A sample order purchases a small quantity so the buyer can assess a supplier or product before committing to production volume. The sample should represent the intended specification and process closely enough to support the decision.
| Area | What to record |
|---|---|
| Decision | State whether the sample is stock, hand-made, pilot-produced or taken from normal production. Record any differences from the future order. |
| Evidence | Keep the sample specification, supplier lot, photos, test results, approval, deviations and disposition. |
| Watch point | A good hand-made sample does not prove that a factory can repeat the result at scale. Follow it with process and production controls. |
When the term matters
State whether the sample is stock, hand-made, pilot-produced or taken from normal production. Record any differences from the future order.
Checks before approval
Keep the sample specification, supplier lot, photos, test results, approval, deviations and disposition.
A good hand-made sample does not prove that a factory can repeat the result at scale. Follow it with process and production controls.
