Sampling and Prototyping Workflow
No buyer should commit to a container on the strength of a PDF, and no factory should start a run without a signed physical reference.
At a glance
- White mock-up from the draft dieline
- Physical fit and closure testing
- Free dimensional revisions at this stage
- Insert and clearance review
Overview
No buyer should commit to a container on the strength of a PDF, and no factory should start a run without a signed physical reference. Our sampling stages are designed to make that reference fast to obtain and unambiguous to approve.
All of this is confirmed in writing before a deposit is requested.
Stage One - Fit
An unprinted white mock-up is built from the draft dieline so you can load the real product and test the insert, closure and clearances. Any dimensional change at this stage costs nothing, which is why we encourage it before artwork is finalised.
- White mock-up from the draft dieline
- Physical fit and closure testing
- Free dimensional revisions at this stage
- Insert and clearance review
All of this is confirmed in writing before a deposit is requested.
Stage Two - Colour
A digital or wet proof is issued under D50 lighting with Pantone references called out and a written approval sheet. Where a metallic, kraft or dark substrate is used, we produce a substrate proof rather than a generic coated-stock simulation.
- Signed D50 colour proof
- Pantone bridge and substrate proof
- Written approval sheet
- Archived standard against the SKU
If your brief differs, tell us the constraint and we will propose the closest workable build.
Stage Three - Printed Sample
A fully printed and finished pre-production unit is couriered for final sign-off, typically 5-7 working days after artwork approval. The sample fee is charged at cost and credited back against the production order, and the approved unit governs the run.
- Fully finished pre-production sample
- 5-7 working day turnaround after artwork approval
- Sample fee credited against production
- Approved sample governs the production lot
Buyers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil rely on this because it removes ambiguity at the quotation stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a printed sample take?
- Typically 5-7 working days after artwork approval, plus courier transit.
- Is the sample free?
- White mock-ups and the first digital proof are free; printed samples are charged at cost and credited to the order.
- Can I change the design after sampling?
- Yes. Dimensional changes are free before artwork approval; a revised printed sample may be needed after that.
Ready to specify your packaging?
Send your artwork, target size and quantity. Our engineering team replies with a structural suggestion, an FOB price and a sampling plan within one working day.
Related Resources
Materials library
Canfei Packing buyer resource
Printing capabilities
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Finishing techniques
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Sampling workflow
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OEM & ODM
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