Quick answer
Use seven controlled stages: freeze the sample brief, prepare production-ready artwork, approve digital proofs, test high-risk details, inspect the physical prototype, submit versioned revisions, and approve one master sample plus its matching bulk-production specification.
The exact sample scope depends on the material, artwork, packaging, accessories, and the commercial risk of getting those details wrong at scale.
Why a custom sample is more than a sales sample
A catalog sample shows an existing product. A custom sample should prove the decisions unique to the buyer's project, including tile configuration, material, dimensions, artwork readability, engraving or printing method, accessories, packaging, and full-set fit.
The sample has three jobs: support decisions, reduce risk, and create a production control reference. If the sample looks attractive but differs from the planned material, process, or packaging, it may fail to control the most important production risks.
| Sample type | What it helps answer | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Existing reference sample | Is the general size, material, or product direction suitable? | Does not prove custom artwork or packaging. |
| Material or color chip | Is the substrate, finish, transparency, or color direction acceptable? | Does not show the full tile or complete set. |
| Process test tile | Does engraving, color fill, or UV printing work as expected? | May not represent complete-set consistency. |
| Complete custom sample | Does the whole product concept work together? | May still contain declared placeholder components. |
| Pre-production reference sample | Is the final approved specification ready to control bulk production? | Only useful when linked to versioned files and acceptance criteria. |
Stage 1: Freeze the sample brief
Before artwork begins, define what the sample is expected to represent. The brief should identify the buyer, market, target quantity, tile count, tile map, material, dimensions, finish, accessories, packaging, sample scope, declared placeholders, and destination timing.
Give the brief a version number and date. If a decision changes, update the document rather than relying on scattered chat messages.
A sample without a frozen brief often creates avoidable rework because artwork, dimensions, or accessory assumptions shift after physical production has already started.
Stage 2: Prepare production-ready artwork
Vector artwork is preferred for custom production. AI, PDF, SVG, and other editable vector files help keep tile symbols, numerals, logos, and packaging graphics sharp and production-ready.
Artwork preparation should cover the tile map, outlined fonts or a workable font-licensing path, engraving-safe paths, clear color separation, and packaging files based on the supplier's final dieline.
Stage 3: Approve digital proofs
Digital approval should happen before physical sample production begins. The supplier may provide flat layouts, tile sheets, mockups, renders, packaging dielines, or accessory placement drawings.
- Check the file version. Confirm the correct project name, file revision, and approval date.
- Verify the tile map. Make sure tile quantities, jokers, blanks, backs, and orientation all match the plan.
- Review dimensions and processes. Confirm size, thickness, finish, layer direction, and marking method notes.
- Review accessory and packaging details. Check inserts, labels, barcodes, and dieline panels before production starts.
Stage 4: Test high-risk details first
When a project includes uncertain acrylic colors, fine engraving, layered structures, UV print gradients, or nonstandard rack fit, a targeted process test can prevent a complete sample from being built on the wrong assumption.
Document exactly what the test proves. An approved engraving-depth sample does not automatically approve final color, full artwork, or bulk consistency.
Stage 5: Inspect the physical prototype
Inspect the sample against the approved files and specification, not against memory. Count every tile, verify the map, check dimensions, compare representative tiles for consistency, and confirm the fit of racks, pushers, bags, cases, boxes, and inserts.
Review engraving position, fill coverage, print registration, scratches, smudging, residue, and packing completeness. Photograph the findings so the review can be traced later.
Stage 6: Submit actionable revisions
Organize feedback by component and assign change IDs. Each revision should state the current condition, required change, reference file or photo, and approval status.
Then decide whether the change needs a corrected digital proof, a new process tile, a revised packaging prototype, a second full sample, or written confirmation only. The decision should follow risk rather than convenience.
| Change ID | Component | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| C-01 | Tile face | Current issue, required correction, reference image or file, and status. |
| C-02 | Tile back | Color, orientation, or finish correction with evidence. |
| C-03 | Accessory | Rack, pusher, bag, or case fit issue plus required fix. |
| C-04 | Packaging | Dieline, print, insert, barcode, or protection update. |
Stage 7: Approve the master sample and bulk specification
Final approval should identify exactly what controls bulk production: approved sample photos, sample identifier, component list, artwork versions, material and finish specification, accessory list, packaging files, carton plan, and inspection criteria.
If the final order changes after sample approval, the supplier should explain the effect on price, MOQ, timing, packaging, and whether another sample is required before production starts.
Lucky Mahjong can review your artwork status, sample scope, packaging path, and approval checklist before bulk production starts.
Request a SampleWhat sample approval does not mean
Sample approval does not guarantee every bulk unit will be perfect. It creates a reference standard. Production still needs in-line checks, final inspection, correct packing, and documented handling of defects.
It also does not automatically approve omitted components, placeholder packaging, a different material batch, changed artwork, or a revised production method. Those boundaries should be written into the approval record.
Sample process FAQ
Do I need a complete custom sample before bulk production?
A complete sample is strongly useful for complex custom sets because it reveals tile count, accessory fit, packaging, and unboxing issues. Simpler projects may use a reference sample plus focused process or packaging proofs.
How much does a custom Mahjong sample cost?
Sample cost depends on material, artwork, process, component count, accessories, packaging, revision scope, and shipping. Confirm exactly what the sample fee includes before payment.
How long does sample production take?
Timing depends on artwork readiness, material availability, custom colors, process tests, accessories, packaging, revisions, and the supplier's production schedule.
Can I approve colors from a screen?
Digital proofs can approve color assignment and general direction, but important physical colors should use agreed references and physical samples when exact matching matters.
What happens if I change the design after sample approval?
The supplier should confirm the effect on files, sample need, MOQ, cost, packaging, QC, and production timing, then issue a new approved version before bulk production starts.
For adjacent planning, pair this guide with the custom Mahjong artwork file requirements, the sample ordering checklist, and the private label packaging checklist.