If you are someone with prior experience in sourcing from overseas, chances are that you already have familiarization with the sampling process. Samples are a standard element in the overseas sourcing process. It helps international buyers analyze the reliability of the supplier, spot their strengths and weaknesses, manage the quality risks, and determine the turnaround time. In a nutshell, sampling helps you analyze if a certain supplier is truly up to the task and can fulfill your quality expectations.At BlinkGlobal, we provide our clients with a thorough consultancy on the sampling process. We get a lot of queries from our clients pertaining to how the process works. In this article, our experts answer some of the pressing questions that are often asked by the clients.
Who Pays For The Samples?
As the quote goes, “there are no free lunches”, similarly, there are no free samples. Samples cost valuable time, effort, and materials. Suppliers are going to charge you and even if you provide the assurance that the cost of samples will be adjusted when you’ll pay for the real order, chances are that you will still have to bear the costs of shipping from the supplier’s country to the United States. Suppliers that charge you for samples are generally interested in doing business and are serious vendors.
How many samples will I need?
This is subjective to the product and industry you are dealing in. As a general rule, we help our clients get 2 -3 rounds of samples. The purpose of rounds of samples is to uncover the gaps in specifications and help you get the product you want. Suppliers invest their time and money so we recommend you to be very specific from the beginning and don’t change your demands in the middle of the process as it can lead to confusion and mistrust.
Are 3-D rendered Samples Effective?
Asking for physical samples from 2 to 3 suppliers can cost you a lot of money. You can cut that expense by asking for digital samples. 3D rendered samples are becoming very popular in international sourcing as they can be tested in a digital environment using different tools and software. The downside of 3D samples is that you still can not be sure of the materials and the supplier’s ability to produce the product with minimal turnaround time.
Can I send the Samples to the Supplier?
Yes. At BlinkGlobal, we also suggest our clients to send samples to the suppliers with notes mentioning key requirements. This will give the supplier an idea of your perspective and make their and your life a lot easier. Either the supplier will totally replicate the sample or come up with an even better design. In any case, it will eliminate the communication barrier as the sample will tell itself what you expect.
Get Consultancy from Blink Global
At BlinkGlobal, we have made international sourcing easy and hassle-free. From initial consultancy to sampling to shipping, we do it all so you can relax and focus on your core competencies. Leave the procurement to us and let our experts manage your supply chains. Give us a call today.
