What Is the Difference Between a Blank Sample and a Pre-Production Sample?

Q1: Are sample fees refunded when I place my bulk packaging order?

Yes. When you approve the physical pre-production sample and proceed with the bulk production order, the initial sample development fee is fully credited against your mass production invoice balance.

Q2: Can I test product fit using a 3D digital PDF proof instead of a physical sample?

A 3D PDF digital proof helps verify artwork placement and panel orientation, but it cannot measure material flex, paperboard friction, or foam compression. Physical samples remain necessary to confirm exact structural fit.

Q3: How are custom inserts tested during the blank sample phase?

During blank sampling, the CAD sample knife cuts the outer paperboard box along with the internal insert (EVA foam, cardboard, or velvet tray). You can insert your physical product directly into the prototype to test fit and ease of removal.

Q4: Why do pre-production printed samples take longer to manufacture than blank samples?

Pre-production samples require full prepress file setup, digital or offset proofing, film lamination, custom tooling setup for foil dies, and manual hand-assembly, matching mass production workflows.

Q5: Can I request paper material swatches before committing to a custom sample build?

Yes. We can dispatch a comprehensive Paperboard & Finishing Swatch Book containing physical material samples (C1S, Kraft, Greyboard calipers, and Lamination textures) via express courier for immediate material evaluation.