Our 4-Tier Sample Program

You're about to specify 500 m² of grasscloth for a hotel lobby — but you've only seen photos online. Or you've received a swatch that looks perfect, but you're not confident the full production run will match. Sampling is the single most important step between choosing a material and committing money. As a manufacturer with 15+ years of export experience, we've designed a 4-tier program that eliminates guesswork at every stage.

Program Overview

Tier	What You Get	Cost	Lead Time
1. Digital	High-res photos, close-up video, spec sheet	Free	24 hours
2. Swatches	30×30 cm physical samples	$5–$15 each	3–5 days (DHL/FedEx)
3. Production Proof	1-meter cut from production materials	At cost	7–10 days
4. Full Roll	Complete roll for installation test	At cost	2–3 weeks

Credit policy: All sample costs (Tiers 2–4) are deducted from your first production order of 300+ m². Effectively, sampling is free when you order.

Tier 1: Digital Samples

Best for: Initial screening — narrowing down material types and colorways before investing in physical samples.

Tell us your project requirements (material type, color direction, application) and we'll send within 24 hours:

• High-resolution photos — macro close-ups showing fiber detail and weave pattern
• Video — 30-second clip showing the material under different lighting angles
• Spec sheet — weight, width, roll length, backing type, fire rating, MOQ
• Price indication — FOB and DDP estimates for your destination

Tier 2: Physical Swatches

Best for: Hands-on evaluation — confirming color, texture and material quality before committing.

Our standard swatches are 30×30 cm — large enough to see the weave pattern, feel the texture, and test against other materials in your project palette. We ship via DHL or FedEx Express with 3–5 day delivery worldwide.

• Up to 10 swatches per request for new clients
• Each swatch is labeled with SKU, dye lot number and production date
• We include a printed spec card with installation and care recommendations
• Custom colors available — send a Pantone reference and we'll dye-match (7–10 day lead time)

Tier 3: Production Proofs

Best for: Pre-production confirmation — verifying that the full run will match your approved swatch.

Before committing to a large production order, request a 1-meter production proof cut from the same fiber batch and dye lot that will be used for your order. This is your insurance against color drift between sample and production.

• Cut from actual production materials (not sample stock)
• Shows full-width weave pattern and color consistency across the roll width
• Includes dye-lot documentation for future reorders
• Compare side-by-side with your approved Tier 2 swatch under project lighting

Tier 4: Full-Roll Evaluation

Best for: Installation testing — confirming workability, seam behavior and visual impact at scale.

For large projects (1,000+ m²) or new distributor relationships, we provide a complete roll for your installer to test. This confirms adhesive compatibility, seam behavior, and visual appearance on your actual wall substrate.

How to Evaluate Samples

When your samples arrive, evaluate them systematically:

1. Color under project lighting — natural fibers shift tone under warm vs cool light. Test in situ, not under office fluorescents.
2. Texture consistency — run your hand across the weave. Check for uniform density and fiber quality.
3. Backing adhesion — gently flex the sample. The backing should not separate or delaminate.
4. Color match — compare multiple swatches of the same SKU for batch consistency (natural variation of ±5% is normal).
5. Stain test — on one corner, test a small water drop. Observe absorption rate and stain behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do samples cost?

Digital samples (photos/video) are free. Physical swatches are $5–$15 each plus express shipping. Production proofs are charged at production cost. All sample costs are credited toward your first order of 300+ m² — so sampling is effectively free when you proceed.

How long does it take to receive samples?

Digital samples within 24 hours. Physical swatches ship within 2 business days via DHL/FedEx (3–5 day delivery worldwide). Production proofs require 5–7 days for cutting and ship the same way.

Can I request custom color samples?

Yes. Send us a Pantone reference, paint chip or physical sample and we'll produce custom-dyed swatches. Custom color samples take 7–10 days and require a minimum eventual order of 200 m². There is no charge for custom color development.

Related Guides

Sample pricing and shipping times reflect Q2 2026 estimates. Express shipping costs vary by destination. Credit policy applies to orders placed within 6 months of sample request.