Pre-production Sample

Pre-production samples are proofed exactly to the packaging specifications you want to order in bulk. This means that custom size, on-machine printing, craftsmanship, etc., are all consistent with the final mass-produced product. Pre-production samples are ideal if you want to know the exact, finished product of the packaging you ordered, but at the same time, it costs more.

Two white takeout coffee paper cups with oriental script and heart-shaped pull tabs on their lids, set on a textured surface with scattered coffee beans.

Pre-production Sample -Paper Coffee Cups

Sushi box with green chopsticks, ceramic cups, and a pottery bowl on a dark surface.

Pre-production Sample - Food Box

Three yellow popcorn bags with popcorn kernel designs, one tilted on a wooden table, another on a stool, with scattered popcorn kernels on the table.

Pre-production Sample - Paper Bag

Wrapping Papers with custom printed text and decorative illustrations spread out on a wooden surface, with glimpses of a sandwich and other items around the edges.

Pre-production Sample - Food Wrapping Paper

Two black cardboard holders: one open-box with "HEYBUDDY" and people illustrations; the other with a handle, two cups, and a handshake illustration. Small plant on the left.

Pre-production Sample - Paper Cup Holder

What's Included

Here's what's included and excluded in a pre-production sample:

✔️Custom size
✔️Custom material

✔️Print
✔️Finishes (e.g. matte, glossy)

✔️Add-ones (e.g. foil stamping, embossing)

Deliverables

For each pre-production sample, you will receive:

✅ 1 dieline* of the pre-production sample
✅ 1 pre-production sample delivered to your doorstep

*Note: dielines for inserts are only provided as part of our structural design service.

Process & Timeline

Generally, pre-production samples take 9-13 days to complete and 7-10 days to ship.

1. Specify requirements

Choose the packaging type and define the specs (e.g. size, material).

2. Place order

Place your sample order and make payment in full.

3. Create dieline (2-3 days)

We'll create the dieline for you to add your artwork to.

4. Send artwork

Add your artwork to the dieline and send it back to us for approval.

5. Create sample (3-5 days)

The sample will be printed based on the artwork file you've sent over.

6. Ship sample (7-10 days)

We'll send photos and mail the physical sample to your specified address.

Cost

Pre-production samples are available for all packaging types.

COST PER SAMPLE	PACKAGING TYPE
USD 120+	Paper cups & bowls, Paper boxes for food, Paper bag
Custom quote	Tissue paper, paper cup holders, cup paper sleeves, cold cup lids, wrapping paper

Reimbursement Policy

If you place a production order where the specifications are identical to the pre-production sample you ordered, you are eligible for a reimbursement of the pre-production sample fee. Here are the reimbursement terms for each pre-production sample purchased:

REIMBURSEMENT	CRITERIA
50% of the sample fee	Minimum order value of USD 800 (excluding shipping) per packaging type, or volume of 500 units per packaging type.
100% of the sample fee	Minimum order value of USD 1500 (excluding shipping) per packaging type, or volume of 2000 units per packaging type.

For example, if you've purchased 2 identical pre-production samples, you will need to meet the reimbursement criteria twice in order to get a full reimbursement for both samples (e.g. packaging order value of USD 1500 x 2 or 2000 units x 2).

Revisions & Redesigns

Before placing an order for a pre-production sample, please double check the specifications and details of your sample. Changes in scope after the sample has been created will come with additional costs.

TYPE OF CHANGE	EXAMPLES
Revision (no additional fees)	The box lid is too tight and it's hard to open the box The box doesn't close properly
Redesign (additional sample fees)	Changing the packaging type Changing the size Changing the material

Get Started

Start by customizing your packaging on our platform to get an initial quote. If the quote is within your budget, you can then make a request for a sample.

Customize Now