Ever ordered custom merch and got asked:
“Would you like a sample first, or should we start production?”
If that made you pause and think, you’re not alone.
Let’s clear this up (in simple words).
So… what’s the difference?
A sample is just one piece made first, like a test version.
You check it. You approve of it. You make sure everything looks and feels right.
Production is when we go ahead and make your full order, whether that’s 50 shirts, 100 hoodies, or whatever you’ve asked for.
That’s it. One is the test. The other is the final batch.
Why Do People Ask for Samples?
Because once production starts, there’s no turning back.
If the logo is too small, or the color’s a little off, it’s already done. And that’s not fun for anyone.
A sample lets you:
- See your design come to life
- Feel the fabric and see the real colors
- Check the design, size, and other details
- Fix anything before we make the full batch
It can look like a small step for you and not even that important, but this one small step can help you avoid so many big and costly mistakes.
Do You Always Need a Sample?
Not always. If you’ve worked with us before and are reordering something you already love, you might skip it. Because at this point, you have already gone through the details.
But if it’s your first time ordering, or the design is new, we always suggest starting with a sample.
Think of it as a safety check, fast, easy, and totally worth it.
Real Talk: What Happens in Production?
Once you approve the sample, we start production.
That’s when your full order is printed, stitched, packed, and prepped to ship.
This stage is the final. No changes. We use the sample you approved as the blueprint.
So if the sample looks great, production will look exactly the same, just more of it.
Quick FAQ (To avoid any confusion)
Is a sample necessary?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended (especially for first-time or custom orders).
Is the sample free?
It’s usually a small cost, and it’s worth it for peace of mind.
How long does it take?
Samples take 5–7 business days. Production can take a little longer, depending on the size of your order.
The Bottom Line?
A sample is your test run.
Production is the final batch.
That one sample can save you from so much trouble by letting you catch mistakes early, focus on the details and make changes if you want and feel confident before going all in.
Going all in before seeing how your product actually looks can be a little risky, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but thankfully, sampling helps you be more sure and less worried before production.
So even though it feels like a small step, skipping it can slow things down later. A sample sets the pace for everything that follows.
Why it Matters, and why we (at JustLabs) care about it
At the end of the day, your merch should feel right. Not just look nice to us, but actually match what you had in mind. And to be sure, starting with a sample is great.
At JustLabs, we keep things easy and simple for you. We make sure we create what you want and what your customers will love. We make sure you are happy before actually going into the production phase.
If you are ever not sure what to do, no need to stress! Just ask us. We’ve got your back from the very first step to the end.