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 If any item is discontinued, superseded or available only with a different configuration, ask for a written note before approval or order.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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shower hardware suppliers charge for samples?
Policies vary. Ask for a written quote that separates sample parts, custom work, packaging, courier and destination charges, and confirm what the supplier will provide.
Will a sample fee be credited against a production order?
Only if the supplier agrees. Record the eligible order, minimum value or quantity, expiry, excluded costs, currency and how the credit will be applied.
Who pays for sample shipping?
Confirm the courier, payer, shipping service, insurance if used, destination charges and responsibility for tracking or damage before payment.
How long will samples take to arrive?
Ask for a current dispatch estimate and carrier transit estimate for the actual SKU, finish, destination and route. Confirm whether approval or custom work must happen first.
What should I confirm before paying a sample invoice?
Check the exact SKU and revision, finish, sample source, included documents, charge breakdown, shipping terms, delivery estimate, credit terms and the person who will approve the sample.