A product sample gives you the opportunity to review the details of your order before bulk production begins. For brands, importers, and wholesale buyers, this is the stage to identify changes, clarify expectations, and confirm that the product matches the agreed brief.
Review the sample against your written specifications, artwork, and colour references. Appearance matters, but your inspection should also consider construction, fit, and function.
Check the stitching
Examine the seams closely, including areas around straps, edges, panels, and other points exposed to repeated movement or tension.
Look for loose threads, skipped stitches, uneven stitching, and gaps between joined materials. Gently handle the seams to check for visible separation or puckering. Where reinforcement was specified, confirm that it is present in the agreed locations.
Photograph any concerns and mark their exact position so the manufacturer can understand what needs correcting.
Check the fit
Review the sample in the size or weight you requested. For gloves, assess the hand compartment, finger position, thumb placement, and wrist closure, including how the fit feels with your intended hand wraps.
For uniforms and apparel, compare measurements with the agreed size chart and check freedom of movement. For protective gear, check coverage and whether the straps hold the item in position during its intended movement.
One approved size does not confirm the fit of an entire range. Agree which additional sizes need to be sampled or measured before production.
Inspect the finish
Look over the product in good lighting. Check for marks, exposed adhesive, rough edges, uneven trimming, and unintended wrinkles or distorted panels.
Inspect the inside as well as the outside. Linings, labels, internal seams, and exposed edges should match the agreed standard and should not create obvious discomfort.
Compare paired items for consistency, allowing for any intentional differences between the left and right sides.
Verify logo accuracy
Compare every logo and branding element with the final approved artwork.
Check the logo’s shape, proportions, spelling, orientation, colour, dimensions, and placement. Make sure it has not been stretched, cropped, or altered. If the design includes small lettering or fine details, inspect their clarity at the actual production size.
Review the application quality too. Depending on the agreed branding method, look for issues such as unclear print edges, uneven embroidery, or poorly attached labels.
Check colour consistency
Compare the sample with the agreed physical colour reference where available. Review it under consistent lighting, and avoid relying only on a phone screen or photograph for approval.
Check the main material, contrasting panels, thread, trim, straps, and branding. Different materials can show the same colour differently, so confirm whether the overall combination is acceptable.
Record any agreed colour variation rather than leaving it open to interpretation.
Test the closures
Open and close each fastening repeatedly to check its operation.
For hook-and-loop straps, inspect alignment, engagement, and stitching around the attachment points. For zips, check that they move smoothly without catching the surrounding fabric. For drawstrings, buckles, and other fastenings, check that they operate as intended and match the specification.
Check whether the closure remains secure during normal handling and fitting. Any durability or performance testing required for your order should be agreed separately.
Compare the sample with your specifications
Work through the original brief and confirm each requirement. This may include materials, construction, dimensions, glove weights, padding requirements, colours, artwork, labels, and any agreed packaging.
Some specifications cannot be verified by appearance alone. Ask for the relevant documentation or agreed testing where material composition, performance, or compliance requirements need confirmation.
If the sample differs from your brief, record the difference and agree whether it must be corrected or can be accepted.
Document your approval
Send one clear set of feedback supported by close-up photographs. Distinguish between details you approve and changes that must be made.
If revisions are needed, agree whether you require a revised physical sample before approval. Identify the approved sample version and keep a record of the final specifications.
Sample approval establishes the reference for production. It does not replace the agreed quality checks for the bulk order.
Discuss your sample requirements with KOKUJA SPORTS
Developing a custom combat sports range? Share your product brief, branding artwork, quantities, and sample requirements with KOKUJA SPORTS.
Contact info@kokujasports.com to discuss your project and request a quotation.
Photo note for you before publishing: Add actual close-up photographs showing a seam, the fit or measurements, the surface and lining, the logo, matching colour panels, and a closure. I haven’t included photographs because actual product close-ups were not supplied with this request. Upload them so I can help select and caption them.
