Sample-to-production gap
Sample-to-production gap: The difference between a hand-built sample and production line output.
- 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 costThe one-off cost of the injection mould, die or print plate.
- colorway toleranceThe 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.