are working back from. With those we return a sample fee, a bulk tier table and a realistic ship window, usually inside one business day.
- Do you charge for the sample if we order production?
- No. At 200 pieces the sample fee is credited in full on the production invoice, so the development ends up free for any programme that goes ahead. Below 200 pieces the fee stands, and it covers digitising, prototype labour and the courier.
Production & Customization FAQ
How many sample rounds will we need?
Most programmes approve on the first or second round. With a clear tech pack and Pantone references, a first-round approval is common.
Can I approve the sample remotely?
Yes. We ship the physical sealed sample, and you approve it in writing by email. We also send detailed photos and measurements before dispatch.
What if the sample does not match my expectation?
You send written corrections, we rebuild at cost, and the golden sample is only sealed once you approve. Nothing goes to bulk before written sign-off.