Buyer guide · Sample cost
Can a custom packaging sample be free?
Sometimes. An existing blank sample or general material swatch may be available without a custom production charge. A new structure, personalised print, spot colour, foil, embossing, tooling or full assembly normally creates real preparation and production cost.
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Checklist
Information needed to confirm the sample fee
- Product type and sample purpose
- Existing blank or fully customised sample
- Finished dimensions and structure
- Artwork and colour requirements
- Paper, insert and component requirements
- Required print and finishing processes
- Number of samples and destination
- Whether bulk tooling can be reused
Sample cost
Six items that can create a sample charge
1. Structural development
A new dieline, insert or assembly method may require measurement, drawing, cutting and fit testing.
2. Artwork preparation
File repair, layout adaptation, variable data and production-layer setup require time before output.
3. Material purchasing
Special paper, fabric, plastic, magnets, ribbon or formed inserts may have minimum purchase quantities.
4. Printing and colour
Digital output, spot-colour matching or a press proof use different equipment, setup and approval steps.
5. Tooling and finishing
Foil, embossing, die-cutting, windows and other finishes may need dies, plates or specialist setup.
6. Assembly and delivery
Manual assembly, protective packing, courier and international or domestic delivery are part of the sample cost.
Choose the right sample
Four sample routes with different cost and accuracy
Existing blank sample
Useful for general structure or material reference, but it does not prove custom dimensions, artwork or finish.
Structural blank
Checks size, fit, folding and assembly without representing final printed colour.
Digital printed sample
Supports content, layout and a visual approximation, often with lower setup than production printing.
Finished process sample
Closer to intended material and finish, with higher setup where tooling or specialist processes are required.
FAQ
Sample-fee questions
Can I receive a free blank sample?
Existing blank samples or material swatches may be provided depending on availability, relevance, quantity and delivery arrangement.
Why does one customised sample cost more than its bulk unit price?
The sample carries design preparation, tooling, machine setup and hand-finishing costs that are distributed across many pieces in bulk production.
Can the sample fee be deducted from the bulk order?
It may be agreed for selected projects, but the terms depend on the sample, tooling and confirmed order and should be documented in advance.
Can one personalised sample be produced?
Suitable projects can begin with one personalised sample; the exact sample route, cost and bulk MOQ are confirmed separately.
Continue choosing the approval route