Can I approve components before a complete sample?
Yes. You can approve selected properties of materials and components before ordering a complete sample. Record each choice as provisional, identify what remains unchecked, and specify the combination to assemble. Separate approvals cannot establish how the finished product performs. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate these checks with its staff in China.
Define what separate approval means
Use separate samples to narrow choices before paying for assembly: fabric swatches for feel, finish panels for appearance, or fittings for operation. Approve only the properties you actually checked. A loose zip may run smoothly but behave differently when sewn into a bag.
Tell the factory whether you are requesting loose samples, selecting parts for an assembled sample, or authorising purchasing. Keep these decisions explicit. Our guide to sample approval and production authority covers the commercial boundary.
Build a sample-component matrix
Give each candidate a sample reference and record its supplier, material or part specification, revision, photographs and physical storage location. Add the property checked, result, decision-maker, decision date and outstanding checks. Use statuses such as awaiting review, provisionally selected, rejected and superseded.
The matrix below illustrates approval scope. Replace the examples with your product's actual parts and acceptance criteria. Link each row to the written product specification, so a photograph does not become the entire instruction.
| Sample or component | Can check separately | Provisional decision | Still check assembled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric swatch | Colour, texture and handle | Selected for sample assembly | Drape, seam behaviour and colour beside trims |
| Zip and slider | Loose operation and appearance | Selected subject to sewn trial | Opening force, alignment and snagging |
| Coated panel | Surface appearance and feel | Selected subject to joining trial | Adhesion near joints and damage during assembly |
| Electronic module and enclosure | Part identity, dimensions and connector position | Selected subject to installed trial | Clearance, cable routing, heat and operation |
Record provisional choices with limits
Write a bounded decision: “Selected for the assembled sample for colour and surface feel only. Fit, durability and interaction with adjacent materials remain open. This selection does not authorise bulk purchasing or production.” Attach the sample reference and record any conditions rather than sending an unexplained “approved”.
Issue an assembly brief naming the selected combination and its revisions. Ask the factory to confirm availability and flag any sample-only material or temporary part before assembly. Record who can approve changes; use our material substitution guide if a selected item becomes unavailable.
Check the combined effects
Test the assembled product under its intended use. Look for tolerance build-up, rubbing, distortion, changes in colour beside other finishes, adhesive effects, seam weakness and cleaning damage. For electrical products, consider heat inside the enclosure, cable strain and operation with the selected power supply. Agree suitable checks with the factory or test specialist.
UK manufacturers and importers placing products on the UK market need to demonstrate compliance with relevant safety requirements. Treat component reports as inputs: ask a test specialist whether they cover the selected construction and what finished-product evidence remains necessary. Record unresolved questions before approving the assembled sample.
Close the matrix after assembly
Ask the factory to identify the parts actually used in the complete sample and reconcile them against the matrix. Photograph interfaces and record assembly results against each open check. If a combination fails, identify the affected rows and repeat the relevant checks after correction; avoid reopening unrelated choices without a reason.
Once the assembled sample is accepted, update the specification and archive superseded selections. Keep component references alongside the finished reference sample. Our guide to making bulk production match the sample covers the next stage, including bulk-material samples and production checks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I approve fabric before a finished sample?
Yes, for named properties such as colour and feel. Record the exact swatch and leave seam behaviour, drape and interaction with trims open until the assembled sample is checked.
What should a sample-component matrix include?
Include sample identity, supplier, specification, revision, checks performed, results, approval scope, decision-maker, date and outstanding assembly checks.
Do approved components mean the product is approved?
No. Separate checks leave combined effects unresolved. Check the chosen parts together in the intended construction before accepting the complete sample.
Can the factory buy materials after provisional approval?
State whether purchasing is authorised. If you permit an early purchase, record the material, quantity, cost commitment and who bears the loss if the assembled sample fails.