Ordering a full production run of a product you have only seen in photos is a risk. Wholesale samples remove most of that risk: you check the material, finish, color and packaging in person before committing to the minimum order quantity.
Which products can be sampled?
Products marked Sample available on our catalog can be requested as samples. Eligibility depends on the manufacturer and the product — some items are easy to send individually, while others (large or made-to-order items) are better reviewed through photos, swatches or a video call first.
How a sample request works
- Open the product page and choose Request a sample in the inquiry builder. Select the variations you want to see.
- Add the sample request to your Inquiry List — you can include it alongside full-quantity selections of other products.
- Submit your inquiry. We confirm availability with the manufacturer and send you a sample quotation.
- Once you accept the sample quotation, we arrange shipping and send tracking details.
Sample minimums, costs and shipping
Sample minimums may apply — for example, one set per color, or a small sample box. The sample cost and the shipping cost are quoted separately before anything is sent, so there are no surprises. Shipping samples internationally by courier is usually faster but more expensive per kilo than the freight used for full orders.
What to check when samples arrive
- Materials and construction: compare against the specifications on the product page.
- Color: view samples in daylight and under your store’s lighting; screens rarely show color perfectly.
- Sizing and fit: for footwear and apparel, check several sizes if possible.
- Packaging and labeling: confirm the packaging suits your shelf or channel, and that labels meet the requirements for your market.
- Durability: use or test the sample the way your customers will.
For consumer products sold in the United States, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s guidance for retailers is a useful starting point for understanding which safety rules apply to your category.
After the sample: placing the full order
If the sample meets your expectations, reply to your quotation or update your Inquiry List with the full quantities. If something needs changing — a color, a packaging option — tell us and we’ll check whether the manufacturer can adjust it and how that affects the minimum order quantity.
Have a question about a specific product? Contact our team or browse the catalog.
