A Trim Sourcing Checklist for First Orders
What to send, what to ask and what to approve before a first trim order goes into production.
Send a Physical Sample
A photograph shows shape and little else. A posted sample carries board weight, hand feel, exact colour and construction. Where a sample exists, a counter sample can be made from it, which removes most of the guesswork.
State Quantity and Packing
Price moves with quantity and with how the goods are packed. Asking for a price without either is the fastest way to get a number you cannot use. Give the quantity per variant, not just the total.
Agree the Colour Reference
Either post a live sample or name a Pantone reference. Colour described in words is the single most common source of a rejected delivery.
Ask for the Sample First
Samples are free and freight is either collect on your courier account or paid in advance. Approving a physical sample before bulk is cheaper than any inspection after it.
Plan the Variants
Sizes, barcodes, colourways and markets multiply quickly. Decide the variant split and the packing marks before production, so the receiving side is not re-sorting cartons.
Keep the Approved Sample
The approved sample is the reference for every repeat order. Keep one at your end as well as ours.
Ranges Covered by This Guide
Open a range to see every item currently held.
Related Guides and Programmes
Where this topic connects to the rest of the trim order.
Questions on This Topic
Where can I see the hang tags and seal tags range?
Can you advise on a specification before I order?
Do you send samples so we can test?
Can the same artwork run across several trim types?
Apply This to Your Own Order
Send the item you are specifying with the quantity and packing you need, and the options are quoted against it.