Sample & Proof Guide

To help you verify printing and production quality, we offer 5 different sample and proofing options.
You may choose the most suitable method based on your budget, timeline, and practical testing needs.

1. In-stock Samples 2. Artwork E-Proof

In-stock Samples

  • Suitable for: Verifying card material, tactile feel, and physical card quality.
  • Sample method: Existing in-stock finished cards are provided as reference samples.
  • Material & color: Actual production materials, but without customized designs.
  • Preparation time: Approximately 1–2 business days.
  • Cost: Samples are provided free of charge; only shipping costs are required. (Sample fee applies for requests exceeding 3 decks.)

Artwork E-Proof

  • Suitable for: Confirming text, layout, and artwork without physical samples.
  • Sample method: Digital proof file prepared by professional designers will be provided for review.
  • Material & color: Digital proofing only; no physical materials or actual print color reference included.
  • Preparation time: Approximately 3–5 business days.
  • Cost: Provided free of charge after the official order is placed.

Uncut Digital Sample

  • Suitable for: Verifying the actual material and size using customized artwork before mass production.
  • Sample method: Printed on the actual material using a digital press. (Provided in large uncut sheet format.)
  • Material & color:
    • Actual production material without coating, varnishing or special finishing.
    • Due to differences between digital and offset presses, a color variation of approximately 5–10% may occur.
  • Preparation time: Approximately 3–5 business days after artwork approval.
  • Cost:
    • With signed PI and 30% deposit paid: One digital sample will be provided free of charge (Shipping costs are required). If the order is later canceled, the digital sample fee will be charged.
    • Without a signed PI: Digital sample and shipping fees will be charged. If a formal order is placed later, the digital sample fee can be deducted from the mass production payment.
    • Actual costs may vary depending on the number of cards and product size. Please contact our sales team for a detailed quotation.
  • Tuck box digital sample (Left): A single large sheet is printed to verify the packaging design.
  • Back side digital sample (Right): A single large sheet is printed to confirm color. (Face side cannot be combined on the same sheet.)
    Back side digital sample
  • Face side digital sample: 3 large sheets are printed to verify the face side design. (18-up per sheet; total 54-up across 3 sheets)

Face side digital sample

4. Pre-production Sample

Pre-production Sample

  • Suitable for: Projects requiring precise color accuracy, or needing fully assembled packaging samples for presentations or retail/channel testing.
  • Sample method: Produced to mass production specifications using an offset press. (Plates required)
    • Cards: Includes printing, varnishing, and die-cutting to provide complete deck. (Up to 3 decks)
    • Tuck Box: Fully assembled box. Cards can be inserted to present the final product appearance.
  • Material & color: Produced using the same press and materials as the mass production to ensure the closest color match to the final product.
  • Preparation time: Approximately 10–14 business days after artwork confirmation and full payment.
  • Cost:
    • As this involves full plate-making and press production, costs are relatively high. Clients are required to pay the full sampling fee, plate-making fee, and shipping costs.
    • Actual costs may vary depending on quantity, size, and finishing requirements. Please contact our sales team for a detailed quotation.
    • If order proceeds with no design changes, the plate-making fee will not be charged again during mass production.

Mass Production Sample

  • Suitable for: Final product verification, quality inspection, or pre-shipment sampling before mass production shipment.
  • Sample method: Samples are randomly selected directly from the completed mass production.
  • Material & color: Matches Mass Production
  • Preparation time: Depends on the mass production schedule.
  • Cost:
    • Sample quantity and fees must be agreed upon during the PI confirmation stage. (Either pulling samples from mass production or producing additional samples)
    • Shipping costs are required.

Sample & Proofing Options Overview (Quick Comparison)

Method Material Press Color Preparation Time Sample and Shipping Costs
In-stock Samples Existing Stock Material Existing Finished Product Reference only 1-2 days Free sample. Shipping costs are required.
Sample fee applies for requests exceeding 3 decks.
Artwork E-Proof N/A Digital File Screen review only 3-5 days Free of charge with confirmed order.
Uncut Digital Sample Actual Material Digital Press 5–10% color variation 3-5 days One free sample is provided with signed PI and deposit paid.
Pre-payment without a signed PI.
Shipping costs are required.
Pre-production Sample Actual Material Offset Press
(Plate Required)
Closest color match to the final product 10-14 days Pre-payment of sampling fee and plate-making fee.
Shipping costs are required.
Mass Production Sample Actual Material Offset Press Matches Mass Production Depends on mass production schedule As agreed in the PI. Shipping costs are required.

Digital Sample vs Mass Production Sample Color Comparison

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