Sample charges, freight, catalogue access and credit terms vary by supplier, product and destination. Before paying, confirm what the sample represents, which product revision it uses, what the fee includes, whether any credit applies, and how the evaluation will be recorded.
Define what you need to evaluate
Request samples by SKU, finish and revision, and say whether the purpose is to check appearance, dimensions, fit, operation, packaging or a project-specific requirement. Ask whether the item is a standard stock sample, a production part, a prototype or a custom sample. A sample that is not from the intended process may not represent the production result.
For glass interfaces, identify the matching drawing and glass preparation before judging fit. For a finish decision, request the physical finish reference and the conditions under which it should be compared. If the sample is intended to support a performance claim, ask for the relevant report and verify its model, configuration and test scope.
Get the sample quote in writing
Ask the supplier to itemize the sample price, custom setup or finish charge, courier, insurance if applicable, packing, destination charges and any taxes. Confirm the currency, payment method, estimated dispatch date, tracking responsibility and what happens if the shipment is delayed or damaged. Sample and freight pricing changes by route, shipment size and current carrier quote, so avoid relying on a generic amount.
If a sample fee may be credited to a future order, record the exact trigger: minimum order value or quantity, eligible products, credit expiry, currency, whether freight is excluded and how the credit will appear on the invoice. Do not rely on an informal promise that the “fee will be credited.”
Ask for catalogues and price lists by revision
Request the current catalogue, SKU list, finish options, drawings, installation documents and trade price list that the supplier is authorized to share. Confirm the issue date or revision, confidentiality conditions, quotation validity and whether prices include packaging or delivery. For digital assets, ask about file formats and written usage rights. The ecommerce content checklist gives a SKU-level asset request format.
Make sure the catalogue, sample and quotation refer to the same model and finish. If any item is discontinued, superseded or available only with a different configuration, ask for a written note before approval or order.
Turn the sample into a clear decision
Set an evaluation owner and target review date, then record pass, fail or conditional approval against the stated specification. List any deviation and required correction, retain photographs and sample identification, and state what production change would trigger a new sample. The first-article process explains how to retain the approved reference and link it to production records.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
Наложат ли поставщики душевого оборудования плату за образцы?
Условия варьируются. Запросите письменную коммерческую заявку, в которой отдельно указаны стоимость образцов, индивидуальных работ, упаковки, доставки курьером и расходы по месту назначения, а также подтвердите, что именно предоставит поставщик.
Будет ли плата за образец засчитана против производственного заказа?
Только если поставщик согласен. Зафиксируйте подходящ.
Кто оплачивает доставку образцов?
Подтвердите курьера, плательщика, службу доставки, страхование (если используется), сборы за доставку в пункт назначения, а также ответственность за отслеживание или повреждение груза перед оплатой.
Сколько времени займёт доставка образцов?
Запросите актуальную оценку срока отправки и ожидаемый срок транзита перевозчика для фактического SKU, отделки, пункта назначения и маршрута. Уточните, требуется ли предварительное согласование или изготовление индивидуального заказа.
Что мне следует проверить перед оплатой образца?
Проверьте точный SKU и ревизию, отделку, источник образца, включенные документы, разбивку оплаты, условия доставки, ожидаемую дату поставки, условия кредитования и лицо, которое одобрит образец.