SuanSupply
The short version
- A golden sample is the approved, signed sample that becomes the quality standard for mass production. Every finished unit is compared with it.
- The factory makes it, and you approve it. Keep at least one sealed copy yourself, one at the factory and, if you use one, one for the inspector.
- It works best together with written specifications (a tech pack or spec sheet), because a sample cannot show every tolerance.
- Approve it before production starts, not after.
What is a golden sample?
A golden sample is a production-quality sample that the buyer approves, signs and seals so that it becomes the reference every mass-produced unit must match. It is also called an approved sample, reference sample or sealed sample. In Chinese, suppliers say 封样 (fēngyàng, “sealed sample”) or 确认样 (quèrènyàng, “confirmation sample”). The Hong Kong Trade Development Council describes it as the go-ahead signal to start production.
Who makes and approves the golden sample?
The factory makes it, ideally with the same materials, tooling and process it will use for your order. You approve it, in writing, after checking it against your specifications. Then the copies are labelled, signed or stamped, dated and sealed. We keep one, the factory keeps one at the production line, and a third goes to the inspection company if we book one.
When do you need a golden sample?
You need one for any custom or branded product: your logo, your colors, your packaging, or changes to a supplier's standard item (see OEM vs ODM). It matters most for a first order, a new factory, and products where color, finish or fit decide whether customers are happy. For a stock item bought as is, the supplier's normal sample may be enough.
What is the difference between a golden sample and other samples?
| Sample | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype | Early development | Tests the idea and the design; may be handmade |
| Pre-production sample (PPS) | After the order, before mass production | Shows the factory can make it with production materials |
| Golden sample | Approved before mass production | The signed standard every unit is checked against |
| Shipping sample | Taken from finished goods | Confirms the bulk order matches the standard |
What should a golden sample record include?
- Product name, model or SKU, and the order or proforma invoice number.
- Date of approval and the names of the people who approved it on both sides.
- Signatures or the factory's company stamp on the label and across the seal.
- Agreed comments, for example “handle color must be darker in production”.
- A link to the written specifications: materials, measurements, tolerances and packaging. See what is a tech pack.
- Photos of the sample from every side, shared with everyone who holds a copy.
What does a golden sample label look like?
Illustrative example only: the product, names and dates are made up to show what we write on the label.
| Field | Example entry |
|---|---|
| Product | Insulated water bottle, 500 ml, matte black, white logo |
| Order reference | PI-0425 |
| Approved on | March 3 |
| Approved by | Buyer: A. Rivera / Factory QC: L. Chen |
| Comments | Logo position 30 mm from base; lid must close without gap |
| Copies | 1 buyer, 1 factory, 1 inspector |
Illustrative example, not a real order.
What are common golden sample mistakes?
- Approving from photosColor, weight and finish do not show reliably on screen. Approve the physical sample.
- A sample the line cannot repeatA sample made by hand in the sample room can look better than mass production. Ask whether it was made with production tooling and materials.
- No sealed copy for youIf only the factory holds the sample, you have nothing to compare against in a dispute.
- No written tolerancesA sample shows one unit. Write down acceptable ranges for size, color and defects, and the AQL level for inspection.
- Changes after approvalAny change of material or supplier after approval should mean a new golden sample.
On a first order, write on the proforma invoice that mass production only starts after your written approval of the golden sample. Our guide to low MOQ manufacturers covers how sample costs work on small runs.
How is a golden sample used in an inspection?
During a pre-shipment inspection, the inspector brings the sealed copy to the factory, pulls a random sample of finished units sized by the AQL tables in ISO 2859-1, and compares them side by side with the golden sample and your specifications. Our guide to factory audits and inspections in China explains AQL levels and inspection types.
Book a pre-shipment inspection in China online, and have the inspector check your goods against your golden sample.
See QIMA inspectionsThis guide includes an affiliate link. If you sign up through it, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does golden sample mean?
It means the approved sample that sets the quality standard for a production order. Finished goods are inspected against it.
Is a golden sample the same as a pre-production sample?
Not always. A pre-production sample shows the factory can make the product. It becomes the golden sample once you approve it, sign it and seal it as the standard.
How many golden samples should there be?
At least two: one for you and one for the factory. If you use a third-party inspector, a third copy for them is common practice.
Who pays for the golden sample?
It is negotiated per order. Some suppliers charge for samples and refund or credit the cost against the bulk order; agree it in writing.
What is 封样 in Chinese?
封样 (fēngyàng) means “sealed sample”, the term Chinese factories use for the golden sample.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Sample and approval terms are agreed per order: put them in writing with your supplier. SuanSupply is not affiliated with the HKTDC, ISO or any supplier.