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Lumi
Buyer Manual
Index
Getting started
Overview Quick start guide Adding locations Adding users Notifications Payment methods Using multiple workspaces
Suppliers
Overview Saving suppliers Inviting suppliers Messaging suppliers Payment terms
Items and specs
Overview Creating items
Lumi ID
Overview Creating QR codes Customizing landing pages Printing guidelines
Product development
Overview Creating specs with suppliers Ordering from development requests Working with experts Getting a dieline Vectorizing artwork Adding artwork to a dieline Tooling
Sourcing and quoting
Overview Minimum quantities Requesting quotes Adding suppliers to an RFP Choosing a quote Types of samples Requesting samples Reviewing a box sample
Orders
Overview Placing orders Placing reorders Canceling an order Reviewing a proof Approve or reject a proof Tracking orders Overs and unders Quality inspections
Logistics
Overview Domestic freight shipments International freight shipments Receiving freight
Inventory
Overview How to manage inventory
Billing
Overview Invoices Reconciling payments
On this page
Overview
When to request a sample
How to request a sample
Index > Sourcing and quoting

How to request a sample

Before you request a sample, you'll want to know what type of sample you want to request.

When to request a sample

Most types of samples are meant to represent a specific aspect of your finished product. There are samples to show print quality, structure, and the look of a custom color printed on specific material.

Sampling is best when you can get as close to the final version as possible. Because sampling adds weeks to your lead time, we recommend ordering a sample only after you've settled on a final version of the aspect you want to observe with the sample.

After you observe the sample, you can make any necessary tweaks to your design and then update the dieline on your item.

Please note: Samples can add weeks to your lead time. Consider production and shipping time to determine if samples will push back your anticipated receiving date.

How to request a sample

Before requesting a sample from a supplier, you should have accepted a quote from them.

  1. Go to your Quoting view and click a request.
  2. In the left sidebar, choose one of the suppliers. These are suppliers that have replied to your request with a message and/or a quote.
  3. Then, in Messages, type a new message asking for a sample. Be sure to include the type of sample you'd like, and the location you want it shipped to

In most cases, the supplier will ask you to cover the cost of shipping. Reference samples and color drawdowns are typically free, but there will likely be a production cost associated with structural samples, printed structural samples, and pre-production samples. Costs vary depending on the item. For more information, review the types of samples.

Keep reading

← Types of samples
What to expect from different kinds of samples.
Reviewing a box sample →
What to look for on a structural box sample.