Sample Requests from Chinese Flooring Factories: What to Expect and What to Ask

A sample is a small object with a large job: it decides whether a buyer trusts the supplier. Most sample problems come from unclear expectations rather than bad products. This guide explains what a proper sample request includes.

What a sample can and cannot show

A sample shows the decor, the surface texture, the edge profile and the locking system. It cannot show how a full floor looks in a room, how the batch behaves over time, or how the product performs under load. Use the sample for the first decision and the test report for the second.

Stock sample vs production sample

Stock samples come from existing material and ship quickly. Production samples are cut from a scheduled run and match the batch you will receive. For a first enquiry, stock samples are enough. Before a large order, ask for a production sample and keep the reference.

Cost and freight

Samples are usually chargeable, with the cost and freight agreed before dispatch. Courier costs often exceed the sample value, so it is worth combining several decors in one parcel. Ask whether the sample cost is credited against the first order.

What to include in the request

• Product line and decor code, or the direction you want;
• Thickness and wear layer you are considering;
• Quantity of samples and the destination address;
• Whether you need the underlay attached;
• Any document that must accompany the sample.

What to check when it arrives

• Decor code and batch reference on the sample label;
• Colour and texture under daylight, not only office light;
• Edge bevel and locking profile;
• Surface consistency across the sample;
• Whether the sample matches the specification you asked for.

Using the sample in your sales process

Distributors often build a sample board for showrooms. Ask for a board-ready sample with a printed label, and keep a second set for comparison. If the decor sells, the approved sample becomes the reference for repeat orders.

When a sample is not enough

For a large project, request a small trial order or a video of the production run. A video call from the line, with the decor code visible, answers questions that a 10 cm sample cannot.

To request samples for your market, use the sample request form and include the product line and destination. We confirm cost, courier and lead time before dispatch.