Short answer: Treat samples and production as two different logistics problems. Samples need speed and traceability; production needs an agreed Incoterm, packing specification, inspection before shipment and documents that match the destination market’s rules. Consolidating samples from several factories into one shipment is often the single biggest cost saving in a custom project.
Samples: why consolidation matters
When we shortlist two or three factories, buyers usually want a sample from each. Shipping three small parcels internationally costs far more than consolidating them at one point and sending one parcel. We check the samples against the written specification first, then ship with photos and a short report so the buyer knows exactly what is in the box.
Production: agree the terms in writing
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Incoterm | Who pays and takes risk at each stage (EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP) |
| Packing | Carton count, dimensions, gross weight, palletisation |
| Inspection | Standard, timing and who signs off before release |
| Documents | Invoice, packing list, certificates, origin documents |
| Freight | Forwarder, NVOCC credentials, transit time and insurance |
Common traps for first-time buyers
Volumetric weight, an unprepared certificate for a modified model, and a “shipped” status that actually means goods left the factory rather than the port. Ask for the inspection report before the balance payment, and confirm what the quoted transit time includes. Our sampling and QC process covers the checks we perform before release.
Frequently asked questions
Do you handle shipping?
We coordinate samples, inspection and the handover to a forwarder, and we make responsibilities explicit in the quote.
Can I inspect remotely?
Yes — photos, measurements and a written report in English are shared before shipment.
Is freight included in a factory quote?
Often not. Always check the Incoterm before comparing two quotations.
Tell us what you want to make. Email tacousus@hotmail.com, message us on WhatsApp at +86 133 5546 5164, or request a quote. Our team works from Zhuhai and Hong Kong, China.
