Key takeaways
- Treat the approved sample as the production standard, not a mood board.
- Freeze carton artwork with the sample so packing does not reopen the design.
- Document color and hardware references for QC checkpoints.
- Only then book production windows for North America delivery.
Sample approval is valuable only if mass production freezes to the same standard. Use one lock date for finishes, logos, and packing.
Sample equals standard
Treat the approved sample as the production standard, not a mood board. Photograph and document color and hardware references for QC checkpoints on the line.
Freeze packing with the sample
Carton artwork, marks, and barcodes should freeze with the sample. Opening packing after production starts creates relabel risk and schedule slip.
Book production after the freeze
Only then book production windows for North America delivery. Keep the freeze date on the OEM quotation with MOQ and lead time.
Follow the OEM process, tour quality control, or start an OEM inquiry.