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.)
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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.
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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.
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Back side digital sample (Right):
A single large sheet is printed to confirm color. (Face side cannot be combined on the same sheet.)

- 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)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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