Samples are common when purchasing promotional merchandise. After all, you want to have confidence in the quality and appearance of the products before you commit to a purchase.
That’s why we offer a variety of samples (many of which are completely free).
These are the different sample types available in the promotional products industry and the best times to use them.
What is a Vision Board?
Not to be confused with a “virtual proof” a Vision Board is sent to you in a PDF format which shows your promo vision coming alive.
Created by one of our graphic artists they show your product in a lifestyle setting, to give you an accurate preview of how the finished product will appear before you place your order.
Vision Boards are a great option because they can be sent quickly via email and are offered free along with your quote (if you request it). Get in touch with your account manager or a member of our team today for more information.
Suggested for: Those that have never purchased promotional merchandise before, those who like to view a visual preview before ordering or as an addition to a proposal/presentation.
Here is an example of what a Vision Board looks like.
And this is what the finished product looked like.
What is an undecorated physical sample?
This along with a Vision Board are the two most popular samples we offer. As the name suggests this is a physical product that contains no custom printing. They are sent out directly to you express, in the colour of your choice when available.
Some physical samples can be provided free, we’ll just charge you the cost of delivery. Contact your account manager for more information or let us know what products you were interested in receiving an undecorated sample for.
Suggested for: Testing the quality of the products themselves or looking at specifics of a product that may not be covered by the images. These are also a great option for those who haven’t purchased promotional products in the past.
What is a pre-production sample?
This is a single run of a physical product decorated with your logo before the complete order is conducted. Although this is going to be the best way to see how your logo will be displayed, it is often costly ($100 – $200) and will take longer for your products to be created.
We usually do not suggest this type of sample for most orders due to this. Generally, it’s better to go with a physical or virtual sample (vision board).
Suggested for: Large orders or merchandise ranges where time constraints are not an issue. Due to the added cost and time, these are usually not recommended for most companies.
What is a virtual proof?
Although this isn’t technically a sample it’s going to be very important in displaying how your logo will look. A virtual proof is a digital representation of what your finished products will look like on a 2D line drawing.
It shows the product to scale with your artwork as well as the print colour and decoration.
A virtual proof is sent with every order and must be approved before your products go into production to ensure your logo is presented exactly as you want it and you are certain with the outcome.
Before approving a virtual proof it’s best to double-check spelling, size and that everything adheres to your brand guidelines if applicable.
A virtual proof will be sent in addition to any virtual or physical samples you have requested.
Suggested for: All orders of promotional products unless an agreement has already been previously arranged where this is not necessary.
How do I request a sample?
Certainty is guaranteed at Promotion Products, so we make requesting a sample easy. Simply do one of the following below.
- Call us on 1300 303 717 and speak directly to a member of the team
- Email or call your dedicated Account Manager
- Send us a message on LiveChat
- Submit a form on our contact us page
- Request a quote online and mention you are interested in a sample
We look forward to helping promote your organisation with promotional merchandise! Have a browse of our entire product range by clicking the link below.
