How to Get a Custom Bag Sample in 3–7 Working Days

A sample is the cheapest insurance in manufacturing. For the cost of one bag you can check fabric weight, print quality, stitching, size and colour before committing to 500 pieces or more. Here is how our sampling process works end to end.

What you need to prepare

• Product type — non-woven tote, laminated bag, cotton tote, gift bag, drawstring pouch, liner.
• Size — width × height × depth in cm (or tell us the use, e.g. "fits an A4 folder").
• Material / weight — e.g. 80 gsm non-woven, 12 oz cotton canvas, 6 oz poly-cotton.
• Handles — self-fabric, webbing, rope, leather-look, or none.
• Print — artwork file (AI, PDF, CDR or 300 dpi PNG) and where it goes.
• Colour — Pantone reference or a physical colour chip if you have one.

If you only have a rough idea, send a photo of a bag you like — we will reverse-engineer the specification with you.

The sampling timeline

Total: usually 1–2 weeks door to door.

What the sample fee covers — and how you get it back

The sample fee covers materials, print set-up and hand labour for a one-off piece, plus our internal QC. Express shipping is paid by the buyer because courier rates depend on your country and the parcel weight.

The fee is credited against your first bulk order of 500 pcs or more, so a sample effectively becomes free once you proceed.

For stock items — plain bags we already hold — we can send a free sample; you cover the courier only.

What to check when your sample arrives

1. Size — measure width, height, depth against your spec sheet.
2. Weight and feel — confirm the gsm / oz matches what was quoted.
3. Print — colour accuracy against Pantone, sharpness of fine lines, position and size of the logo.
4. Stitching — even tension, no loose threads, handle attachment reinforced (bar-tack or X-box).
5. Handles — length comfortable for carrying, correct width and material.
6. Gusset and base — bag stands up, base is reinforced.
7. Odour — fresh fabric should have no strong smell; if it does, air it and tell us.
8. Function test — load it with the weight your customers will carry (e.g. 5 kg) and walk around.

Approving the sample — the golden rule

Production is matched to the approved sample. So when you approve, say so in writing (email is fine) and keep the sample. If a dispute ever arises about colour, size or stitch quality, the approved sample is the reference. If something is not right, tell us before approving — revisions at this stage are cheap; revisions after production are not.

How many samples should you order?

For a simple printed tote, one sample is usually enough. Consider two or three when:

• you are comparing two fabric weights (e.g. 10 oz vs 12 oz cotton),
• the artwork is complex or multi-colour,
• several stakeholders must sign off, or
• you need a physical sample for a client pitch or trade show.

Common sampling mistakes

• Approving from photos only — screens distort colour.
• Changing the print file after the sample is made — that means a new set-up.
• Forgetting to state the target market (e.g. "must pass a 5 kg load test").
• Rushing a sample and skipping the load test, then finding a handle problem at 5,000 pcs.

Next step

Send your spec or a reference photo and we will confirm the sample cost and lead time the same day. Request a sample or read our sample policy.

EcoBag Factory — custom bag manufacturer in Guangzhou, China. MOQ 500 pcs, 1–2 colour print included, samples in 3–7 working days, FOB / CIF / DDP worldwide.