Quality Control › Sample Approval & Golden Sample

Golden Sample Approval:
The Pre-Production Sample That Fixes Every Bag Spec

Stage 2 of six. The pre-production (PP) sample is built in 5–7 working days with the bulk fabric, hardware, logo and packaging, revised once free of charge, then signed by the buyer and our project manager. That signed bag becomes the golden sample: dimensions to ±1 cm, logo position to ±3 mm, colour against the lab dip, hardware by part number and stitch density at 8–10 spi. It is sealed, tagged and stored for the life of the program, and every inline and final inspection measures against it.
PP sample 5–7 days·1 free revision·Dimensions ±1 cm·Logo ±3 mm·Stored for program life
By brief
Test requirements agreed before production
5–7 days
PP sample lead time
8–10 spi
Stitch density fixed
12
Measured points per bag
What the golden sample fixes

Golden Sample for Bags: 6 Specs Locked Before Bulk Production

A golden sample is only useful if it fixes numbers, not impressions. These six specs are recorded on the sign-off form, so a later dispute is settled with a tape measure. How the sample is built is described under sample development.

Dimensions and Capacity

Length, height, depth, strap length and drop, handle length, pocket openings and base width are measured at 12 fixed points and written in cm on the form. Bulk tolerance is ±1 cm on the main body and ±0.5 cm on pocket openings; capacity in litres is derived from the body (a 50 × 28 × 25 cm duffel is about 35 L).
12 points · ±1 cm bulk

Logo Size and Position

Each logo is recorded by method, size in cm and distance from two fixed reference edges (for example 6 cm wide, 4 cm from the top seam, centred on the front panel). Bulk tolerance is ±3 mm, checked with a jig at inline inspection. Method options are on logo & branding.
Reference edges · ±3 mm

Colour and Fabric

The lab dip, a 10 × 10 cm swatch of every fabric and the supplier lot are stapled to the form. Fabric is named by construction and weight (for example 900D polyester, 320 gsm, PU coated), so a substitute cannot pass on colour alone. See materials & colours.
Lab dip + swatch card

Hardware and Trims

Zipper type and size (#5 coil, #8 moulded), slider and puller style, buckle width in mm, webbing width and colour, rings and feet are listed by part number on a hardware card sewn into the sample bag. Bulk hardware must match the card, not the picture. Options on trims & hardware.
Part numbers · Hardware card

Stitch Density and Construction

Stitches per inch on topstitch, join seams and bar-tacks (default 8–10 spi; bar-tacks 28–42 stitches), seam allowance 8–10 mm, binding width, and which seams are double-needle. These are the figures the hourly inline patrol counts.
8–10 spi · Seam 8–10 mm

Packaging and Labels

Polybag size and type, hangtag position, care and brand label position in cm, FNSKU or barcode placement and the carton spec (units per carton, weight under 22.7 kg, longest side under 63.5 cm for FBA). Packed exactly as the buyer will receive it; see packaging & FBA prep.
Packed as shipped · Carton spec
Existing showroom samples are free, with courier paid by the buyer. Custom prototypes take 5–7 working days after the specification is confirmed. We quote the prototype fee, courier charge and any sample-fee credit before work starts. sample policy.
Sign-off form

Pre-Production Sample Sign-Off Form for Bags: Fields, Method and Tolerance

The form is two pages and travels with the sample. Every field has a measured value, a method and a bulk tolerance, so the same form is used again at final inspection.
Field
Body length, height, depth
How it is measured
Tape on a flat, empty bag, seam to seam
Recorded as
cm, 3 values
Bulk tolerance
±1 cm
Checked again at
Cutting check, final measurement
Field
Strap length, drop, width
How it is measured
Tape from anchor to anchor; width across webbing
Recorded as
cm and mm
Bulk tolerance
±1 cm length; ±1 mm width
Checked again at
Inline patrol, final measurement
Field
Pocket openings, zipper lengths
How it is measured
Tape along the zipper tape
Recorded as
cm
Bulk tolerance
±0.5 cm
Checked again at
First-off, final measurement
Field
Capacity
How it is measured
Derived from body dimensions; water-fill on dry bags
Recorded as
Litres
Bulk tolerance
±5%
Checked again at
Golden sample only
Field
Logo size and position
How it is measured
Ruler from two reference edges; jig made from the sample
Recorded as
cm from edges, method, thread or ink code
Bulk tolerance
±3 mm
Checked again at
Logo panel check, inline patrol, final
Field
Colour
How it is measured
Light box under D65 and store light against the lab dip
Recorded as
Pantone reference, lab dip number, supplier lot
Bulk tolerance
Match to lab dip
Checked again at
Incoming inspection, final appearance
Field
Fabric and lining
How it is measured
GSM disc and loupe count
Recorded as
Construction, gsm, coating
Bulk tolerance
GSM ±5%
Checked again at
Incoming inspection
Field
Hardware
How it is measured
Part number, size gauge, cycle and load test
Recorded as
Part list on the hardware card
Bulk tolerance
Exact match
Checked again at
Incoming inspection, final function
Field
Stitch density
How it is measured
Count over 1 inch at 3 seams
Recorded as
spi per seam type
Bulk tolerance
8–10 spi (or as tech pack)
Checked again at
First-off, inline patrol
Field
Bar-tacks and stress points
How it is measured
Count and locate on a diagram
Recorded as
Number and position
Bulk tolerance
All present, 28–42 stitches
Checked again at
Inline patrol, strap pull at final
Field
Weight
How it is measured
Scale, empty bag without polybag
Recorded as
g
Bulk tolerance
±5%
Checked again at
Final measurement, carton weight
Field
Packaging
How it is measured
Packed sample photographed
Recorded as
Polybag, tags, labels, carton spec
Bulk tolerance
As form
Checked again at
Packing inspection
Form fields
12
Signatures
Buyer + project manager
Copies
Factory sample + buyer counter-sample
Valid for
Life of the program
Bring your own tolerances in a tech pack and we write them into the form; the tech pack guide has a template.
Approval process

PP Sample Approval Process for Bags: From Proto to Sealed Golden Sample

Seven steps from the first sample to the sealed reference. Total time is usually 9–12 working days including courier; the bulk 30% deposit is normally paid at step 6, so bulk fabric is ordered against a signed sample, never against a photo.
Day 0

Sample brief agreed

Bag type, dimensions in cm, fabric, logo file, hardware and packaging are confirmed from the RFQ checklist or your tech pack. Missing fields are filled by our 10+ designers within 1 day.
Day 1–7

PP sample built in bulk materials

Sewn on a production machine with the fabric lot, zippers and webbing that bulk will use, logo applied by the chosen method, packed in the proposed polybag. Photos on six sides sent on day 5–7. See sample development.
Day 7–9

Courier and buyer review

Existing showroom samples are free, with courier paid by the buyer. Custom prototypes take 5–7 working days after the specification is confirmed. We quote the prototype fee, courier charge and any sample-fee credit before work starts.
Day 9–10

One free revision

Changes to dimensions, pocket layout, logo size or hardware are made on a second sample or, for small changes, documented as a red-line on the form with photos. A second physical sample adds 5–7 days; most programs approve on red-lines.
Day 10

Sign-off form completed

All 12 fields measured and written by our QC lead, checked by the buyer, signed by both. Lab dip, swatches and the hardware card are stapled to the form.
Day 10–12

Sealed and stored

The sample is tagged with the project code, style number, colourway and date, sealed in a clear bag and shelved in the sample room. A counter-sample stays with the buyer so both sides measure the same bag.
Bulk

Referenced at every later stage

The first-off bag from each line is compared with it field by field, the hourly patrol measures logo and spi against it, and final inspection measures 12 points against its form.
PP sample
5–7 days
Revision
1 free
Sign-off
Day 10–12
Deposit after sign-off
Terms confirmed in your quote

PP Sample in 5–7 Days, Built in Bulk Materials

Existing showroom samples are free, with courier paid by the buyer. Custom prototypes take 5–7 working days after the specification is confirmed. We quote the prototype fee, courier charge and any sample-fee credit before work starts.
Storage and use

Golden Sample Storage and Use in Inline and Final Inspection

A reference that is lost or worn is no reference. Four rules keep the golden sample usable across a program that may run 5–10 reorders over 2–3 years.

Sealed and Shelved

Kept in a clear sealed bag on a labelled shelf in the sample room, away from daylight so colour does not shift. Handled only by QC leads and only on the inspection table; never sent to the line.
Sample room · Project code shelf

Tagged With the Form

Project code, style number, colourway, approval date and signatures on the tag; the two-page form, lab dip and hardware card in the same bag. A second copy of the form is filed digitally with the project documents.
Tag + form + swatches

Reference for Inline Inspection

The first-off bag from every line is laid beside it and checked across all 12 fields before the line is released; the hourly patrol carries the form and the logo jig cut from the sample. See inline inspection.
First-off + hourly patrol

Reference for Final and Third-Party

Final inspection measures 12 points against the form; a buyer-commissioned SGS, BV, TUV or QIMA inspector is handed the golden sample and the form on arrival so both inspections use the same reference.
Same reference for all checks
A new colourway, a fabric change or a dimension change needs a new golden sample for that variant. Repeat orders with no change reuse the stored sample and run 20–30 days.
Common problems

Golden Sample Problems and How Sample Approval Prevents Them

Six ways a sample process fails to protect the bulk order, and the rule that closes each gap.
Sample approved from photos, bulk feels different
Cause: fabric hand and hardware weight cannot be judged on a screen. 
Control: the physical sample is couriered ($30–60) and signed only after the buyer has measured and handled it; photos are for the revision round, not sign-off.
Sample sewn in stock fabric, bulk in ordered fabric
Cause: sample room used what was on the shelf. 
Control: the PP sample is built in the same supplier lot that sourcing will buy for bulk, and the lot number is written on the form.
Two people remember different strap lengths
Cause: approval by email thread.
Control: 12 measured fields on one signed form with a counter-sample at the buyer; a disagreement is settled with a tape, not a search through emails.
Logo moves 1 cm between sample and bulk
Cause: position described as roughly centred.
Control: logo recorded in cm from two reference edges, a jig is cut from the sample, and inline patrol checks to ±3 mm.
Golden sample faded or worn by the second reorder
Cause: kept on the line as a show piece.
Control: sealed, shelved out of daylight and handled only on the inspection table; a photo set and the form stand in for day-to-day reference.
Colourway added in bulk without a sample
Cause: schedule pressure.
Control: every new colourway gets a lab dip and its own golden sample, usually in 5–7 days in parallel with the first colourway; see materials & colours.
Factory

Bag Sample Room in Guangzhou: 10+ Designers, 100+ New Models a Month

PP samples are built inside our own Huadu District factory on production machines, so the sample and the bulk run share fabric lots, needles, thread and operators. 10+ in-house designers, 100+ new models a month, 5,000 m² floor; factory tours Mon–Sat.

2010

Founded

5,000 m²

Factory floor

500+

Staff

10+

Production lines

50,000+

Bags per month

200+

Fabric suppliers

Get a Bag Quote and Start a PP Sample This Week

Send bag type, quantity from 300 pcs and a photo or tech pack. A quote comes back within 24 hours; the PP sample follows in 5–7 working days with the sign-off form attached.
Related QC stages

Bag Quality Control Stages Around the Golden Sample: Material to Shipment

Sample approval is stage 2 of six. The stages below use the golden sample as their reference; each has its own checklist, sample size and tolerance.

Incoming Material Inspection

Stage 1. Every fabric roll checked for GSM (±5%), colour against the approved lab dip, shade lot, denier and coating; zippers cycled 1,000+ times, buckles load-tested, webbing and lining sampled per roll before a single panel is cut.
View details →
Before cutting · 100% of rolls
Material guide · Material sourcing

Inline Production Inspection

Stage 3. Cutting checks, first-off approval on every line, then an hourly patrol of stitch density, seams, bar-tacks and logo panels against the golden sample. Defects are reworked before the bag reaches the next station.
View details →
Hourly patrol · 10+ lines
Production process · Logo & branding

Final Inspection & AQL

Stage 4. 100% check of every finished bag by our own team, then an AQL 2.5 major / 4.0 minor sample under ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 level II (lot 501–1,200 pcs = 80 bags) for measurement, function and appearance before release to packing.
View details →
Agreed inspection criteria
Third-party inspection · Compliance documents

Packing Inspection

Stage 5. Polybag, hangtag, labels, carton count and carton weight against the packing list (±0.5 kg), carton drop test, FNSKU scan, seal and strap check, then loading photos before the container door closes.
View details →
Follow the current destination-specific packing brief
Packing & export · Packaging & FBA prep

Third-Party Inspection Support

Stage 6. SGS, BV, TUV or QIMA inspections and factory audits welcome on any order, commissioned and paid by the buyer. Inspector access Mon–Sat, samples pulled, documents and a room provided; typical booking lead time 3–5 days.
View details →
Buyer-commissioned · Mon–Sat access
Compliance documents · Book a factory tour

Bag Quality Control Overview

The hub page: all 6 inspection stages on one table with sample sizes, tolerances and sign-off owners, plus a defect list sorted by AQL class. 100% pre-shipment inspection on every order.
View details →
6 stages · 1 factory
Production process · FAQ

Factory Capabilities Hub

Our Guangzhou team coordinates design, cutting, sewing, printing and packing. Specialist logo or sealed-compartment requirements are reviewed during sampling, with the process and inspection criteria confirmed for your bag.
View details →
Founded 2010 · 50,000+ bags/month
Manufacturing capabilities · Project communication
Bag types

Golden Sample Approval for Gym, Yoga, Running, Swim and Travel Bags by Category

Every category gets the same 12-field form; the fields that matter most change with the bag.

Gym & Training Bags

Duffels 30–55 L: body dimensions, strap drop, shoe compartment opening.
View details →
Gym duffels · Gym backpacks

Yoga & Studio Bags

Mat bags for 61–66 cm mats: mat sleeve length, strap length, print position.
View details →
Mat bags · Pilates totes

Running & Outdoor Bags

Waist packs 1–3 L: belt length range, buckle width, reflective print position.
View details →
Running belts · Hydration packs

Outdoor & Travel Bags

Weekenders 35–50 L and dry bags: roll-top length, weld seam width, capacity by water fill.
View details →
Weekenders · Dry bags

Swim & Wet Gear Bags

Mesh and TPU bags: mesh panel size, weld line width 8–10 mm, drain position.
View details →
Mesh swim bags · Wet bags

Team & Equipment Bags

Team duffels 60–90 L: end pocket size, 50 mm webbing route, large logo position.
View details →
Team duffels · Ball bags

Work-Gym Lifestyle Bags

Commuter backpacks: 13–16 in laptop sleeve, back panel padding thickness.
View details →
Work-gym backpacks · Crossbody

Accessories & Sets

Pouches and sets: each piece on its own form; 3-piece colour match across the set.
View details →
Gym bag sets · Dust bags
Buyer fit

Golden Sample Approval for Activewear Brands, Private Label, Startups and Creators

Who relies on the golden sample most, and what each buyer type typically adds to the sign-off.

Activewear & Fitness Brands

Tech-pack tolerances written into the form, often ±0.5 cm on key dimensions; lab dip approved before the PP sample.
View details →

Private Label Programs

One golden sample per SKU per season across 5–20 SKUs; stored 2–3 years so reorders run 20–30 days.
View details →

Startup & DTC Brands

ODM base model modified in colour, logo and packaging; one PP sample, one revision, sign-off in 9–12 days.
View details →

Influencers & Creator Brands

Launch drops of 300–1,000 pcs approved on one sample plus a matching pouch set on the same form.
View details →
FAQ

Golden Sample and PP Sample Approval for Bags: Frequently Asked Questions

A proto sample proves the design and may use stock materials; the PP (pre-production) sample is built in bulk fabric, hardware and packaging in 5–7 days; the golden sample is the PP sample after both sides have signed the 12-field form. Only the golden sample is used as a reference in production. See sample development.
5–7 working days to build, 2–4 days by courier, then your review and one free revision. Most programs sign off in 9–12 working days from the brief; a second physical sample adds 5–7 days. Costs are in sample cost and lead time.
Defaults are ±1 cm on body dimensions, ±0.5 cm on pocket openings, ±3 mm on logo position, GSM ±5%, 8–10 spi and ±5% on weight. Tighter figures from your tech pack replace the defaults; the tech pack guide shows the format.
Yes. A counter-sample with the same tag and a copy of the signed form stays with you. Both sides then measure the same bag if a question comes up during final inspection or a third-party inspection.
For the life of the program, in practice 2–3 years or as long as reorders continue. Custom samples take 5–7 working days after the specification is confirmed. Bulk production and repeat-order schedules are confirmed in your quotation, based on the construction, materials, quantity and production availability. A fabric, dimension or colourway change triggers a new sample for that variant.
We advise against it. Photos are used for the revision round, but fabric hand, hardware weight and strap comfort are only judged on the physical bag. The courier is $30–60; the sample fee of $30–150 is refunded on the production order. Read the sample policy.
The lot is held at the stage that found the difference: cutting, inline or final. Measurements outside tolerance are classed as major defects, reworked or remade, and re-inspected against the same form. Full defect classes are on the quality control hub.
Lock the spec before bulk

Get a Bag Quote and a PP Sample With the Sign-Off Form

Send bag type, quantity from 300 pcs and a photo or tech pack. The quote comes back within 24 hours; a PP sample in bulk materials follows in 5–7 working days with the 12-field form attached.
Email
info@venlinker.com
Tel / WhatsApp
+86 133 6639 6425
MOQ
300 pieces
Sample
5–7 working days
Sample Approval & Golden Sample-venlinker
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