Sample order

A sample order is a micro-order in textile B2B trade in which a buyer inspects a physical sample before a planned bulk order. It reduces the risk of large-scale errors (colour match, hand, fit, decoration quality, packaging, labelling).

Common sample types in apparel trade:

• Stock sample: existing merchandise straight from the warehouse, often free or against a small handling fee
• Salesman sample / sales sample: collection sample for agents
• Pre-production sample (PPS): exact copy of the final production, requires approval before bulk starts
• Size set: size range to verify grading
• Fit sample: fit sample in a base size

Sample orders typically carry higher unit prices (2–5× bulk price) and handling fees, sometimes credited against a subsequent bulk order. When importing from the Far East, sample value must be declared on the commercial invoice ("Sample – no commercial value" only for low values with marking).