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Short answer: we charge for samples. The sample and courier cost is quoted upfront, and samples usually reach you in 7 to 14 days. A fee is not a sign of a difficult supplier. It is often a sign of one who will make the sample properly.
Why a sample costs money
A sample from stock costs the supplier a piece and a courier bill. A sample made to your spec is a different thing: a short run on a loom, your size, your weight, your hem, sometimes your colour and logo. International courier for a parcel of towels is often more than the towels.
What the two approaches tell you
| Stock piece at no charge | Paid, made-to-spec sample | |
|---|---|---|
| What you receive | Something similar to what you asked for | What you asked for |
| What it proves | The supplier has towels | The supplier can make yours |
| Use as a bulk reference | Weak | Strong |
| Who filters whom | Supplier sends to anyone | Both sides show intent |
A no-charge stock piece is fine for judging general quality. It cannot be the reference your bulk order is held to, because it is not your spec.
What a fair sample quote looks like
- The sample cost and the courier cost are shown separately.
- The spec being sampled is written out.
- A delivery estimate is given.
- Any terms about the fee and a later bulk order are written on the quote, not promised in conversation.
Samples we can send quickly
We hold some samples ready: bath towels at 500, 600 and 650 GSM, bathrobes in waffle, velour and terry, and bed linen at 200 and 300 thread count. Anything else is made to your spec. See samples ready to send.
Get your money's worth
- Ask for two pieces. Sign one and keep it as the reference.
- Weigh and measure it the day it arrives.
- Wash it three times before you decide. See the desk test.
- Write down what you would change, in numbers, and send it back as a revised spec.
How this fits a first order
Towels, bath mats and pool towels
Per SKU: one size, GSM and colour.
500 pcs
Trial run
Trial run, priced at a small premium
2,000 pcs / SKU
Wholesale
Wholesale pricing starts here
Smaller towel orders can join a run we already have in production, in that run's size, GSM and colour. Private label: 2,000 pcs / SKU.
Bed linen and white bathrobes
Standard or custom sizes.
- Sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases at 200, 300 and 400 TC
- 250 TC, subject to availability
- White bathrobes. Colours on enquiry
Private label is possible at 50 pieces per size if you supply your own labels.
Sample, then a trial run from 500 pieces, then a wholesale order from 2,000 pieces per SKU. Each step costs more than the last and tells you more. A sample fee is the cheapest information you will buy.
More on our process is on the towel samples page. To get a sample quote, tell us the spec.
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Written by
Dr Abin Babu
Founder & Chairman, Anabyn Global Ventures
Anabyn exports hotel and home linen from Kerala, India. These guides come from the questions buyers ask our desk. About the team
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