Will I Get a Custom Sample with My Artwork on It?
When it comes to custom products, one of the most common questions people ask is whether they will receive a sample featuring their artwork before production begins. The short answer is yes—many manufacturers provide the opportunity to receive a functional mockup or prototype of your custom design. This ensures that your vision is captured accurately, and you get to see a real-world representation of what your product will look like before it goes into full-scale production.
Let’s dive deeper into this process and what you can expect when you request a custom sample for your product, especially when it comes to pouches and other custom items.
Fully Functional Mockups or Prototypes for Any Pouch Style or Size
Whether you’re designing a custom pouch, bag, or other personalized product, manufacturers can provide fully functional mockups or prototypes. These samples are created to give you a tangible, real-world preview of your design, showing how it will look and function in its final form.
These samples are not just digital renderings but actual prototypes that are constructed based on your artwork. This means you can test the look, feel, and functionality of the product before committing to the entire production run. From zippers to stitching and logo placement, everything is included in these mockups.
What’s the Turnaround Time for Custom Samples?
Typically, the turnaround time for custom mockups or prototypes is 3-5 business days. This quick turnaround is important for businesses looking to move fast, whether for a new product launch or for presentations at trade shows or buyer meetings.
This timeframe is ideal for businesses needing samples for size and fit tests. If your design involves specific measurements, ensuring the dimensions work correctly is crucial. Mockups and prototypes give you a chance to check if everything fits as expected, making sure the product is both functional and visually appealing before going to mass production.
Why Would You Need a Custom Sample?
While some might think that getting a sample is only for designers, the reality is that custom samples are incredibly useful for various purposes. Here are a few common reasons you might request a custom sample:
Size/Fit Test: Before producing a large batch, a mockup lets you confirm that your design fits within the required dimensions and that the product functions as intended.
Trade Shows and Buyer Meetings: For businesses looking to showcase their products at trade shows or to potential buyers, having a physical sample can be a game-changer. It helps convey the quality of the design and ensures that what you’re selling matches your brand’s standards.
Artwork Approval: Custom samples ensure that your artwork is applied correctly. This is particularly valuable when intricate designs are involved, as small details may be lost or altered during mass production.
Physical Proofs vs. Film Proofs: What’s the Difference?
There’s often confusion around the terms physical proof and film proof when it comes to samples. Let’s clarify:
Physical Proof: A fully constructed version of the product is made with your artwork and materials, allowing you to evaluate both the design and functionality before production starts. These proofs are usually shipped to you for your review and approval.
Film Proof: This is a more common practice in the printing world, where the artwork is printed on the actual print substrate (such as the fabric or material that will be used for the product). While not a fully constructed product, film proofs give you a closer look at how your artwork will appear once printed. This is typically used for artwork approval rather than evaluating product functionality.
Physical proofs are usually more detailed and comprehensive, allowing you to experience the product as it would look after full production.
The Bottom Line
Custom samples are a critical step in the production process for businesses looking to ensure that their designs are correctly executed. Whether it’s a mockup, prototype, or physical proof, these samples help businesses make sure everything is in place before committing to the entire production run.
Having a chance to review the sample allows you to make necessary adjustments before moving forward, saving time and reducing costly mistakes later in the process.
Ready to get your own custom sample? Get in touch with us today for a free quote on your custom design project and see your ideas come to life!
