# Sample-to-production gap - what it means in sourcing | Cheery Su

> The difference between a hand-built sample and production line output. The most common source of disputes - ask for a production-line sample.

Source: https://luressource.com/glossary/sample-to-production-gap/

Sample-to-production gap Direct answer Sample-to-production gap: The difference between a hand-built sample and production line output. The most common source of disputes - ask for a production-line sample. Key facts Usually because the sample was hand-built by an engineer, while the batch is assembled on a line by different hands with different fixtures. Whenever a defect would cost more than the sample. The difference between a hand-built sample and production line output. What it changes for you The most common source of disputes - ask for a production-line sample. In practice The sample-to-production gap is the difference between a hand-built sample and the output of the production line. Hand-built samples hide assembly problems, so the useful sample is one taken from the line that will run your order. Where an order is large enough to justify it, a production-line sample is the only sample that predicts the batch. Questions about Sample-to-production Why does the production batch differ from the sample? Usually because the sample was hand-built by an engineer, while the batch is assembled on a line by different hands with different fixtures. The gap is a process difference, not bad faith - which is why you ask for a production-line sample. When is a production-line sample worth the cost? Whenever a defect would cost more than the sample. On a first order or a new tooling programme it almost always is; on a repeat order of a proven specification it may not be. Other terms FOB (Free On Board) - Seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port; cost and risk transfer there. EXW (Ex Works) - Buyer collects at the factory gate. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) - The smallest quantity a factory will run for one specification. Tooling cost - The one-off cost of the injection mould, die or print plate. Colourway tolerance - The measured range a factory will hold between sample and repeat production. AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) - The sampling standard (ISO 2859-1) defining allowed defects per inspected lot. Send a specification All 14 terms Sources Sampling and inspection points are described at /how-it-works/ Where to next Product catalogue Sample listings with price per unit Verified directory Factories that passed 4 verification gates How sourcing works Six steps, timing, failure modes Price benchmark Reference bands and MOQ tiers