In pictures
In this article
Short answer: we keep a set of samples ready, so you don't wait for a loom. They are paid, with the sample and courier cost quoted upfront, and usually reach you in 7 to 14 days. Anything outside this list is made to your spec.
What is ready
| Family | Ready samples |
|---|---|
| Bath towels | 500 GSM, 600 GSM and 650 GSM |
| Bathrobes | Waffle, velour and terry |
| Bed linen | 200 thread count and 300 thread count |
What each one is for
| If you are choosing | Order these | What you learn |
|---|---|---|
| A hotel bath towel weight | 500, 600 and 650 GSM together | How weight feels, absorbs and dries, side by side |
| A robe fabric | Waffle, terry and velour | Warmth, weight and drape |
| A sheet for a hotel or rental | 200 and 300 thread count | Crispness, smoothness, how each irons |
Ordering a set is more useful than ordering one piece. The comparison is what teaches you.
Ready sample or made-to-spec sample
| Ready sample | Made to your spec | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Sent straight away | Needs a short production run first |
| Shows | Our standard quality in that product | Your exact size, weight, colour and label |
| Good for | Choosing weight and fabric, judging quality | Approving a custom order before bulk |
| Use as the bulk reference | Yes, if you order that standard spec | Yes |
Many buyers start with ready samples to choose a direction, then order one made-to-spec sample before a custom run.
A five-day test plan
| Day | Test |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unpack, photograph, weigh and measure each piece |
| 1 | Drop test for absorbency. See the drop test |
| 1 to 4 | Wash and tumble dry five times |
| 5 | Weigh and measure again. Compare feel with day one |
| 5 | Check hems, loops and seams. Check lint in the dryer filter |
Write the numbers down. Our desk test for towel samples has the full method and a log.
What to decide from the samples
- The weight or thread count you want
- Whether the size suits your rails, beds or guests
- What you would change: longer, heavier, a different hem
- Whether to go ahead with running sizes, a trial run or a custom order
After the samples
| Your need | Next step |
|---|---|
| Small quantity in a standard spec | Running sizes have no minimum. See ordering fewer than 500 towels |
| Robes or bed linen | From 50 pieces per size |
| Your own towel spec | Trial run from 500 pieces |
| Volume | Wholesale pricing from 2,000 pieces per SKU |
Why samples are paid
A parcel of towels sent abroad by courier costs real money, and a fee means both sides are serious. The cost is quoted before you pay. See what a sample fee tells you about a supplier.
How to ask
Tell us which samples you want and your delivery address with a phone number for the courier. We reply with the cost. If you already know your spec, send it and we'll say whether a ready sample is close enough or a made-to-spec sample is the better choice.
More on our towel samples page. To order a set, send us your list.
Share this article
Want pricing on what you just read?
Leave your work email — our export desk replies with specs, MOQ and a quote within 1 business day.
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
Ready to Order?
Send us your specification. We reply within one business day and send a priced quote within 48 hours.
Request an Export QuoteWhere to go next