The sample is your one chance to catch problems cheaply. Once you approve it, it becomes the reference for the whole production run. Work through this checklist before you sign off.

Dimensions

Measure width, height and gusset against your specification. Agree a tolerance in advance (commonly plus or minus 1 cm) and confirm the sample sits within it. Check the handle length and drop, and try carrying the bag as a customer would.

Fabric weight and hand-feel

Confirm the gsm matches what you ordered. A lighter fabric than specified is the most common cost-cutting substitution. The bag should feel as substantial as you expect at that weight.

Seams and stitching

• Straight, even stitch lines with no skipped stitches or loose threads.
• Reinforced stress points, especially where handles meet the body.
• Bound or folded seams rather than raw edges that will fray.

Handle strength

Load the bag to its rated weight and carry it. Then load it to roughly twice that and check the handles and their attachment points. Ask whether a load test was done and to what weight.

Print

• Colour against your Pantone reference, in daylight.
• Registration: are multi-colour elements aligned?
• Rub test: does the print smudge or lift when scratched or after a wash?
• Position and size match the artwork.

Finish, smell and labelling

No strong chemical odour. Correct care label, composition label and any legally required markings. Confirm how the bags will be folded and packed, and how many per carton.

Keep a golden sample

When you approve, sign and date two identical samples. You keep one, the factory keeps one. Production is then checked against it.

Planning an order? See how our process works or request a sample.