Try Before You Buy - Samples In Packaging

For any brand, venturing into the world of custom packaging is a big moment. Putting aside the up front investment for a second, you may have a diverse set of internal stakeholders to satisfy. This can make decision making tricky because there isn’t always an easy way to show your team exactly what your finished packaging will look like. Below, we’re going to delve into what your options might be before you commit to an order.

Can I get a production sample before I order?

The answer to this question is slightly complicated: it depends. If you want to have a sample that is exactly like for like, this will heavily depend on what that product is and how it is made.For some products, the factory will need to set up the production line exactly the same way as they would for the full run. This might equal time, money and setup costs (which can run to £000s). It’s probably easiest to break down products into some broader categories to give you a flavour of what your options might look like. But first we’ll start with what types of samples are generally possible.

Sample Types

😀 ✅ = good for
😔 ❌ = bad for

Representative Sample

We can send you a similar example from a previous production matching the same print process and closely matched materials. 😀 ✅ understanding general quality and finishes. 😔 ❌ seeing your design in three-dimensional form.

Structural Sample

This would be produced in similar material to your exact sizing. 😀 ✅ checking that your products fit nicely and that you are happy with the size. 😔 ❌ seeing your design printed. Also, materials may not match final materials (for size and fit only).

Digital Sample

Correctly sized but printed using a digital press. 😀 ✅ very close match IF your final product is also digitally printed and also for checking that your design works in 3 dimensions. 😔 ❌ representing other print processes and finishes. For example, if your final production is flexo, this sample won’t be a very good representation of how that will look.

Production Sample

A sample that is correctly sized and printed using the same manufacturing process as your finished product would be. This is the gold standard. Good for: pretty much everything - this is the highest level of sample possible although bear in mind that final production will likely produce an even better finish.

Digital Mockup

AI augmented sample that can show your artwork in 3 dimensional form 😀 ✅ making design decisions 😔 ❌ showing final finishes and quality

Ink colour swatches

A small swatch of hand applied ink showing how your pantone might look when printed 😀 ✅ approving colours prior to production. 😔 ❌ showing all over print - this is just a small patch of ink applied to paper.

Material Reference

If you select a specific paper or material, it is usually possible to receive a sample of that material for approval. 😀 ✅ approving final materials. 😔 ❌ showing your finished item or combined designs.

Trial Run

Where a full production isn’t possible, it might be an option to run a production at MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity).

😀 ✅ will closely replicate the full production process

😔 ❌ sometimes smaller runs will run on smaller equipment so it’s not an exact replication. This is only really a useful option when you are working with higher quantities because otherwise you’ll be working at MOQ anyway.

Why can’t I make a full production sample?

We’re always happy to walk you through your options but you can find some tables below with useful info on what’s possible. Where production samples are possible, the only barrier is budget. But the first thing to say is that it’s not always possible to make a full production sample before you commit to an order. Here’s a little breakdown of why that’s the case:

1. Some processes are built for scale. Setting up to produce 50,000 might be the same cost to a manufacturer. They will need to occupy production equipment to make a few samples and that will take the same resource as actually producing a medium to large run.
2. Setup costs are prohibitive. For example, some products might require stereos (print plates), formes (cutting dies) or moulds.
3. It will cost the same as a full production. Add the above together and you would be paying the same as running a full production.
4. Time. Even if you were prepared to pay the high costs, this would likely take 4-6 weeks.

How do I make a decision without a full production sample?

Don’t panic, we have many options available to help you and your team make a decision. Many of our clients are able to make use of different sample types to help them commit to the right packaging. Let’s look at a few different scenarios here.

Scenario 1: Persuading your brand and design team

If you are part of the design / brand team there are lots of ways to get a good feel for what you are buying. We can help with a combination of approaches that gives you confidence in what you are buying (and sets the right expectations internally).

Low Cost - under £100

Digital mock-up + representative sample (use images next to each other here)Digital mock-up can be manipulated to show any angle, show products inside and contrast artwork ideas. Representative sample will set the right quality expectations internally as it will match the production process

Medium Cost - under £200

Digital mock-up + representative sample + structural sample (use images next to each other here)

Same as the above but with the added security of having an exact size item to check your products fits nicely (note: we are always happy to help you size things if you send us samples of your product to work with).

High Cost - under £500

Digital mock-up + representative sample + digitally printed sample (where applicable) (use images next to each other here).

Scenario 2: Making sure your Ops team is happy (or your 3PL partner)

You may need to make sure that your packaging satisfies the operations team or that it works for your 3PL / co-packing partner.

Low Cost - under £100

Structural sample

Medium Cost - under £200

Structural sample variants - where you want to test a few different options in terms of packing time, usability or customer experience.

High Cost - under £1000

We can provide structural samples and also facilitate drop testing, transit testing or other operational support. If you need a certified test, this would be provided by a third party and costs would be passed through.

Sample Options

Paper-Based Products

*digital example only and won’t match final production print

Vessels (this only applies to stock sizes)

Sewn Products and Merch

Got a project in mind? Talk to us

Let’s have a chat - we can talk through all options and give you guidance around budget, design and timelines. Or chat to our knowledge hub here.