Hey there!

 

Welcome back to Seek + Source Summer Camp! I hope you’ve had a chance to identify a fear or two that might be holding you back after last week. Today, we’re diving into the exciting moment when you receive your sample. It’s like the perfect s'more! I hope I never lose the thrill that comes with seeing new custom products!

 

Receiving your sample is a crucial step in the sourcing process. It’s your first chance to see and feel the product, and it’s important to evaluate it thoroughly to ensure it meets your expectations. Here are the key things to look for:

- Quality Check: Inspect the overall quality of the sample. Look for any defects, inconsistencies, or areas that don’t meet your standards.

- Material and Construction: Evaluate the materials used and the construction of the product. Does it match what you specified? Is the craftsmanship up to par?

- Customizations: Check any customizations you requested. Are the colors, prints, and designs accurate? Is the custom printing done correctly?

- Functionality: Test the product’s functionality. For pillow covers, this might mean checking the fit, the feel of the fabric, and how the zippers or closures work.

- Communication with Manufacturer: If there are any issues, take detailed notes and photos. Communicate these with your manufacturer and discuss possible solutions.

🔥 Campfire Story: My Manufacturing Search 

I still remember the excitement of receiving my first sample. It felt like Christmas morning! Evaluating samples was crucial in finding the right source for my tea towels. Color is so important to me and my brand, and by ordering samples, I was able to compare and see which manufacturer did color better. This attention to detail ensured that the final product was perfect and true to my vision. It's wild to see the comparison between vendors! Check out the difference in colors below! Take your time and document and changes you want to see with the factory.

Remember the Seek + Source Scavenger hunt? Go find the blog post most relevant to knowing if you are ready for product. 

 

At the bottom of the blog will be a button to submit your name and answer this week’s question: What excites you the most about making custom product?

Stay tuned for next week, where we’ll dive into the excitement of placing your first full order.