Most multi-category disputes trace back to an unclear sample. Someone approved "the black one" over email, production ran, and nobody can prove what was agreed. A shared approval workflow — with category-specific acceptance criteria — removes the argument.
Four gates that apply to every category
- Proto sample — proves the concept. Not for approval of colour or finish.
- Pre-production sample (PPS) — made with production materials on production tooling. This is the one you sign.
- Golden sample — the sealed reference kept in three copies: factory, inspector, buyer.
- First-article / shipment sample — pulled from the actual run and compared against the golden sample.
What "approved" must mean per category
| Category | Non-negotiable on the PPS |
|---|---|
| Metal | Dimensions to drawing, weld appearance, coating thickness, material cert |
| Plastics | Colour to a physical chip, gate/knit-line position, wall thickness, resin grade |
| Electronics | Firmware version, BOM revision, connector part numbers, safety-critical components |
| Textiles | Fabric weight, shade band, shrinkage and colourfastness results, trim details |
| Food / ingredients | Spec sheet values, allergen statement, packaging and shelf-life protocol |
Make the sign-off auditable
- One approval form per SKU with photos, measured values and a dated signature
- Colour approved against a physical standard, never a screen
- Any change after sign-off requires a new PPS — no verbal deviations
- Sealed golden samples photographed and logged before dispatch
Pair this with the multi-category audit approach and your inspection has an objective baseline instead of an opinion.
Cost and time to plan for
Budget two PPS rounds per SKU for a new supplier and one for a repeat programme. Sample charges are normal; insist they are itemised and, where reasonable, credited against the first production order. Courier costs across five categories add up — consolidate sample shipments weekly rather than per SKU.
Where TUSKO fits
We collect samples from every factory in the basket, check them against your spec before they leave Thailand, and send you one consolidated approval pack per wave — with the golden samples sealed and held locally for the inspection team.
FAQ
Can I approve from photos? For structure and packaging, sometimes. For colour, finish and food, no.
Who keeps the golden sample? Three copies: you, the factory, and the inspector. Unsealed references are worthless in a dispute.
How long does a PPS take? Typically 10-20 days once tooling and materials exist; longer where lab testing gates the approval.