Survey: How Important Are Samples Before Placing an Order?
Would you order 1,000 branded tote bags without seeing one first? We surveyed 55 Australian procurement and marketing managers to learn how important samples are, whether they boost buyer confidence, and how they affect order quantities. This survey helps procurement and marketing managers assess whether they need to order samples and which among the branded or unbranded options is best for their use case.
Executive Summary
Our survey results show that buyers placed greater importance on samples when ordering unfamiliar products, purchasing larger quantities, or checking the final branding. Many also said seeing a sample would give them more confidence, while some would consider ordering more. However, physical samples were seen as less important for familiar or repeat orders.
Survey Methodology
Key Survey Findings
- 40 of 55 buyers considered samples important before ordering.
- 43 of 55 buyers valued samples for unfamiliar products.
- 41 of 55 buyers said samples would boost confidence, while 39 valued them more for larger orders.
- 34 of 55 buyers valued branded samples for checking logo quality.
- 36 of 55 buyers considered samples less important for repeat orders.
Samples Matter to Most Buyers
In our findings, 40 of the 55 buyers considered samples essential depending on the order. However, only 12 felt they needed one almost every time.
If you’ve ordered the same pen several times, you probably know what to expect. But if you’re buying expensive corporate gifts for the first time, you’d likely want to see what you’re paying for. If you’re unsure about the material, size or weight, a physical sample is worth considering. But if you already know the product and only need to check where your logo will go, a digital mock-up might do the job.
Samples Are Crucial When Buying Something New
When buying unfamiliar products, nearly 8 in 10 buyers (43 respondents) said seeing a physical sample first mattered more. If you want to see how the product looks or feels, we suggest you order unbranded samples. You get to see the actual product for free. You only pay for freight. You can look at:
- How thick or sturdy the material feels
- Whether the size suits your needs
- The stitching, closures, and overall finish
- How comfortable or practical the item is to use
Rather than guessing which one will suit your staff, customers, or event attendees, you can compare them properly before placing an order.
Samples Become More Important for Larger Orders
We found that around 71% of buyers (39 out of 55) valued samples more for larger purchases, while 75% (41 out of 55 respondents) said inspecting one would give them more confidence to approve an order. We also examined whether seeing a sample affected how many products someone was willing to order. 19 buyers said they would consider increasing their quantity if they were happy with the sample.
Of course, a good sample doesn’t mean everyone will suddenly order more. But if you’ve been holding back because you’re unsure about quality, seeing the product firsthand could help you make that final decision. For larger orders, we recommend waiting for samples to arrive before you approve the artwork and start production.
More Important When the Finished Logo Matters
When it came to checking the final logo, printing or overall appearance, 34 buyers (62%) considered branded physical samples important. A digital mock-up is a good starting point. It shows where your logo will sit, how big it will appear and whether the layout looks right. What it can’t always show is how the finished print or engraving will look and feel.
For example, an engraved logo on a metal pen can look quite different from a printed design on a screen. Embroidery on a polo shirt also has its own texture and finish, which can be hard to judge from a picture. This matters more when you’re buying premium corporate gifts, following strict brand guidelines or ordering products for important clients. You want the finished items to look the part, particularly when you’re spending a fair bit on them.
Samples Are Less Important for Repeat Orders
For repeat orders, we found that the need for samples dropped. Around two-thirds of buyers (36 out of 55) considered them less important when buying products they’d already ordered and liked. Say your company ordered 500 notebooks last year and everyone loved them. If you’re buying the same notebooks again, you already know what the covers, paper and overall quality are like. Getting another unbranded sample probably won’t tell you much more. In that situation, checking a digital artwork proof might be all you need. You can confirm that the logo, colours and wording are correct without waiting for another physical sample. Just make sure nothing has changed since your last order.
Which Type of Sample Should You Request?
We offer different sample options depending on what you need to check. You don’t necessarily need a fully branded physical sample for every order.
Eligible unbranded samples are free, except for freight; samples valued above $15 may have a product charge. Branded pre-production samples generally cost between $60 and $200, plus any applicable setup fees, depending on the product and printing method. If you need your order for a particular event or campaign, it’s worth discussing samples with our team early. You don’t want to spend extra time checking a product only to find you’ve left yourself short on production time.
Our Advice
Samples can make a real difference when you’re buying something unfamiliar, ordering a large quantity or paying close attention to how your branding will look. They give you a better idea of what you’re getting before you commit your budget. We recommend starting with what you’re unsure about. If you’re unsure about quality or material, ask for an unbranded sample. If you’re concerned about the finished logo, consider a branded sample. And if you’re reordering a familiar item, checking the artwork may be all that’s needed.
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