Do I have to pay for samples?

Yes for proto and salesman samples. PP samples are commonly charged and then credited against the bulk order once approved — negotiate this in the PI.

How many PP rounds are normal?

Two to three rounds is normal for a technical product. Above four suggests a tech pack gap — the factory and buyer should re-scope rather than iterate blindly.

Can I skip PP if I've worked with the factory before?

For a repeat of the exact same SKU, yes. For any change — new colour, new material lot, new size run — request a fresh PP. Material batch variation is a common bulk defect that a PP catches.

Quality · 9 min read

The sports goods sampling process — from tech pack to PP approval

Sampling in sports manufacturing typically runs proto → PP → salesman samples. PP (Pre-Production) sample is the contractual reference for bulk — it must be signed by both parties before production begins.

Quick answer

Sampling produces three sample types: proto (concept validation), PP (pre-production — the contractual reference), and salesman samples (for buyer sales/marketing). PP is the most important; production is inspected against it, not against the tech pack alone. Always insist on holding a physical PP sample before releasing bulk deposit.

Sample types explained

Type	Purpose	Materials	Charged?
Proto / development	Validate construction & fit	Available stock, may not match final	Usually yes
PP (Pre-Production)	Contractual reference for bulk	Exact bulk materials	Usually yes — often credited
Salesman sample	Buyer sales & retail meetings	Bulk-matched, branded	Yes, per unit
Shipment / gold seal	Final locked reference	Bulk	Usually free

What a good PP sample includes

•Correct bulk materials — bladder, cover PU/TPU, latex, fabric composition, GSM.
•Full construction — same stitch count, panel bonding, cut and lining as bulk.
•Final branding — logo, care labels, hangtags, packaging in position.
•Weight and dimensions inside the buyer's tolerances.
•Written spec sheet counter-signed by factory and buyer.

Realistic timelines

First proto typically follows a few days after tech pack sign-off. PP sampling usually needs two to three iterations. Airfreight for samples is normal — sea freight is only for salesman quantities.

Never compress sampling to zero — every skipped iteration reappears as a bulk defect.

Approval criteria

•Physical sample matches tech pack tolerances (weight, dimensions, colour).
•Performance tests pass — rebound for balls, grip for gloves, seam strength for kits.
•Colour is measured, not judged — use Pantone or a spectrophotometer for critical shades.
•Approval is written and dated; verbal 'looks good' is not a contract.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for samples?: Yes for proto and salesman samples. PP samples are commonly charged and then credited against the bulk order once approved — negotiate this in the PI.
How many PP rounds are normal?: Two to three rounds is normal for a technical product. Above four suggests a tech pack gap — the factory and buyer should re-scope rather than iterate blindly.
Can I skip PP if I've worked with the factory before?: For a repeat of the exact same SKU, yes. For any change — new colour, new material lot, new size run — request a fresh PP. Material batch variation is a common bulk defect that a PP catches.

More buyer guides

Ready to move from research to sourcing?

Send your tech pack, target Incoterm and destination market — we'll come back with a quote, MOQ, sampling plan and lead time.

Request a quote Back to Buyer Resource Center

Last updated 01 Jul 2026. Findup Sports · Sialkot, Pakistan · Serving international B2B buyers worldwide.