How to Get Product Samples: A Step-by-Step Guide
Meta Description: Learn how to get product samples efficiently and evaluate them properly — with expert advice from Jackson Hedden to streamline your product development process.
Why Product Sampling Matters
Sampling isn’t a formality — it’s the most critical quality checkpoint in your entire product development journey. The right product sample tells you:
If a factory can meet your standards
How your design translates to real-world form
What needs to be improved before mass production
At Jackson Hedden, we treat sampling as a strategic process, not a guessing game.
Step 1: Finalize Your Design
Before requesting samples, make sure your product design is fully defined:
CAD files, dimensions, and tolerances
Material specifications
Color references and finish expectations
Assembly or packaging instructions (if relevant)
The clearer your brief, the better your samples will be.
Step 2: Source Multiple Manufacturers
Never rely on a single supplier.
We recommend getting samples from at least 3–5 manufacturers to compare quality, speed, and consistency. Cast a wide net but vet carefully.
Ask for proof of capability, references, or similar past work.
Step 3: Request Samples with Intent
Make it official. Provide manufacturers with:
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) if needed
Detailed design files and spec sheet
Expected turnaround times
Any specific tests or inspection criteria
Tip: Request pricing estimates at this stage for comparison.
Step 4: Inspect the Samples Thoroughly
When samples arrive, evaluate them using a clear rubric:
Accuracy to design specs
Material integrity and finish quality
Functionality and durability
Packaging presentation (if included)
Don’t be afraid to be critical — small issues now become big ones at scale.
Step 5: Document Feedback and Adjust
Record your feedback on each sample and share it with suppliers. Track:
What each vendor did well
What missed the mark
Which factory is most promising for production
Communication here is key. Great vendors welcome constructive feedback.
Step 6: Decide or Sample Again
If one sample hits the mark, great. If not, iterate.
Sometimes a second round is needed — and that’s okay. Better to perfect it now than regret it later.
Jackson Hedden often helps clients run multiple sampling rounds in parallel to save time.
Streamline the Sampling Phase with Jackson Hedden
We don’t just design your product — we help you bring it to life.
At Jackson Hedden, our product development team:
Connects you with vetted domestic and global manufacturers
Manages sample quality review and tracking
Ensures design integrity across vendors
Compresses timelines by initiating sampling strategically
