Existing / Stock Sample
Checks current workmanship, fabric hand feel and general factory quality. It does not represent your final custom product.
Custom Activewear Sample Policy
Approve the Product Before You Commit to Bulk Production
Choose the sample that matches your decision—from checking workmanship to approving a production-ready custom SKU. Clear fees, revision boundaries and written approvals keep development controlled.
Stock to PP SamplesWritten Revision ControlActivewear Performance ReviewBulk-Order Credit by Quotation
Set the Right Expectation
What One Sample Can—and Cannot—Confirm
Sampling reduces product-development risk, but the sample type determines what the buyer is actually approving.
✓
It Can Confirm
- Design interpretation and construction
- Fit, measurements and movement
- Fabric hand feel, stretch and opacity
- Logo, label and trim placement
- The approved standard for bulk when it is a final PP sample
!
It Cannot Confirm Alone
- Final custom details when it is only a stock sample
- Every graded size unless a size set is ordered
- Whole-batch consistency from a single garment
- Laboratory claims without the required testing
- Absolute zero variation between different dye or material lots
Choose the Right Sample
Sample Routes for Different Buying Decisions
Gofitapparel can provide the full sampling path. Not every project needs every sample type, but every custom SKU needs a suitable approval gate.
Customized Existing Style
Add a logo, labels or simple packaging to a mature product or existing pattern before placing a branded order.
Development / Prototype
Translates a tech pack, sketch or reference garment into a first physical product for construction and preliminary fit review.
Fit & Size-Set Samples
Refines the base size and, when required, checks graded measurements and fit across selected sizes.
Sales / Photo Sample
Supports buyer presentations, photography, trade shows or pre-sale content after the main product direction is stable.
Pre-Production Sample
Uses final approved materials, trims, branding and specifications as closely as production readiness allows. Written approval releases bulk production.
Production rule: a PP sample is generally required for each new custom SKU. A stock sample is a quality reference only and cannot replace the custom PP approval standard.
Sample Decision Guide
Order Only the Sample Stage Your Decision Requires
| Your Current Need | Recommended Sample | Main Approval | Not a Substitute For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check baseline quality | Existing Sample | General fabric and workmanship | Your final custom SKU |
| Add branding to a mature style | Customized Existing Style | Logo, label and presentation | New pattern development |
| Create a new design | Development Sample | Construction and preliminary fit | Final production approval |
| Check fit across sizes | Fit / Size Set | Base pattern and grading | Final trims and packing |
| Create sales content | Sales / Photo Sample | Presentation-ready appearance | PP approval if materials are not final |
| Release bulk production | PP Sample | Final product standard | Bulk AQL inspection |
Approve Components Early
Material, Color and Branding Tests Before the Garment
Component approvals can prevent an entire garment sample from being rejected for one unresolved color, print or logo decision.
Fabric Swatch
Review composition, GSM, hand feel, stretch, recovery and surface appearance.
Lab Dip
Approve a custom-dyed color against the stated Pantone or physical reference.
Print Strike-Off
Check scale, repeat, color and print behavior before applying artwork to a garment.
Logo Application Test
Evaluate transfer, silicone, reflective, embroidery or another selected method.
Trims & Labels
Confirm label content, zipper, elastic, drawcord, hardware and placement.
Packaging Mockup
Check poly bag, barcode, sticker, hangtag and carton marking requirements.
Transparent Sample Cost
Why Sample Cost Is Quoted by Project
A sample is small-quantity development work, not simply one unit taken from a bulk production line.
Pattern DevelopmentNew blocks, grading or pattern revision.
Sample-Room LaborCutting, sewing and construction setup.
Small-Lot MaterialsFabric, lining, elastic, trims and packaging.
Branding SetupArtwork preparation, digitizing, screens or molds.
Special TestingRequested performance or third-party testing.
Courier & ImportInternational freight, taxes and destination charges.
Quotation Before Work Starts
Cost is confirmed according to sample type, design complexity, pattern requirements, fabric availability, trims, branding method, quantity and delivery destination.
Shown Separately Where ApplicableSample-making, pattern, special material, custom trim, logo setup, mold/tooling, testing and courier charges.
No Hidden Automatic CommitmentWork starts only after the quotation, sample brief and payment terms are confirmed.
Credit & Refund Rules
Bulk-Order Credit Is Not the Same as a Cash Refund
The applicable credit is confirmed in the sample quotation. It normally applies only when the same approved SKU reaches its required bulk MOQ.
- Bulk credit: eligible sample-making fees may be deducted from the same SKU's bulk invoice when the stated conditions are met.
- Before work starts: cancellation may qualify for a refund, less any payment or third-party costs already incurred.
- After work starts: pattern, sourcing, tooling, custom material, labor and courier costs already committed are non-refundable.
- Factory responsibility: a confirmed factory error is corrected or remade without charging the buyer for the same error.
- Buyer changes: changes to approved design, fabric, color, fit, artwork or trims are re-quoted.
Custom molds, screens, digitizing, custom fabric, third-party testing, courier, tax and import charges are not automatically creditable or refundable unless stated in writing.
Revision Policy
One Consolidated Feedback Round Means One Clear Decision
The number of included revision rounds is stated in the quotation. Standard development normally includes one consolidated correction round; factory errors never consume that allowance.
Does Not Match Confirmed Specification
Gofitapparel corrects or remakes the affected sample without repeating the charge for the same confirmed error.
Factory responsibilityNormal Fit or Construction Refinement
Handled within the revision allowance stated in the quotation when feedback is submitted as one complete written list.
Included as quotedBuyer Changes the Approved Direction
New fabric, color, pattern, measurement, logo, trim or packaging changes require a revised cost and schedule.
Re-quotation requiredNew Pattern, Material or Process
A change that creates a new development route is treated as additional development rather than a correction.
Additional workIncomplete or Conflicting Source Files
The sample clock pauses until one authorized, version-controlled instruction set is confirmed.
Buyer clarificationChanges After PP Approval
Price, MOQ, lead time and the need for another PP sample are reassessed before bulk production continues.
Approval reopenedFeedback format: submit marked photos, a measurement sheet, revised tech pack and one consolidated written comment list. A video meeting may clarify issues, but final instructions must be recorded in writing.
Working-Day Time Windows
Sample Timing Starts After the Brief Is Complete
These planning ranges begin after specifications, materials, artwork, quotation and payment are confirmed. Courier transit is calculated separately.
Prepare & Inspect
Subject to current product and size availability.
Apply Branding
For a mature style with available standard materials.
Develop New Style
Standard design after a complete tech pack and material direction.
Presentation Sample
After the product direction and required quantity are confirmed.
Final Approval Sample
After final fabric, trims, branding and specifications are ready.
Complex outerwear, seamless construction, custom-knitted or custom-dyed fabric, special molds, imported trims, multiple sample sizes or testing can extend the schedule. Each revision receives an updated completion date after feedback is confirmed.
Activewear-Specific Review
Do More Than Look at the Sample
Wear, stretch, measure and wash the garment in conditions that reflect its intended use before approving it for bulk.
Fit & MobilitySquat, reach, bend and move through the intended sport.
MeasurementsCheck every required POM against the approved tolerance.
Stretch & RecoveryConfirm the fabric returns without bagging or distortion.
OpacityReview light colors and high-stretch zones under tension.
Support & CompressionCheck hold, pressure, comfort and intended performance level.
Seam ComfortInspect chafing risks, bulk, flatlock and high-tension seams.
Wash BehaviorReview shrinkage, twisting, pilling, color and logo adhesion.
Labels & PackingVerify content, placement, barcode and sales-channel needs.
Written PP Approval
Lock the Product Version Before Bulk Cutting
A physical sample without its approved files leaves room for interpretation. The approval record connects the garment to one controlled specification version.
The Approved Production Reference
PP sample + final tech pack + measurement sheet + artwork and component approvals.
Fit & measurements
Fabric & GSM
Color standard
Construction & stitching
Logo artwork & placement
Labels & trims
Packaging configuration
Specification version
Default rule: a new custom SKU should be approved from the physical PP sample and confirmed in writing by email or signed approval record. Photo/video approval alone is accepted only by prior written agreement and at the buyer's acknowledged risk.
After approval, any change to fabric, color, pattern, measurement, logo, label, trim or packaging reopens the affected approval and may require a new PP sample.
Controlled Handover
From First Brief to Bulk Production
Each gate closes one risk before the project moves to the next production commitment.
01Sample BriefConfirm product, references, tech pack, size, fabric and branding.
02Quotation & PaymentApprove itemized cost, included revisions and working-day estimate.
03Material DirectionConfirm available material or approve development components.
04Sample MakingPattern, cut, sew, apply branding and complete sample QC.
05Buyer ReviewTest fit and performance; submit one consolidated comment set.
06RevisionCorrect confirmed issues and update the controlled specification.
07PP ApprovalLock the final sample and approval record for the custom SKU.
08Bulk ReleaseConfirm materials, schedule production and control bulk QC.
Responsibilities & Records
Clear Ownership Prevents Uncontrolled Changes
B
Buyer Provides
- Accurate tech pack and size chart
- Legal artwork and brand files
- Complete, non-conflicting feedback
- Written approval by an authorized person
G
Gofitapparel Controls
- Feasibility and material review
- Pattern and sample-room records
- Version-controlled sample making
- Correction of confirmed factory errors
IP
Files & Confidentiality
- NDA available on request
- Customer artwork remains customer property
- Production patterns retained for repeat orders
- Transferable pattern files only by separate agreement
A buyer's physical reference garment is returned on request or consolidated with the sample shipment when practical; courier cost and instructions are confirmed before dispatch. Approved samples and development records are retained for production and repeat-order control.
Prepare Your Sample Brief
Send Enough Information to Start Cleanly
Missing decisions create extra rounds. If an item is not available yet, identify it as open rather than leaving it ambiguous.
01Product type and intended sport or use
02Tech pack, sketch or reference garment
03Sample type, size and quantity
04Measurement chart and fit reference
05Fabric composition, GSM and performance
06Pantone, print and color requirements
07Logo vector file and placement dimensions
08Labels, trims and packaging requirements
09Target MOQ, price level and required date
Sample Policy FAQ
Questions Buyers Ask Before Sampling
Can I order only one sample?
Yes. One sample can be ordered for many sample routes, subject to the product, requested customization and material availability. Fit or size-set review may require more than one piece or size.
Is the sample fee refundable?
Eligible sample-making fees may be credited to the bulk invoice when the same SKU reaches the MOQ and the quotation states the credit. This is different from a cash refund. Work and third-party costs already committed are normally non-refundable.
Is international shipping included?
Not unless the quotation states that it is included. Courier freight, destination tax, duties and customs charges are normally confirmed separately and borne by the buyer.
Which couriers can be used?
DHL, FedEx, UPS or the buyer's approved courier account may be used according to destination and service availability. Several completed samples can be consolidated when practical.
How many revision rounds are included?
The quotation states the included allowance. Standard development normally includes one consolidated correction round. A factory error is corrected without using the buyer's included revision allowance.
Will the first development sample use final bulk fabric?
Not always. A first prototype may use the closest available material to validate construction or fit. The PP sample should use the final approved material and components as closely as production readiness allows.
Can you copy a reference garment?
A reference garment can guide fit, construction and quality, but Gofitapparel will not reproduce protected branding or knowingly infringe another party's intellectual property. The buyer must have the right to use submitted designs and artwork.
Can I approve a sample by photos or video?
Photos and video can support review. For a new custom SKU, physical PP sample review is the default. A photo-only approval must be agreed in writing, with the buyer accepting the limitations of remote review.
Is a PP sample required for every SKU?
Generally yes for each new custom SKU. An unchanged repeat SKU or blank stock order may follow the retained approved standard. Any material, fit, branding or packaging change can trigger a new approval.
What happens if I change the design after approval?
The affected cost, MOQ, schedule and approval status are reviewed again. If the change affects the production standard, another sample or PP sample may be required before bulk continues.
Does approving a sample guarantee zero variation in bulk?
No. Bulk is controlled against the approved sample and specification within agreed production tolerances. Minor material or dye-lot variation may occur; this does not permit wrong materials, wrong branding or measurements outside approved tolerances.
Who owns the pattern after sampling?
Customer artwork and original design information remain the customer's property. Gofitapparel retains internal physical and digital production patterns for manufacturing and repeat-order control. Release or transfer of editable pattern files requires a separate written agreement and quotation.